A short documentary film produced this year by the American Health Care Association (AHCA), “Closed Doors, Open Hearts: Nursing Homes and COVID-19”, provides an intimate look at the daily reality of the pandemic at its onset at two long-term care facilities that worked tirelessly to keep residents and caregivers safe: Ararat Nursing Facility and Edgewood Centre in New Hampshire.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, nursing homes closed their doors to nearly everybody and faced harrowing battles that few outsiders saw or can comprehend. This film offers a glimpse of their untold story showing what it was like to provide nursing home care at the start of the pandemic. It highlights the struggles and tragedy of responding to the crisis, the isolation and resiliency of residents and their families, and the heroic efforts of caregivers, who, in the face of incredible obstacles and personal risk, continued to show up when residents needed them most.

“This documentary does an incredible job of showing what it was truly like in a skilled nursing facility at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Mark Parkinson, AHCA President and CEO. “Residents and their families were physically separated from each other. Residents were isolated and more dependent on staff than ever before. And while facing innumerable obstacles, long-term care staff continued to make sacrifices – all to ensure those who needed them were cared for. That is what I call a true hero.”

While Ararat Nursing Facility and Edgewood Centre are different in many ways, they share many of the same experiences throughout the course of the pandemic. Their stories are not unique, however, but rather representative of the experiences of all nursing home providers across the country.

“Closed Doors, Open Hearts: Nursing Homes and COVID-19” is approximately 26 minutes long and can be viewed HERE.

​Disclaimer: Some of the content contained in this documentary may be emotionally traumatic to watch, especially for those in long-term care.

ABOUT AHCA/NCAL: The American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living (AHCA/NCAL) represents more than 14,000 non-profit and proprietary skilled nursing centers, assisted living communities, sub-acute centers, and homes for individuals with intellectual and development disabilities. By delivering solutions for quality care, AHCA/NCAL aims to improve the lives of the millions of frail elderly and individuals with disabilities who receive long-term or post-acute care in our member facilities each day. For more information, please visit www.ahcancal.org or www.ncal.org.

Ararat Nursing Facility is ranked the top nursing home in California by Newsweek!

Newsweek’s 2022 ranking of America’s Best Nursing Homes is based on three criteria: overall performance data, peer recommendations, and response to COVID-19. This year’s ranking lists the top 450 facilities in the 25 highest-populated states.

Newsweek partnered with Statista, a global data research firm, for this annual ranking to analyze facilities’ performance data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), to collect and evaluate peer recommendations from thousands of medical experts, and to examine CMS and other official data in identifying facilities within each state that had the best possible response and protocols during the pandemic. More information is available at https://www.newsweek.com/americas-best-nursing-homes-2022/california.

Ararat Home is very proud of the entire Nursing Facility team for this impressive acknowledgement of excellence. Nursing Facility Executive Director Margarita Kechichian expresses gratitude for the recognition from Newsweek as well as from the entire community of colleagues, supporters, and residents’ families.

Thanks to the generosity of our sponsors, donors and supporters, our 2021 Annual Raffle Fundraiser was a great success. We are truly grateful for the remarkable response from our extended Ararat Home family!

The raffle drawing was held virtually on Wednesday, September 29^th, in one of our Residents’ Dining Rooms on our Mission Hills campus, with participation of two of our residents, the Board of Trustees Picnic Committee Chair Michael Surmeian, and Chief Operating Officer Derik Ghookasian. The video of the drawing is available to view here, with a message of appreciation from Board of Trustees Chair Joseph Kanimian, Esq.

Typically, we hold our raffle drawings during our Annual Picnics, which fall on the last Sundays of September. These community picnics have been organized on Ararat Home grounds, in collaboration with the Los Angeles chapter of the Triple X Fraternity, yearly since 1952. Due to COVID-19, and with the safety of our residents, staff and guests in mind, this tradition has been paused for the past two years.

As we look forward with hope to next year, we send our heartfelt appreciation to our Friends for their continued generosity and support. The Board of Trustees, Administration, Staff and Residents of Ararat Home THANK YOU!

Ararat Home is pleased to announce that Susan Yeranyan, RN, Director of Clinical Services of our Nursing Facility, is the recipient of the CALTCM Humanitarian Award for Exceptional Leadership and Outstanding Humanitarian Contributions in Long Term Care. We congratulate Susan on this wonderful recognition and achievement!

CALTCM (California Association of Long Term Care Medicine) describes Susan’s accomplishments and qualification for this award in its announcement on September 24, 2021.

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The much-anticipated COVID-19 vaccines reached all three Ararat Home facilities, and administration of first doses to residents and staff began in mid-January. Now, with first doses complete, second doses are being administered on a rolling basis and will conclude at the end of February.

The vaccination process at each facility has been going smoothly. And, we are happy that the Home has been able to extend unused doses to family members of residents and staff as well as to our volunteers and some community members.

