Jinishian JOTTINGS ...from poverty and despair to self-sufficiency and hope through relief, development and spiritual uplift.

pcusa.org/jinishian • 2017 Annual Gratitude Report • Jinishian Memorial Program 2017 ANNUAL GRATITUDE REPORT

From the vulnerable child to the Funding global mission most courageous survivor, God is lifting All gifts to JMP go directly to fund up the afflicted. Growing numbers relief, development and spiritual uplift of you are investing in the Jinishian projects in seven countries across Memorial Program (JMP), showing the Middle East and South Caucasus. those who struggle in and the Advised by Apostolic, Catholic and Middle East that they are not alone. Evangelical board members, JMP Because your support is so vital, we has served millions through 100 gratefully share these stories and percent local missions since 1966. reports from 2017 with you. Administrative costs averaged 16 percent. Audited financial statements are available on our website or by request.

Eliza Minasyan, executive director Jinishian Memorial Program

Priorities are based on needs generosity, program budgets in Syria, Medical and humanitarian aid Lebanon and Armenia could suffer cuts brought healing and hope to a more when they need us most. peaceful Syria (see page 6). We are developing Armenia’s economic future Gifts are growing by investing in young entrepreneurs Thanks to all who responded to (page 2). In Beirut, medical services this need, total annual U.S. donations expanded again, and proud homeowners increased 78 percent over the previous U.S. Contributions by Country: $1.04 million overcame the odds (page 4). Total direct year. The average gift doubled to $538 Armenia 47% beneficiaries in 2017 numbered over from diverse individuals, churches Lebanon 30% Syria 16% 70,000 souls. and organizations across 21 states. Jerusalem 4% Presbyterians, along with Apostolic, Istanbul 3% Donors make our work possible Catholic and Evangelical Christians, Gifts received in our office go are equally involved. International directly to fund programs with only partners include World Vision, the JMP U.S. Advisory Committee 5 percent toward cost recovery. This Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the and Governance Commission ministry began thanks to the vision European Union and many average Victoria Chopourian Gehrt, chair of Vartan Jinishian 50 years ago, citizens from Aleppo to Istanbul. Michael Haratunian but endowment dividends provided Mark Momjian only two-thirds of country program Lacey Gilliam operations in 2017. Without your Rev. Philip Woods

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In the face of a history marked by Christian roots, has tremendous become donors as well. by genocide, the Jinishian Memorial potential to grow. That’s why 90 percent Ultimately, renewal is God’s work Foundation (JMF) in Armenia is on a of Jinishian projects are designed to — from the rural pastor to the middle mission for the dignity of God’s people. promote long-term, sustainable change. school debate club and the budding local And in the wreckage of communist This success is made possible by industry. In 2017 JMF reached more collapse, JMF is generating creative, generous donors. International partners than 60,000 beneficiaries by identifying high-impact projects to boost economic fund 29 percent of the budget. Even needs across the country and uniting independence. Armenia, surrounded many locals who see the excellence diverse grassroots leaders to meet them. by Muslim nations but strengthened and integrity of the programs firsthand

Training a new generation of leaders Although he was born in the harsh JMF has developed a nationwide post-Soviet years when food, fuel and strategy to empower young leaders, other resources were scarce, Sargis equipping them to participate in a developed expertise in electronics healthy democracy and to improve and had a dream to train others. With the socioeconomic conditions of their Jinishian support, he and three friends country. enlisted other municipal stakeholders Through the Civic Dialogue and and designed a STEM program for Action for Change project, university dozens of disadvantaged youth, including students research and analyze issues programming, labs twice a week and around human rights, the environment individual projects. After a strong start and economic stability. Then, they Humanitarian Voluntary Project of the with JMF, they have plans to continue craft proposals and earn small grants Year. and have already recruited a new group to confront problems in their own Having already completed school of kids, including many from a local communities. One group of students and military service, Sargis participated orphanage. provided tutoring for chronically ill in another JMF program for visionary children in the hospital and won Best young adults: Youth in Action for Change.

