Jinishian JOTTINGS ...from poverty and despair to self-sufficiency and hope

pcusa.org/jinishian • 2016 Annual Gratitude Report • Jinishian Memorial Program 2016 ANNUAL GRATITUDE REPORT

From the womb to the elderly, from Funding global mission the war zone to rural small businesses, The chart shows how U.S. God is lifting up the afflicted. Growing contributions were distributed numbers of you are investing in the internationally. The map shows all the Jinishian Memorial Program (JMP), places JMP is at work. Administrative showing those who struggle in Armenia costs averaged 16 percent. Audited and the Middle East that they are not financial statements are available on alone—giving them a chance to thrive. our website and from our office. JMP is Because your support is so vital, we overseen by ecumenical, independent gratefully share these stories and advisory committees and a U.S. reports from 2016 with you. governance commission.

Eliza Minasyan, executive director Jinishian Memorial Program

More Armenians served in 2016 country program operations in 2016. Outreach in Syria served thousands Without your generosity, program more people than ever before (see page budgets in Syria, Lebanon and Armenia 6). We launched young entrepreneurs could suffer significant cuts in times in Armenia and sent mobile health when they need us most. clinics to hundreds of unreached rural women (page 2). Medical services Gifts are growing U.S. Contributions by Country expanded in Beirut, and homeless teens Thanks to all who responded to $1,071,000 got a new start (page 4). Total direct this need, total annual U.S. donations Armenia $520,000 49% beneficiaries in 2016 numbered over more than tripled in number and in Lebanon $311,000 29% 65,000 souls. dollar value over the past two years. Syria $165,000 15% The average gift in 2016 was $250 Jerusalem $45,000 4% Donors make our work possible from diverse individuals, churches Istanbul $30,000 3% Gifts received in our office go and organizations across 14 states. directly to fund these programs with Presbyterians, along with Apostolic, JMP U.S. Advisory Committee and only 5 percent toward cost recovery. Catholic and Evangelical Christians, Governance Commission This ministry began thanks to the are equally involved. International Victoria Chopourian Gehrt, chair vision of Vartan Jinishian 50 years ago, partners include World Vision, the Michael Haratunian but original endowment dividends have Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation, the Mark Momjian not been a sufficient revenue source for American Embassy and many average Lacey Gilliam 15 years, providing only two-thirds of citizens from Aleppo to Istanbul. Rev. Philip Woods Rev. Glen Snider Rev. Gregory L. Chan o Mem rial P n ro ia g h ra is m n i JMP ARMENIA UPDATE J JMP

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In an emerging democracy Renewal is God’s work—from the This is beginning to change. surrounded by Muslim nations, rural pastor to the middle school debate Thanks to donor support, the Jinishian Armenians have tremendous potential club or the budding local industry. JMP Memorial Program sent free mobile to grow. That’s why 90 percent of our reached over 55,000 beneficiaries by medical clinics to one village at a time, projects in 2016 were designed to identifying needs across the country reaching nearly 600 women in 2016. promote long-term, sustainable change. and uniting diverse grassroots leaders to Most had gynecological disorders. Many Jinishian’s impact has gained meet them. obtained vital surgeries and began attention, especially around human cancer treatment. Women desperate rights and economic independence— Women’s health project is expanding for medical intervention finally had key goals for people recovering from Without early cancer screenings, an advocate with the expertise to genocide and communism. Grants death rates from breast and cervical shepherd them through the region’s poor from international partners equaled cancer in Armenia are among the highest healthcare system. 27 percent of the 2016 program budget. in the world. Basic medical care in the New plans for a telemedicine center Many local donations come from those remote, deeply impoverished Vardenis in Vardenis will make an even greater who see the excellence and integrity region has been virtually nonexistent, impact. Supported by a local family firsthand. especially for vulnerable women and physician, patients will have access to Syrian refugees strained this country children. Expectant mothers lack proper specialists through teleconferencing. with unemployment upwards of 20 prenatal care. Birth rates are low. The Jinishian is also making ultrasound percent. We responded with emergency lack of pure water is another major clinics widely available and training housing assistance to 285 families and problem for almost all villages of the specialists to focus on infant disability aided new business development. region. prevention.