While all preventive measures are still in place at our facilities and on our campus, we are looking forward to resuming certain group activities and visitations for our residents that will offer a partial return to normalcy of daily life at Ararat Home.

The drawing for Ararat Home’s Annual Raffle fundraiser was held virtually on Wednesday, September 30^th, at 2:30 p.m. [Watch the video.]

We express our gratitude to our raffle sponsors and donors:

• The William H. Hannon Foundation that has generously been sponsoring our grand prize for so many years;
• The Triple X Fraternity chapters of Los Angeles, Orange County, Palm Desert and San Diego;
• The Knights of Vartan Ardaz, Ghevont and Sevan Lodges;
• The Simonian Family of ILDICO, Inc.;
• Gregoire & Zovinar Dukmajian;
• Zari & Gregory Semerdjian.

And, we say a big THANK YOU to all those who purchased tickets and made this fundraiser a great success! We are strengthened with your support!

Update posted on March 16, 2020

Ararat Home has implemented several strategies to prevent the introduction and spread of COVID-19 in our resident population.

The actions being taken include: (1) strict adherence to infection prevention and control measures for all health care personnel; (2) enforcement of aggressive restrictions for all visitors.

THE ARARAT HOME ADMINISTRATION IS ENFORCING VERY STRICT LIMITATIONS ON VISITATIONS TO THE FACILITIES. This means that, in most cases, visitations are restricted, and in some cases, particularly for certain compassionate care situations, when they are absolutely necessary, visitations are allowed in limited capacity. We strongly urge our residents’ family members and friends to use alternative methods of visitation (e.g., telephone, video chat), which our staff may help facilitate. Please contact the facility directly for any questions or assistance.

• Ararat Assisted Living Facility (Mission Hills): 818-365-3000
• Ararat Convalescent Hospital (Eagle Rock): 323-256-8012
• Ararat Nursing Facility (Mission Hills): 818-837-1800

Updated March 13, 2020

In response to the Novel Coronavirus outbreak and the spread of COVID-19 in Los Angeles County and elsewhere, and pursuant to the directives and guidance issued by local, state and national public health agencies, and in accordance with Ararat Home’s policy of strict limitations on visits to our facilities and our campus, the Board of Trustees has postponed or cancelled all community events and gatherings on campus until further notice. As such, the Annual Membership Meeting is postponed for the time being.

We will mail a postponement notice to our membership within the next few days. A future date for the 2020 Annual Membership Meeting will be determined at a later time, and we will notify our membership accordingly by mail.

Ararat Home appreciates the understanding of our members and supporters during this challenging time.

Original Post February 28, 2020

Ararat Home’s Annual Membership Meeting will take place on Sunday, March 29, at 3:00 p.m., in Deukmejian Community Center.

Business items to be discussed are:

• Election of Board trustees;
• Reports from Board Chair, Administration, Committees, and Supporting Organizations;
• Adoption of proposed “Certificate of Amendment of Articles of Incorporation” and “Second Amendment to By-Laws”.

Below is information members may find useful prior to attending the meeting.

• Annual Membership Meeting Notice #1
• Proposed Amendment to Articles of Incorporation
• Proposed Amendment to Bylaws
• Explanation of Proposed Amendments
• Annual Membership Meeting Notice #2

Upon the invitation of the Ararat Home Board of Trustees, Reverend Berdj Djambazian, Minister to the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America, attended the monthly Board dinner and meeting at Ararat Home on February 20, 2020.

Board Chairman Joseph Kanimian, Esq. welcomed Rev. Djambazian, who offered the opening prayer and blessing. The Chairman introduced each trustee and presented the Reverend with a special gift in appreciation of his long-standing support for Ararat Home’s mission.

Rev. Djambazian praised the God-pleasing work of Ararat Home and commended each trustee for their commitment to the organization and to the work of caring for the elderly. He pledged his full support for the Home’s ongoing efforts of expansion and growth.

Ararat-Eskijian Museum has added two valuable pieces, which well-represent Armenian religious art heritage, to its growing collection.

On December 9, Ararat Home welcomed a brief visit by His Beatitude Archbishop Nourhan Manougian, the Armenian Patriarch of Jerusalem. The Patriarch visited both care facilities on the Mission Hills campus and met with the administration, several trustees, volunteers, staff and residents.

The Ararat-Eskijian Museum, in collaboration with the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research (NAASR) and the Organization of Istanbul Armenians (OIA), organized a “Celebration of Life” event in honor of Professor Vahakn Norair Dadrian on Saturday, August 17, at Ararat Home’s Deukmejian Community Center.