Young entrepreneurs are taking off Today, JMF is coaching 22 young International Network and to fund Nearly three-quarters of Armenia’s entrepreneurs to help them face expansion of the project to help more population are under the age of 30 — challenges in their businesses while budding business owners realize their their talent and enthusiasm an untapped making low-interest funding available dreams. resource. With the scarcity of jobs for up to five years. This long-term and struggles of generational poverty, technical support while they strengthen especially outside the capital city, many their position in the marketplace is promising young adults emigrate to other unprecedented. The formula is paying countries seeking better opportunities. off: the new business accounts are JMF piloted the Youth Business the best performers in their funder’s Project for underserved youth in the portfolio. For those who were otherwise remote regions of Lori and . ineligible for any loan, the success is a Given proper technical support and access remarkable turning point, and the young to startup capital to launch and grow entrepreneurs are deeply grateful for the In the , Gegharkunik region of Armenia, a their own small businesses, otherwise opportunity to stand on their own feet. young family runs a fruitful greenhouse business, unmotivated youth are creating value for Presently, JMF is seeking to become thanks to a microloan and mentorship through JMP. their families and communities. a member of the Youth Business

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Civil Society and Economic Development Armenia Advisory Board Youth Engaged in Society (110 school Microlending support to farmers Father Barouyr Avetisyan debate clubs) Microlending support to small Rev. Albert Paytyan Civic Dialogue and Action for Change businesses Sister Arousiag Sajonyan (seven universities) Emergency Syrian refugee housing Youth in Action for Change projects assistance Mission Staff impact the environment, human Youth business development Armen Hakobyan, director rights, economic stability (, Engineering lab and IT education center Liana Sargsyan and Gavar) () Zaruhi Sahakyan Debate-Discuss-Change university Quick Start Project for youth Ashot Aslikyan debate clubs ( city, Vanadzor, employment (Gyumri) Ruben Krikyan Gyumri and Gavar) Zaruhi Janibekyan Health Outreach Gevorg Community Development Grants Rehabilitation clinic development Zaruhi Hambardzumyan Village beekeeping development (Odzun, (Stepanakert, Artsakh) Anahit Galikyan Geghakar and Aragva, Georgia) Autism and cerebral palsy day care Sirvard Chakhchakhyan Playground restoration (Hayordats Tun center (Artsakh) Anush Bagratunyan center, Yerevan) Affordable online medical services Hasmik Sevumyan Cultural center renovation (Aralez (, region) Emma Ghazaryan village) Thyroid health improvement, raising Harutyun Gharibjanyan Street-lighting (Jrashen village) awareness of current research Gurgen Petrosyan Vardenis Development Initiative grants (nationwide) Gayane Aghayan mobilize 24 rural communities: Children’s wellness, school nurse • Entertainment and self-education training (Yerevan, Armenia) International Partners club (Lusakunq) European Union • Cultural house renovation and water Armenia Program Distributions $513,214 World Vision Armenia pipeline (Arpunq) Civil society 31% Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation • Heating solutions (Shatjrek) Education 31% Karagheusian Foundation • “Creative Daily Life” (Norakert) Health 15% Armenian Medical Fund • “Cultural Revival” () Community development 13% CARD Microfinance Institution • “Miracle” playground () Economic development 1% • “Who moved my cheese?” (excluding revolving loan) Other 9% (intercommunity project) (i.e., cultural enrichment, playgrounds) Education and Children Summer church camp support, Armenian Apostolic, Evangelical and Catholic (2,500 kids nationwide) Summer camp support for children with disabilities Play it Fair human rights curriculum, K-8 (Yerevan) Spiritual Education and Experiences for Children (pastoral outreach in remote villages) Artistic empowerment, technical upgrades, Sundukyan State Academic Theatre of Armenia Armenia, surrounded by Muslim nations but strengthened by Christian roots, Armenian national dance workshop, has tremendous potential to grow. Ninety percent of Jinishian projects, publication by Ginosyan such as youth business development, are designed to promote long-term, sustainable change.