New youth center honors a beloved father When Dr. Vicken Gulvartian passed away in 2016, his family and friends planned a special legacy gift in his memory. Dr. Gulvartian’s son worked as a Jinishian intern in Yerevan, which inspired the idea to establish the Gulvartian Youth Development Center. Forty-five people seeded a fund to prepare a new generation of Armenians for engaged democratic citizenship. Donations are welcome—gifts to the Gulvartian Center sustain three exciting programs:

• English-language Debate Club equips students with skills to compete internationally; • Sponsorship for Gifted Youth gives kids living in poverty, including refugees, a chance to flourish, attend college and give back to the community; • Civic Dialogue and Action mobilizes young adults to observe social, economic and political problems to create solutions and to put their ideas into practice.

2 | 2016 Annual Report Overview of Work Funded in 2016

Armenia Program Distributions $549,100 Armenia Advisory Board Civil society and education $274,000 50% Father Barouyr Avetisyan Health $101,400 19% Karine Ghukasyan Community development $57,100 10% Rev. Albert Paytyan Economic development $27,400 5% Sister Arousiag Sajonyan Other (i.e., refugee support, $89,200 16% Varoujan Avedikian cultural enrichment) Mission Staff Armen Hakobyan, director Civil Society and Education Education and Children Zaruhi Sahakyan Youth Engaged in Society (debate clubs Summer church camps (2,500 kids Ashot Aslikyan in 108 schools) nationwide) Ruben Krrikyan Civic Dialogue and Action for Change Summer camp for children with Zaruhi Janibekyan (seven universities nationally) disabilities Gevorg Aboyan Youth in Action for Change (three Christian preschool, Akhalkalaki, Anahit Galikyan regions; projects impact protection Georgia Sirvard Chakhchakhyan of environment, human rights and Play it Fair (human rights curriculum in Anush Bagratunyan economic stability) urban elementary schools) Zaruhi Hambardzumyan University Fifth National Debate Restored Tumanyan Vernatun cultural Alina Hovhannisyan Championship center, Tbilisi, Georgia Hasmik Sevumyan Spiritual Education and Experiences for Emma Ghazaryan Community Development Grants Children (pastoral outreach in remote Harutyun Gharibjanyan Christmas for Children, Yerevan villages) Laura Avanesova (orphanage and special-needs schools) Gurgen Petrosyan Social Responsibility grant competition Economic Development winners: Microlending support to farmers International Partners • SMILE playground in Pokr Vedi Microlending support to small Organization for Security and village, Ararat region businesses Co-operation in Europe • Preschool health clinic for Aratashen Handicrafts business development for Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation community, Armavir region Syrian refugees World Vision Armenia Vardenis Development Initiative: Emergency Syrian refugee housing Czech Republic Embassy in Yerevan • Drinking water pipelines in assistance United States Embassy in Yerevan Geghaqar, Arpunq, Akhpradzor Youth business development • Street lighting, Pokr Masrik New engineering lab and IT education • New cultural center, Tsapatagh center, Stepanavan (Azeri border) • Dried fruit production, Avazan • Community room, Lchavan

Health Outreach Reproductive health for women in Vardenis region Disability prevention for children (ultrasound clinics nationwide) Rehabilitation services, Artsakh New day care for children with autism and cerebral palsy, Artsakh New Gait Laboratory, Yerevan (first orthopedic motion facility in South Villagers construct a clean water pipeline thanks to a community development grant. Caucasus)

