PRESS OFFICE
Diocese of the Armenian Church of America (Eastern)
630 Second Avenue, New York, NY 10016
Contact: Jake Goshert, Coordinator of Information Services
Tel: (212) 686-0710 Ext. 60; Fax: (212) 779-3558
E-mail: jakeg@armeniandiocese.org
Website:

August 26, 2005
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NEEDY ARMENIANS IN GEORGIA NOW TO BE HELPED BY CASP

The Women’s Guild Central Council of the Diocese of the Armenian Church
of America (Eastern) — at the directive of Diocesan Primate Archbishop
Khajag Barsamian — has expanded the scope of its Children of Armenia
Sponsorship Program (CASP) to encompass children of Armenian families
living in dismal conditions in the Javakhk Diocese in the Republic of
Georgia.

Until now, CASP has only assisted children living within the Republic of
Armenia. But now, 85 needy children in Georgia are waiting for
sponsors.

“The future for these innocent children is bleak and we must extend a
helping hand to them,” the Primate said.

HORRIFIC CONDITIONS

Clergy who have visited the area say the situation of the Javakhk
residents is similar to the needs of the poor in Armenia. However, the
Armenian families in Georgia have not received as much support from the
diaspora as have citizens of the Republic of Armenia.

Because Javakhk is far from the capital of Tbilisi, there is less
attention paid to the needs of the population, a situation made worse by
the poor condition of the roads and infrastructure. The population is
also underserved, with no orphanages or senior citizens centers.

Adding to the difficulties is the devaluation of the nation’s currency,
the Georgian lari, which last year lost 30 percent of its value. And
while the average citizen of Javakhk earns $70 per month, a general
estimation of the cost of basic necessities is $65 per month.

DIASPORA CAN HELP

In the Armenian culture, when a child loses even one parent they are
considered an orphan. This is especially catastrophic for the family
when the lost parent is the breadwinner. Families in Georgia are losing
their fathers either through death from poor medical care or because the
impossible economic conditions drive them to leave, sometimes
permanently, to find work elsewhere. Under such bleak conditions, the
young Armenians are forced to beg in the streets.

Through CASP, Armenians in the diaspora are able to provide financial
assistance to poor Armenians by sponsoring an orphan for just $220 per
year. The goal initially is to find sponsors for 85 Armenian children
in the Javakhk region. Already 864 sponsors help 1,208 children in
Armenia through CASP.

The benefits of CASP sponsorship for a family are more than monetary.

“The families that are helped are heartened that someone cares what
happens to them, they feel less alone in the world,” said Susan Avakian
Stoneson, CASP coordinator. “And they bless those who help their
children.”

Sponsors often receive personal notes of appreciation from the families
they have helped. One from a grateful mother in Armenia reads: “By
writing this letter I wish to express our heart’s gratitude to you, even
though this cannot express all our feelings for your good work and help,
that is, the monetary amount which you are sending which we need so much
to keep our existence. Even though we have so many needs, but because
of your assistance and support, we are comforted and we are filled with
indescribable feelings of gratitude. We are hopeful that one day we
will be able to repay you for your benevolence.”

Individuals or organizations can sponsor a child, either in Armenia or
Georgia, through a $220 annual contribution per child to CASP. CASP
also accepts general donations used in the running of the Gamo Orphanage
in the Republic of Armenia. For more details and information, contact
CASP Coordinator Susan Avakian Stoneson by e-mailing
sa4stoneson@verizon.net or by calling (201) 969-9303.

Sponsorship donations can also be mailed to: CASP, c/o Susan A.
Stoneson, 2, Horizon Rd., Apt. 1403, Ft. Lee, NJ 07024.

— 8/26/05

E-mail photos available on request. Photos also viewable in the News
and Events section of the Eastern Diocese’s website,

PHOTO CAPTION (1): The Children of Armenia Sponsorship Program (CASP)
is now aiding needy young Armenians in the Javakhk region of the
Republic of Georgia.