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The ripple effect of the Syrian crisis and stay together. JMP programs Thus says the LORD of hosts: continues to devastate Lebanon. As prevent school dropouts and child labor Render true judgments, show the refugee surge strained the small by supporting vocational education, kindness and mercy to one another. nation, the economy, environment and particularly for teens. Social workers (Zechariah 7:9) services could not sustain the pressure. address threats of domestic violence, Consequently, one in five people (1.2 human trafficking, drug addiction, Program Distributions $436,700 million) live below the poverty line, and legal and health issues. As a Christian Health programs 63% 300,000 additional Lebanese became outreach, local mission staff also offer Families and seniors 19% unemployed in 2017. On a personal level, hope and give comfort, encouraging trust Community development 11% the stress can be crushing. Families are in God and perseverance when adversity “Happy Childhood” project 5% more vulnerable to illness, homelessness, strikes. broken relationships and broken spirits. Housing and special projects 1% Through more than 13,000 client Syrian refugees 1% visits in 2017, the JMP donor-supported mission team provided critical, holistic care. JMP is unique among nonprofits in the Armenian community, consistently providing medication for chronic illness, medical counseling, preventive The blessing of a home conditions, they were offered a contract education and spiritual encouragement. Mardo and Maral Kharpoutlian for apartment ownership paid over 20 Because refugees have no medical were engaged during the civil war, years. Thinking it was too good to be coverage, Jinishian shared expenses for then misfortune struck: a collapsing true, Maral tried to return the keys, but 262 Syrian client bills. balcony immobilized Mardo for a year, the JMP director encouraged her to keep With the belief that each of God’s their savings disappeared in a bank faith and work hard. children has potential and dignity, JMP’s closure and their textile supplier went “The family praises God and is very social services team gives families tools out of business. Unable to pay rent, thankful to JMP for this blessing of a to find jobs, improve their relationships they made a home in the back half of home,” said Pauline Sagherian, JMP their sewing shop, although it had no Lebanon director. In today’s market of kitchen. After their second child, they high demand and lack of safe, affordable filed for emergency housing with little housing, the JMP path-to-ownership hope of being selected among the 400 program is a source of stability for other applicants. Yet when the JMP families while being fiscally self- social worker reported their living sustaining.

To meet growing need, JMP expanded medical services — a primary outreach since 1966, when Jinishian began serving the post-genocide population. The dispensary now has an in-house general practitioner, cardiologist, pharmacist and nurse. From the sewing shop in 1994, through hardship and sacrifice, the Kharpoutlians paid faithfully, finally becoming proud homeowners in 2017.

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Community Health Development Local Donors and Partners JERUSALEM AND ISTANBUL Dispensary services AFHIL, Aghasarkissian Home Jinishian reached 1,200 of the Chronic illness medication Appliances, ARCL “Araxi Boulghourjian” most vulnerable among Armenian Improving health care for women Socio-Medical Center, Habitat for communities in Jerusalem and Istanbul through education Humanity Lebanon, Happy Childhood in 2017. Run almost entirely by devoted Health awareness sessions with free Foundation, Howard Karagheusian volunteers, they keep administrative testing for respiratory health and Foundation, Marash Compatriotic costs down to only 2 percent. diabetes control Association, Ministry of Health Volunteers in Istanbul brought aid through YMCA, Municipality of Anjar, to more than 150 neglected households Health Services Municipality of Antelias and Naccache, living in acute distress. True to JMP’s Hospital and medical expense assistance Municipality of Bourj Hammoud, mission to offer dignified pathways to Syrian Armenian refugee aid Municipality of Bsalim, Mezher and self-sufficiency, the program increased Psychiatric residential care Majzoub, SADCO — Sami Dandan & small business loans by 50 percent in Co., St. Marc Medical and Diagnostic 2017. Dozens of proud workers were Housing Center, Ten Ten Shoes, Yeraz Travel and able to grow their businesses — skilled Affordable housing Tourism, Anonymous brothers in Christ, crafters, online distributors and Path to ownership Bishop Georges Assadourian, Minister tradesmen in auto repair and carpentry. Habitat for Humanity interest-free home Avedis Guidanian, Hripsimiantz Vocational grants for computer and repair loans College secondary students, Hagop language skill-building spurred Khatcherian, Nar Khatchadourian, employment. Community Development Hagop Loshkhajian, Hagop Lousararian, In Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter, the Women’s committee Peggy Lee Manoogian, Sebouh Mekhjian, Jinishian health clinic serves an average Children’s holiday party Minister Jean Oghassabian, MP Hagop of 100 patients each week, including Public housing building committee Pakradouni, Sam Rakoubian, Hreir clergy. Small allowances are a lifeline for Microloans for economic development Sagherian, Maro Telvizian and others families in poverty.

Social Development Mission Staff Social services for families Pauline Sagherian, director “Happy Childhood” grant for basic needs, Lena Nazigian school and camp Zepure Sdepanian Teenage girls’ self-development Lucie Khachadourian Employment office Ani Aznavourian Senior assistance and home visits Sevan Ishkhan Community activities for seniors Nanor Tashjian Christmas packages for home-bound Razmig Parmaksezian seniors and special needs Simoneh Khatchadourian Hamesdouhie Keshishian Dr. Ara Boladian Beirut Advisory Committee Dr. Raffi Elmajian Rafi Habibian, chairperson Lucie Zomjian Maggy Libaridian Kouyoumjian Rita Seropian Talar Atèchian, PhD Maral Zadirian Anie Boudjikanian Sarkis Varjabedian Karineh Sahakian Cholakian Rita Vartanian Aline Shitilian Deyirmenjian Paolo Kazazian, MD Sonya has her own dress design business. A small Alezxander Mouradian grant helped supply lace and beads. Jinishian is a vital Joseph Zoulikian thread in the fabric of support to Christian minorities in Istanbul.

