AGBU Press Office
55 East 59th Street
New York, NY 10022-1112
Phone: 212.319.6383, x118
Fax: 212.319.6507
Email: press@agbu.org
Website:

PRESS RELEASE

Friday, November 21, 2008

AGBU Young Professionals Bring Smiles and a Fresh Coat of Paint to New
York’s Armenian Home

On Sunday, October 26, 2008, over 15 volunteers visited the New York
Armenian Home in Flushing, Queens to visit the residents and, for the
first time, offer their assistance in sprucing up the facility. The trip
was organized by the AGBU Young Professionals of Greater New York
(YPGNY) and included a number of local Armenian-American volunteers.

A day at the Armenian Home has become a YPGNY tradition each autumn as
volunteers visit with the residents, bringing joy to them with games,
stories, and performances. In addition to the usual activities, this
year the volunteers also painted the residents’ dining room, outdoor
benches and a bird bath.

Aggie Ellian, executive director of the Armenian Home, was extremely
grateful to the YPGNY group, which volunteers not only each fall, but
also in the summer when the AGBU New York Summer Intern Program is in
session. During their summer event, YPGNY coordinates a dance and
musical performance by the interns for the residents.

"For another consecutive year, this fall visit provided a great
opportunity for Armenian youths to volunteer their time to help the
local community," said YPGNY co-chair Danny Abajian. "Personally, it was
a pleasant and constructive way to spend my Sunday and demonstrated the
positive impact of volunteerism."

Now that the Armenian Home has a fresh coat of paint, next time YPGNY
hopes to return to Queens simply to socialize with the residents.

"The Board of Directors, residents and staff are still complimenting the
wonderful job the YPs did painting our dining room," said Ellian.

Many volunteers are eager to go back again after seeing the happiness
their faces bring to the residents. "It was truly gratifying spending
the day at the Armenian Home," said Michelle Adanalian, a first-year
volunteer. "The newly painted dining room and the smiles on the seniors’
faces were priceless to see."

AGBU YPGNY is part of a growing network of YP Groups and supporters
around the world who are committed to preserving and promoting the
Armenian identity and heritage through educational, cultural, and
humanitarian programs. For more information on YPGNY, email
ypgny@agbuyp.org.

For more information about AGBU and its worldwide programs, please visit