Category: 2020

GLENDALE—Consul General of Armenia in Los Angeles Ambassador Armen Baibourtian welcomed the visit of members of the newly elected Board of the Armenian Engineers and Scientists Association of America, led by its President Richard Ohanian. The visit took place on Saturday, March 7.

During the meeting, Ohanian presented the prospective plans of the Association to Ambassador Baibourtian. He highlighted AESA’s aim to use the significant potential of Armenian engineers and scientists to implement new educational and humanitarian projects. The organization also intends to meet the requirements of the time, to replenish its ranks with young scientists, and to expand its geography. AESA is preparing for its next annual event, which will provide an opportunity to create a database of Armenian scientists and engineers, encourage professionals with awards, expand the organization’s activities in Armenia, as well as to support research and startups.

Ambassador Baibourtian welcomed the upcoming programs of the Armenian Association of Engineers and Scientists and expressed his readiness to support the initiatives of the organization, which aim to develop the Armenian scientific thought and serve the interests of the homeland. Special attention was paid to the development of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics at educational levels in both California and Armenia.

Counselor of the Consulate General Edgar Grigoryan, Vice President of the American Society of Armenian Engineers and Scientists Aram Ter-Martirosyan, Executive Secretary Linda Megerdichian, and Treasurer Sona Juharyan were also present at the meeting.

New Dates for Armenian American Career Development and Civic Engagement Program to be Announced Soon

WASHINGTON—The Armenian National Committee of America announced today that it has postponed the second annual Rising Leaders: Career Development and Civic Education program, in order to ensure the health and safety of participants during the Coronavirus outbreak. The program was originally scheduled for March 22nd to 24th in Washington, D.C.

The ANCA, in coordination with cosponsors Armenian Youth Federation Eastern and Western U.S. and the Georgetown University Armenian Students Association, and program benefactor, the Ararat Foundation Shahinian Educational Fund, will be announcing new dates shortly.

“The health and safety of Armenian American university students participating in our ANCA Rising Leaders Program is paramount, and so, out of an abundance of caution, we are postponing the program,” said ANCA Programs Director Sipan Ohannessian. “We would like to thank all those who have registered for the program and look forward to ensuring your participation at a future time. In the interim, we will continue to work with Armenian American university students remotely to assist in their career development goals and efforts to advance Armenian American community priorities.”

The ANCA Rising Leaders is a three-day Washington, D.C. program devoted to empowering youth, exploring policy, politics and media careers, and experiencing life in the nation’s capital. Over 30 students from top universities and high schools across the U.S. traveled to the nation’s capital to take part in the inaugural 2019 Rising Leaders Program, which was made possible, in large part, through a generous contribution by the Ararat Foundation Shahinian Educational Fund.

The program included a full day of interactive presentations by the ANCA Hovig Apo Saghdejian Capital Gateway Program Advisory Committee focusing on career search fundamentals from resume preparation and networking 101 to an overview of the Washington, D.C. internship and job market. It also featured meetings with policy, politics, and media professionals, including current and former federal agency and Congressional staff, to discuss careers in the nation’s capital. ANCA team members then ran an extended seminar focusing on advancing community priorities, which was capped off with a full day of Capitol Hill discussions with Members of Congress and staff on strengthening U.S.-Armenia ties, supporting Artsakh freedom and securing justice for the Armenian Genocide.

For more information regarding the program, email [email protected].

GLENDALE—The Armenian Relief Society of Western USA Social Services has launched Expanding CalFresh Program Services, a new program effective March 9 through a subaward by the County of Los Angeles Workforce Development, Aging and Community Services. The federal grantor agency for the program is the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Food and Nutrition Service.

“ARS Social Services was the sole agency awarded in Los Angeles County’s Supervisorial District 5 to deliver these program services. Entering this Division’s 41st year of service with yet another new program serves as a testament that we remain committed as ever to our delivery of services that meet the ever changing and demanding needs of community members,” stated Talar Aintablian, Director of Operations.

The Expanding CalFresh Program Services will deliver services to older adults ages 60+ and disabled adults, including prescreening of eligible individuals to determine whether they qualify to submit an application that will determine their eligibility to receive CalFresh benefits and assistance to qualified individuals who have been pre-screened with submission of the application. While income and other eligibility requirements do apply, all final determinations are made by the Department of Public Social Services following application submissions.

Effective June 1, 2019, Supplemental Security Income recipients became eligible to apply for CalFresh benefits for the first time in over 40 years. CalFresh – formerly known as food stamps – provides monthly food benefits for low-income individuals and households, allowing them to purchase nutritious food needed for good health. Recipients can buy food at various grocery stores or farmers markets that accept an Electronic Benefit Transfer card, which works similarly to a debit card. Receiving CalFresh food benefits results in no change or reduction to a recipient’s Supplemental Security Income or State Supplementary Payment.

For additional information and to receive services in this program area by an appointment or walk-in basis, ARS Social Services can be contacted at 818.241.7533 or visited at its main headquarters at 517 W. Glenoaks Blvd., Glendale, CA 91202.

ARS Social Services is committed to providing comprehensive social services to low-moderate individuals and families through four offices located in Glendale, Pasadena, Hollywood, and North Hollywood. Services include case management, completion of forms, assistance with housing and transportation issues, senior services, employment services, referrals, English as a Second Language/Life Skills classes, and more. ARS Social Services can be reached at 818.241.7533 or [email protected].