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Foes have come against our brothers and sisters in Syria: some whose bloodlust took loved ones and health. Other distant powers keep the economy in a chokehold. From within, there’s the voice of fear. Yet the love of God binds Armenian communities together, and they choose hope.

If God is for us, who can be against us? … Who can separate us from the love of God? Healing trauma. Social worker Patricia Gurunian provided workshops, counseling and games to give Rebuilding begins. Millions of internally displaced It’s estimated that during the war these young teens tools to cope with anxieties they people hope to restore their properties, but the task is two-thirds of Christians and two-thirds still carry from the war. of health professionals left Syria. Most daunting, while daily life is still a great struggle and who remained had the least resources dangers remain. but the greatest devotion and courage. The Jinishian Memorial Program is uniquely positioned because it collaborates with all local churches and services to identify unmet needs. In 2017, 75 percent of the budget went to address the health crisis and assist thousands in desperate need of medical care. Hundreds of Armenian families that fled the war have returned home to stay, motivated by peace to rebuild, but even those fortunate enough to have jobs can barely afford basics. Expenses have Safe children. JMP blessed almost 600 children with increased 10- to 20-fold, but wages have one-day summer school programs in Aleppo, which not. Power is still only available a few resumed thanks to increased security. hours a day. JMP has been a lifeline for over 7,000 people struggling to overcome Peace and Hope. Aleppo schools opened without poverty, unemployment, grief, injury and bombs for the first time in seven years. JMP helped property loss in 2017. We are especially relieve the huge strain on parents with new backpacks grateful to our committed monthly and winter coats for hundreds of kids. partners who fund the work of restoring health, jobs and homes in Syria. Program Distributions $170,200 Health needs 75% Emergency grants 10% Family allowances 10% Hunger relief 4% Senior allowances 1%

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Community Health Development Mission Staff Prescriptions Talin Topalakian, director Financial assistance for Ani Deukmejian hospitalization, diagnostic, dental, Magie Kahkejian eye care Verjin Demirjian Specialist referrals and treatments Maria Boshgezenian School health checkups Arpy Gevoghlanian Rita Yaghljian Social Development Mgrdich Spenjian Emergency grants Viken Simonian, MD School checkups Family allowances Nazareth Boyadjian, DDS Senior allowances Shant Keshishian, OD Holiday hunger relief Ani Deukmejian Milk powder distribution Sevan Hovsepian Aghavnie Sarkissian Mounira Bahho Children Summer day trips Aleppo Advisory Committee School backpacks Zepur Ajemian Winter coats Marine Darakjian Christmas parties George Boynarian Workshops for war trauma Suzan Apartian Baby clothing distribution Kamishly Advisory Committee Celebrations Loucine Avedissian Easter gatherings Manoug Tanielian Christmas gatherings Tamar Bedrossian Luncheon with church leaders St. Vartan’s visit for seniors Damascus Advisory Committee These sisters fled ISIS-controlled Raqqa for Easter clothing for children Sarkis Bourounsouzian Damascus. JMP connected the industrious refugees Sarkis Keshishian with a direct donor for their washer and refrigerator. Sarkis Kulukian Antranig Marashlian

In 2017, people finally came out of their homes One quarter of the JMP budget goes to emergency feeling happy, secure and hopeful for JMP-hosted grants, allowances for families and hunger holiday gatherings. Because of the program’s deep Jinishian staff and volunteers pray for blessing relief. Beneficiaries not only gain supplies but a local roots in Damascus, Kamishly and Aleppo, upon all supporting Syria. They serve with joy and community of support. donors can also give personal blessings like Easter sacrificial tenacity to honor genocide survivors clothes and church banquets. before them and to lift up the next generation.