2016 Annual Report | 3 o Mem rial P n ro ia g h ra is m n i JMP LEBANON UPDATE J JMP

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Lebanon has reeled with up to in-house physician, pharmacist and Rose’s song 1.5 million refugees (over a quarter nurse. Their unique service provides Rose saw her whole world and her of the Lebanese population) since more than medication; it includes music stop when her family experienced the Syrian crisis began. Hundreds of medical counseling, preventative homelessness. She and her mother were thousands of citizens fell into poverty education and spiritual encouragement. living in cramped quarters with relatives. or unemployment in 2016, especially Because refugees have no medical They urged her mother to divorce her unskilled youth. Unable to make ends coverage, Jinishian also helped share father, who had kept the money problems meet, they suffered a range of health and medical expenses for 183 Syrian clients secret. Without his job, they lost their social problems, which our mission staff who had exhausted other resources. home and could not afford rent. Rose’s addressed through 13,000 client visits The endowment funds about half treasured dream—playing her piano— last year. the budget in Lebanon, with significant seemed impossible. support from local donations, grants A Jinishian social worker encouraged and partnerships for medications. Rose to join the teens program. There, she found a safe place to overcome “Let us not love with words or speech her many struggles and fears. Hope but with actions and in truth” (1 John stirred. Rose persevered in vocational 3:18). school, received her diploma and is now preparing for university. Jinishian Because we believe each of God’s counselors helped her mother seek children has potential and dignity, our ways to restore her marriage, start work social services team gives families tools and find an apartment. Through our to find jobs, improve their relationships relationship with The Nawaya Network, and stay together. JMP programs she even resumed her piano lessons. prevent school dropouts and child labor Rose looks to the future, and her song is Director Pauline Sagherian (right) celebrates with by supporting vocational education, full of gratitude and possibility. new homeowners. The housing program is fiscally particularly for women. Social workers self-sustaining and deeply rewarding. address threats of domestic violence, The Jinishian Memorial Program human trafficking, drug addiction, began in Beirut in 1966 to meet the legal and health issues. As a Christian needs of the post-genocide Armenian outreach, local mission staff also offer population. In this 50th year, the hope and give comfort. They encourage flagship medical services sector trust in God and perseverance when expanded. The dispensary now has an adversity strikes.

Lebanon Program Distributions $446,000

Health programs $267,000 60% Girls in the teen self-development program prepare Families and seniors $76,000 17% Easter gifts. Community development $44,000 10% Housing/special projects $22,000 5% “Happy Childhood” project $21,000 5% Syrian refugees $16,000 4%

4 | 2016 Annual Report Overview of Work Funded in 2016 JERUSALEM AND ISTANBUL The Jinishian Memorial Program Community Health Development Community Development is a vital thread in the fabric of support Dispensary services Women’s committee to Christian minorities living in Chronic illness medication Children’s holiday party Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter and the Improving healthcare for women Public housing building committee slums of Istanbul. Run almost entirely by through education Microloans for economic development devoted volunteers, these programs kept Blood pressure education workshop administrative costs to only Social Development 2 percent while reaching 1,200 of the Health Services Social services for families most vulnerable among the Armenian Hospitalization and medical expense aid “Happy Childhood” basic needs, school population in these cities. Syrian Armenian refugees aid and camp In Jerusalem, the Jinishian health Psychiatric residential care Teenage girls’ self-development clinic is serving clergy and others in Cancer care workshop Employment office need, averaging 112 patients a week. Senior assistance and home visits Small allowances closed the gap for Housing Community activities for seniors families in poverty. Affordable housing Christmas celebration for people with Volunteers in Istanbul distributed Path to ownership special needs aid to more than 150 households in Habitat for Humanity interest-free home acute distress with no other recourse. repair loans Always with an eye on building stronger communities, JMP provided loans that helped keep 20 small businesses on their feet, including a home day care center Local Donors and Partners Mission Staff and a jeweler. Vocational grants for ARCL “Araxi Boulghourjian” Pauline Sagherian, director computer and language skill-building Socio-Medical Center Lena Nazigian spurred employment. Habitat for Humanity Lebanon Zepure Sdepanian Happy Childhood Foundation Lucie Khachadourian Hermes Tourism & Travel, Credit Ani Aznavourian Libanais Bank Sevan Ishkhan Howard Karagheusian Foundation Nanor Tashjian Marash Compatriotic Association Razmig Parmaksezian Ministry of Health through YMCA Simoneh Khatchadourian Municipality of Anjar Hamesdouhie Keshishian Municipality of Bourj Hammoud Dr. Ara Boladian St. Marc Medical and Diagnostic Center Lucie Zomjian Anonymous brothers in Christ Talar Khatchadourian George Karamanougian Maral Zadirian Hagop Loshkhajian Sarkis Varjabedian Hagop Terzian Rita Vartanian H.E. Minister Arthur Nazarian In memory of Azadouhie Hallajian Beirut Advisory Committee Dimijian Rafi Habibian, chairperson In memory of Minas Tekirian Maggy Libaridian Kouyoumjian In memory of Seta Pamboukian, from Talar Atéchian, PhD Velma Ekmekji Hermez Anie Boudjikanian Lucy Janjigian Karineh Sahakian Cholakian MP Hagop Pakradouni Aline Shitilian Deyirmenjian Rev. Gordon Edwards Paolo Kazazian, MD Varoujean Barsoumian Alexander Mouradian and others Joseph Zoulikian Volunteer visits families in squalid conditions in Istanbul.