Professor Vahakn Dadrian, who passed away on August 2, 2019, was the preeminent scholar of the Armenian Genocide and was instrumental in establishing the larger field of genocide studies. His extensive research and scholarly work, which included the publication of numerous books and articles in academic journals as well as lectures in various academic, social and political venues, were transformative and resulted in greater international recognition of the Armenian Genocide. As a world-renowned authority on the subject, his contribution to humanity through the understanding of genocide has been invaluable.

The Ararat Home family came together on Saturday, May 11th, for a banquet celebrating the Home’s 70th anniversary. It was a beautiful celebration of 70 years of service and 70 years of excellence.

Ararat Home began in 1949 by a group of visionary leaders who set out on a mission to care for the Armenian elderly in their community. It was a noble mission indeed, but it was a grand idea with no clear path forward. Nevertheless, they planted a seed and nurtured it with love, hard work, and immense devotion. It is the fruits of their labors that Ararat Home celebrates today, 70 years later.

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During the regularly scheduled Ararat Home Board of Trustees meeting, Joseph Kanimian, Esq. was re-elected as Chairman of the Board of Trustees. Mr. Kanimian had previously served as Board Chairman from 2013 to 2016.

“I am truly honored to serve Ararat Home once again in my capacity as Chairman of the Board,” stated Mr. Kanimian and expressed his gratitude to the Board for their confidence in his leadership. “I would like to express my thanks to my predecessor, Michael Surmeian, who served as Chairman for the last three years.”

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Established in 1949 by a group of visionaries, Ararat Home of Los Angeles was created to serve our community by caring for our elderly. For 70 years, it has been home to thousands of Armenians – men and women, parents and grandparents, generations of our compatriots, who have received comfort, compassion, and loving care here. With tremendous community support since its founding, Ararat Home has grown from its humble beginnings and has succeeded in carrying on its mission of care for seven decades.

Ararat Home’s journey began in Los Angeles’ Historic West Adams District with seven residents moving into film star Mary Pickford’s mansion, which was purchased for $12,000. From its early days, when securing funding for mortgage payments and daily needs was a struggle, through its periods of growth, the Home has today become a million dollar operation, employing over 400 staff and caring for 400 residents in three facilities on two campuses.

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The Ararat Home family came together on Saturday, August 4th, to celebrate the official opening of the new wing of our Assisted Living Facility! The elegant affair in Deukmejian Grand Ballroom was attended by 375 of our generous sponsors, new and long-time supporters, friends, residents and employees.

Following the cocktail reception, the program began as guests warmly greeted the entrance of 20 Ararat Home residents escorted into the ballroom by staff members – a touching moment, indeed! Upon the deliverance of opening prayers by Archbishop Hovnan Derderian (Western Diocese), Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian (Western Prelacy), Father Armenag Bedrossian (Armenian Catholic Eparchy), and Reverend Serop Megerditchian (Armenian Evangelical Union) and the performance of the American and Armenian national anthems by the Hosharian Brothers Band, Master of Ceremonies David Mgrublian set a joyous, uplifting tone for the evening. With the theme of “Building on Our Successes to Reach New Possibilities”, Michael Surmeian (Board of Trustees Chair), Nazar Ashjian (Building Committee Chair), Rita Noravian (Assisted Living Facility Administrator), and Derik Ghookasian (Chief Operating Officer) delivered remarks expressing appreciation to all those who contributed to the achievement of this expansion project, highlighting the significance of this milestone within the context of Ararat Home’s history, and relaying a forward-looking message about the Home’s mission of care and service to the community. A video presentation portraying “Life at Ararat Home” was followed by Mr. Mgrublian’s concluding and moving remarks about the unique service the Home provides our community and the importance of the community’s ongoing support of Ararat Home.

Click here to view photos of the event.

Click here to view video of the event program.

We are very proud to report that Ararat Nursing Facility has been recognized as a 2018 recipient of the Silver – Achievement in Quality Award for its commitment to improving quality care for residents.

This national award is presented annually by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, the leading association for long-term and post-acute care that represents more than 13,500 care facilities. The National Quality Award Program has three progressive levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. The awards recognize those member facilities that exhibit ever-improving performance excellence.

As a Silver Award recipient, the Nursing Facility has clearly demonstrated its dedication to developing effective approaches that drive continual improvement of organizational performance and health care outcomes.  “We are committed to implementing processes that better the lives of those we serve – residents and families alike,” said Nursing Facility Executive Director Margarita Kechichian. “We are proud to receive the Silver Award, as it is a validation of our hard work and dedication to quality improvement day in and day out.” read more

Ararat Nursing Facility has been recognized as a 2017 recipient of the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award for its dedication to improving the lives of residents through quality care and performance excellence.