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Jin 17 Annual Report.indd 7 5/21/18 3:05 PM Armenia tour group returns 2017 Donors encouraged. Sixteen pilgrims Armenian Medical Fund USA, The experienced the hospitality, beauty Howard Karagheusian Commemorative and history of Armenia on a Jinishian- Corporation, First Presbyterian Church hosted trip in October 2017. They made (Charleston, IL), Faith Presbyterian a pilgrimage to the Genocide Memorial, Church (Colorado Springs, CO), Mount explored beautiful, bustling Yerevan Olympus Presbyterian Church (Salt Lake and traversed the exquisite countryside City, UT), Steve and Jane Allen, Rev. with vistas of Mount Ararat. The Rev. Lois A. Aroian, Mr. and Mrs. Joseph A. Doug Hoglund went to explore his Berberian, Ms. Monique A. Bilezikian, own Armenian heritage and returned Mr. and Mrs. Gary Boggs, Dr. and Mrs. impacted by the tenacity he saw in C. Samuel Calian, Mr. and Mrs. Clayton the face of genocide, communism and R. Carlisle, Mr. and Mrs. Dana Dalton, threats of attack. Instead of fear or self- Rev. and Mrs. Bradley S. Dardaganian, pity, he saw gratitude and generosity Ms. Janette T. Ditkowsky, Mr. Knox J. through the faith of the people and the Efland, Ms. Valerie Finley, Mr. and Mrs. work of Jinishian. The group visited Thomas O. Fleming, Jr., Mr. and Mrs. village families, farmers, pastors and Peter M. Goorjian, Mr. and Mrs. Haig K. student leaders and celebrated JMP’s Gourdikian, Ms. Gail B. Greek, Ms. Lucy 50 years of mission. Gulvartian, Ms. Nan T. Gunnell, Rev. and Mrs. Ralph V. Hagopian, Ms. Yaju Han, Mr. and Mrs. Drake R. Hawkins, III, Mr. and Mrs. Vahe Hayrikian, Mr. and Mrs. Gerald How can you get involved today? E. Herter, Rev. and Mrs. Jack D. Hodges, ❑ Invite JMP to speak to your church or civic Rev. and Mrs. Douglas C. Hoglund, Ms. organization about our life-changing work. Frieda N. Holman, Mr. and Mrs. Noyemi ❑ Visit Armenia with us! Experience the warm Isnar, Mrs. Lucy E. Janjigian, Mr. and Mrs. hospitality of this beautiful, ancient Christian J. Russell Jinishian, Mr. and Mrs. Ozhang homeland and see transformative projects in H. Karimi, Ms. Tayna Karimi, Rev. and action. Mrs. Vartkes M. Kassouni, Ms. Patricia ❑ Monthly gifts start at only $10! This is a great B. Kavanaugh, Ms. Marie Kazanjian, Ms. way to sponsor the ongoing need for renewal Anne Kenderes, Mr. and Mrs. George in Syria. Click the yellow “Give” button Keushguerian, Mr. Dennis J. Kurpius at pcusa.org/donate/E051792, enter your and Ms. Annita Nerses, Ms. Dianne F. desired amount, and check “I’d like to make a Lattermann, Mr. Richard B. Loeble, Mr. recurring donation.” and Mrs. C. Kenneth Lovejoy, Ms. Maria ❑ Return the envelope included. To fund specific E. Lunger, Ms. Peggy L. Manoogian, areas, please attach a memo or make a note in Ms. Dolores Maxson, Ms. Judith A. the comments when you give. Merker, Ms. Eliza Minasyan, Ms. Lucy S. Missirian, Mr. Vahan Moosekian, Ms. Adelia A. Morrison, Rev. and Mrs. George Contact us A. Munzing, Ms. Lynn Nakashian, Ms. Jinishian Memorial Program [email protected] Norma T. Patton, Ms. Mary C. Pendleton, 381 Park Ave. South, Suite 617 502-569-5291 Ms. Lynn T. Petersen, Rev. John R. Porter, New York, NY 10016 pcusa.org/jinishian Jr., Mr. and Mrs. Greg Rankin, Ms. Ela J. Robertson, Mr. Hreir Sagherian, Ms. Eliza Minasyan, executive director Grace L. Schuth, Mr. and Mrs. Armen Cara Taylor, communications associate Shahinian, Ms. M. T. Skoog, Mr. and Mrs. Harry M. Stephey, Jr., Ms. Kathryn L. Summers, Ms. Sara J. Todd, Mr. and Mrs. We thank God for your heart to bring dignity and hope out of poverty and Andy Tomasian, Mr. Serge Tomassian, despair by supporting relief, development and spiritual uplift in Armenian Mr. and Mrs. Douglas M. Welch, Rev. and communities. Give securely at pcusa.org/donate/E051792. Mrs. Jon S. West, Mr. and Mrs. Richard G. Widdowson, Rev. John V. Worthington, Ms. Joann Yates 8 | 2017 Annual Report

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