2016 Annual Report | 5 o Mem rial P n ro ia g h ra is m n i JMP SYRIA UPDATE J JMP

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While refugees worldwide gained attention, Syrians who remain in their country have endured danger, loss and uncertainty. After six years of civil war and wild inflation, every citizen needs aid to survive. Despite hardship and communication failures, our mission staff bravely continued uninterrupted service and spiritual encouragement to 7,500 beneficiaries in 2016. Emergency grants to families tripled this year, and new clients applied continually. It’s both inspiring and painful to see people adapt to suffering. In Aleppo, they’ve reoriented once-prosperous lives around fetching water from wells in JMP ministered to traumatized Syrian children through special programs, meals and field trips. churches, mosques and public squares. All roads to the city have been cut off entirely with counseling, medication and shared labored to overcome all of the obstacles at times. They live without power most of hospital expenses. surrounding us, knowing that we are the the time; fuel and generators have been only hope of our community. scarce and expensive whether rationed “And hope does not disappoint, because Despite many sorrows, churches or black market. The cost of survival has God’s love has been poured into our hearts” and streets were filled at Easter. The been paid not just in wasted hours and (Romans 5:5). Christmas tree returned to Azizieh worthless currency but in exhaustion and Square. The mission team feels honored anxiety. The Armenian community in Syria to serve in this devastating time and needs and deserves our attention, responsible to give as much moral and “I wait for God my Savior; my God will compassion and assistance more financial support as we can. hear me” (Micah 7:7). than ever. With our local partners, we

Violence hit even the “safe” areas Two sisters in need find time to give of Damascus. In Aleppo, 11 Armenians DAMASCUS – “There is always a were martyred over two days in October. beautiful smile on their faces,” the mission Mercifully, when rocket missiles came staff says of the two young women who to our own Aleppo office courtyard last worked all week to prepare Christmas April, staff were unharmed and received food packages. The sisters are excelling clients with a smile in the morning. in school with JMP’s support for rent JMP adapted in creative ways, big and necessities, but they have left behind and small. Bottled water for families a struggling family in rural Kamishly. with children reduced the spread of Their brother had been kidnapped for disease. We met widespread housing three months. Their father, paralyzed and needs with increased aid to displaced unemployed, also receives support from The sisters (front row) and the mission team put extra families. Special-needs patients were the Jinishian Memorial Program. Despite effort into preparing special Christmas parcels this overwhelmed by diaper expenses, so we their deep financial strain and heartache, year. All were deeply touched by the happiness they began supplying them. We responded to a the girls are committed to serving others brought to weary neighbors in need. huge increase in community health cases as volunteers with JMP.

6 | 2016 Annual Report Overview of Work Funded in 2016

Community Health Development Children Mission Staff Medical prescriptions Meals in schools Talin Topalakian, director Hospitalization assistance Dental hygiene workshop Ani Deukmejian Diagnostic, dental, eye care services Sednaya field trip/picnic Zabel Yirikian Specialist referrals/treatments School supply distribution Magie Kahkejian School health checkups Winter coats Verjin Demirjian Christmas parties Maria Boshgezenian Social Development Keghany Bakkalian Emergency grants Celebrations Arpy Gevoghlanian Family allowances Easter meals Rita Yaghljian Senior allowances Christmas meals Mgrdich Spenjian Food distribution (Kamishly) Kozanian luncheon Viken Simonian, MD Summer school for children St. Vartan’s luncheon Nazareth Boyadjian, DDS Kamishly Family Day Shant Keshishian, OD Sevan Hovsepian Syria Program Distributions $193,000 Aghavnie Sarkissian Health $137,000 71% Mounira Bahho Family grants (emergency aid) $27,000 14% Families (allowances) $24,000 12% Aleppo Advisory Committee Food parcels $2,500 1% Zepur Ajemian Seniors (allowances) $2,300 1% Marine Darakjian School health $200 0% George Boynarian Suzan Apartian

Damascus Advisory Committee Sarkis Bourounsouzian Sarkis Keshishian Sarkis Kulukian Antranig Marashlian

Kamishly Advisory Committee Loucine Avedissian Manoug Tanielian Tamar Bedrossian

With relative peace since early December, Armenians are again able to visit the old city of Aleppo and ruins of churches, schools and homes. The path to restoration lies ahead. With Providing classroom supplies helped children stay in your help, JMP will again have an important role cultivating school in wartime. safe and prosperous lives in Syria.

