Etchmiadzin women’s center recognized by Armenian government
by Noushig Hovhannesian
Published: Sunday June 24, 2012
Nonna Sargsyan, Ani Qochar, Nune Yesayan, Lala Ghazaryan and Tigranuhi
Karapetyan with young women of Mer Doon.
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>From orphanage to womanhood, teens in transition find a warm home at Mer Doon
Mer Doon: Providing real family and real home
Philadelphia – Ms. Tigranuhi Karapetyan, President of Our Home-Mer
Doon, recently received the “Golden Medal” from Armenia’s Ministry of
Labor and Social Affairs.
This recognition is the highest award of the Ministry of Labor and
Social affairs and honored Ms. Karapetyan as an outstanding example
for her many years of devoted and loving service to the orphaned and
disadvantaged children in Armenia during an event organized by Mer
Doon, “You Are A Mother, A Woman, A Creator.”
During April 4 attended by Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Artur
Grigoryan, special guests included the Head of Department of Family,
Women, and Children Issues of the RA Ministry of Labor and Social
Affairs, Ms. Lala Ghazaryan, singer Ms. Nune Yesayan, “Yes” Magazine
Editor in Chief, Ms. Ani Qochar and friend of Mer doon, Ms. Nonna
Sargsyan. The Mer Doon Board of Directors congratulates Ms. Karapetyan
for this very distinguished honor and is very grateful for her
steadfast commitment and dedication to the organization.
Established in 2005 by Tigranuhi Karapetian and U.S.-based co-founder
Julie Ashekian, Mer Doon first opened its doors in Etchmiadzin,
Armenia in October 2006. Mer Doon provides a loving and compassionate
family environment for disadvantaged young women who have outgrown
their orphanage.
Sadly, most emancipated orphans in Armenia are unskilled, minimally
educated, and unprepared for adulthood. Many fall prey to lowly
opportunists who offer them some form of shelter, claim ownership over
them, and exploit them in the worst ways imaginable. Mer Doon offers
these young adults a chance at an education, a home, and a much
brighter future. For many of these young adults, Mer Doon is the first
family they have ever known.
Mer Doon is currently providing for ten young women, each furthering
their education, and pursuing a useful skill or vocation. In addition,
these girls receive a religious education, learn French, Russian, and
English languages in-house, and are trained by staff in personal and
social skills. To learn more about Our Home-Mer Doon and how you can
support their mission, please visit