The Ararat Home family gathered on Sunday, June 5^th, for the groundbreaking celebration of the new wing of the Assisted Living Facility (ALF). With construction expected to commence later this summer, Ararat Home trustees, staff, membership, residents, families and supporters attended the special ceremony.

Guests gathered in Sheen Memorial Chapel to hear about the facility’s expansion plans. Chief Operating Officer Derik Ghookasian, former Board Chair Robert Taylor, ALF Administrator Rita Noravian, and current Board Chair Michael Surmeian delivered remarks, in which they reviewed the expansion project in relation to Ararat Home’s mission, spoke about the impact it will have on the growing needs within our community and the increasing demand for the Home’s services, and expressed gratitude for the tremendous support the Home has received from friends who share its vision and aspirations.

The ceremony continued outdoors where clergy blessed the ground and five current ALF residents symbolically “broke ground”. H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian accompanied by Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan from the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, H.E. Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian accompanied by Rev. Fr. Ardak Demirjian from the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, and Rev. Fr. Armenag Bedrossian representing Most Rev. Bishop Mikael Mouradian of the Armenian Catholic Eparchy in the U.S. and Canada conveyed their well wishes to the Ararat Home family for the successful realization of the expansion project. The excitement for the coming months of construction and transition was evident by the enthusiastic participation of residents Anita Essayan, Isabella Sarkissian, Alice Turner, Henrik Babaan and Susan Piponniau.

A light reception in the foyer of Deukmejian Grand Ballroom capped what became a celebration of the visible beginning of another terrific milestone in Ararat Home’s journey. Thanks to the determined efforts of the Board of Trustees Building Committee, the diligent work of Sobin-Harte Architects and Sinanian Development, Inc., and the community of dedicated, generous individuals whose support the Home is blessed to enjoy, construction is expected to be completed in one year. We invite you to join us for the ribbon-cutting ceremony next year!