2016 Annual Report | 7 Register now for Armenia mission tour 2016 Donors Don’t miss this inspiring Mihran S. Agbabian, Kevork opportunity to see what God is doing H. Agopian, Hilda Anan, Kevork in Armenia, Oct. 6–16, 2017. Connect Aposhian, Rev. Lois A. Aroian, Esteban with local hosts, village families, E. Arslanian, Norma P. Babikian- farmers, pastors and student leaders. Arslanian, Zareh G. Astourian, Vera Explore beautiful Yerevan, view Mount Bagboudarian, Missak S. Balian, Vehan Ararat and make a pilgrimage to the Bedirian, Roxanne Bedrossian, Aram Genocide Memorial. For details, call H. Benyamin, Roupen Berberian, Berj 800-728-7228, ext. 5291. Stationary & Bookstores, Kurken Y. Berksanlar, Dr. and Mrs. Zaven G. Bilezikjian, Builder’s Team Inc., Clayton R. Carlisle, Barbara Clark, Kegham Dekermenjian, Viken Der Ghazarian, H.R. Der-Tavitian, Nadya Donikian, Thomas O. Fleming Jr., Peter M. Goorjian, Haig K. Gourdikian, Gary M. Gumushian, Sona Hamalian, Discover Armenia’s ancient Christian heritage and Jean C. Hemphill, Rev. and Mrs. growing faith Jack D. Hodges, Rev. Margaret E. Howland, Dr. Grace Ilanjian, Lucy E. Janjigian, J. Russell Jinishian, Daron A. Kachatourian, Marlene J. JMP celebrates 50 years of mission in Lebanon. Lapoyan, Antranik Kalaydjian, Paul Kalemkiarian, Kevork Kalenderian, Mr. Sarkis Karaminassian, Palig Kilaghbian, Dr. Sarkis Karayan, Prof. The Jinishian Memorial Program Silva Karayan, Ozhang H. Karimi, Salpi God is at work among Armenian communities, seeking out those in greatest Kassardjian, Rev. and Mrs. Vartkes need and bringing people dignity and hope out of poverty and despair. JMP M. Kassouni, Marie Kazanjian, Dalita addresses the needs of the whole person—social, economic and spiritual. We adapt Kebabjian, John Khanjian, Megerditch and innovate, adjusting priorities to changing conditions in seven countries across Kiledjian, Vatche Kouyoumdjian, Haig the Middle East and South Caucasus. JMP is an ecumenical leader in the region. H. Krakirian, Rev. and Mrs. James A. Established in 1966 as an endowment fund of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Kutz, Liberty Corner Presbyterian advised by Apostolic, Catholic and Evangelical board members, JMP has served Church, Peggy L. Manoogian, William millions through 100 percent local missions. F. McKnight, Dr. and Mrs. Hovannes Melidonian, Anie Mikaelian, Shahan Contact us Minassian, Lucy S. Missirian, Vahan Jinishian Memorial Program Moosekian, Lori Muncherian, Lynn 381 Park Avenue South, Suite 617 Nakashian, David H. Nelson, Verona New York, NY 10016 Orphali, Mary C. Pendleton, Tim K. Pugmire, Hreir Sagherian, Robert [email protected] Samuelian, Rev. Dr. Allison K. Seed, 800-728-7228, ext. 5291 Saro Sepilian, Armen Shahinian, M.T. pcusa.org/jinishian Skoog, Raffi Z. Soghomonian, Harry M. Stephey Jr., Vartan Telian, Albert Eliza Minasyan, executive director D. Tomassian, Rev. and Mrs. Jon S. Cara Taylor, communications associate West, Lynne A. West, Wilmington Township Mercer County Civic, Dr. and Mrs. Harout Yaghsezian, Vasken How to give A. Yardemian, Bedros Yazijian, Nerses We thank God for all those who support this ministry with such heart. Yerjanian, Hratch Yoskerchian, Alan Give securely at pcusa.org/donate/E051792. Zavian

8 | 2016 Annual Report