This national award is presented annually by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, the leading association for long-term and post-acute care that represents more than 13,000 care facilities. The National Quality Award Program has three progressive levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. The awards recognize those member facilities that demonstrate a strong commitment and progression in their quality efforts towards delivering ever-improving value to residents and families as well as improving overall organizational performance. read more

Expressing Gratitude at Thanksgiving

Every Thanksgiving day for over 20 years, Ararat Assisted Living Facility prepares and delivers a Thanksgiving meal to the local fire station in Mission Hills as an expression of gratitude for the work that first responders do every day in our community. Additionally, the Home lends the station tables and chairs so that firefighters can enjoy holiday meals with their families at the firehouse. This is just one way that Ararat Home says THANKS for the support it receives from the community throughout the year! read more

We are pleased to announce that the eighth reprinting of the Ararat Home cookbook, Reflections of an Armenian Kitchen, has been completed thanks to a grant from Susie Vahanian and Walter Shubin.

Our cookbook was first published in 1995, and has been very well-regarded since then.

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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. read more

Since its founding in 1949 by a dedicated group of visionaries, thousands of Armenian elderly have called Ararat Home their “home”. Here, they have found compassion and loving care during the time in their lives when they perhaps needed it most. Today, as the need for residential senior care increases, the demand for Ararat Home’s unique services has never been greater in our community; indeed, it has grown beyond our capacity. For this reason, we are delighted to announce the expansion of our Assisted Living Facility!

This fifth phase of expansion on the Mission Hills campus has been a three-decade-long dream that will soon come to fruition. It has been in the Home’s long-term plans since development began on our 10-acre campus. While discussions for the expansion started in 2011, earnest project planning began in early 2014. Now, with construction expected to commence in late summer, we are excited about the opportunity and capability to offer the Ararat Home brand of care to more members of our community.

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Ararat Convalescent Hospital has been recognized as a 2015 recipient of the Bronze – Commitment to Quality Award for its dedication to improving the lives of residents through quality care and performance excellence. This national award is presented annually by the American Health Care Association and National Center for Assisted Living, which represent more than 12,000 non-profit and proprietary long-term and post-acute care facilities. Ararat Convalescent Hospital was among only 19 Bronze Award recipients in California.

Implemented in 1996, the National Quality Award Program has three progressive levels: Bronze, Silver and Gold. The awards recognize those facilities that are committed to and are progressing in their quality efforts by delivering ever-improving value to residents and families and by improving overall organizational capabilities and performance. read more

Ararat Home resident Yevnige Salibian seated in the center

Five survivors of genocides perpetrated in the 20th century came together on April 15, 2015, for an extraordinary and historic photo shoot at Ararat-Eskijian Museum.  Organized by the USC Shoah Foundation – Institute for Visual History and Education, the survivors gathered on the Ararat Home Mission Hills campus, where the oldest among them resides, 101-year old Yevnige Salibian.  As a survivor of the Armenian Genocide, the first such atrocity of the previous century, Mrs. Salibian was joined by survivors of the Jewish Holocaust, the Cambodian Genocide, the Guatemalan Mayan Indian Genocide and the Rwandan Tutsi Genocide.  The USC Shoah Foundation will use the photograph as a representation of the collections of testimonies it has and continues to amass from survivors of various genocides in recent history.

The Foundation’s Armenian Genocide Collection was obtained from the Armenian Film Foundation last year, which had worked to digitize the nearly 400 interviews of survivors and witnesses filmed by J. Michael Hagopian from 1972 to 2005.  The USC Shoah Foundation has been cataloguing and indexing these rare testimonies to be included in its Visual History Archive, which already contains 52,000 testimonies from the Holocaust and other genocides and is one of the most comprehensive online archives in the world.  The first 60 interviews of its Armenian Genocide Collection will be made available to view online in the Foundation’s Visual History Archive on April 24, 2015, the 100th anniversary of the Genocide. read more

On the occasion of the centennial of the Armenian Genocide and in remembrance of the blood spilled by its countless victims, Ararat Home collaborated with the American Red Cross to host a successful blood drive on April 7. With the participation of 52 donors (employees, residents and supporters), members of the Ararat Home community may have potentially helped save the lives of 117 individuals. As this effort brought people together in a strong spirit of goodwill, a decision was made to make the community blood drive an annual event at the Home every April.

Ararat Home had the unique opportunity and privilege to commemorate the centennial of the Armenian genocide by celebrating the lives of 12 centenarians residing at the Home. On Sunday, March 15, approximately 450 guests gathered at Deukmejian Ballroom for a special program honoring 12 extraordinary individuals born between 1906 and 1915. Two of the honorees are among the few remaining survivors and witnesses of the Armenian genocide. However, all the honorees have experienced life with moments of triumph, sorrow, joy, pain and fulfillment. Their remarkable lives were presented by students from 11 Los Angeles area Armenian day schools. After the reading of each honoree’s biography, students beautifully recited poems composed by treasured Armenian writers that illustrate the enduring spirit of the Armenian people. The symbolic representation of Armenian centenarians by members of the future generation of Armenians was truly poignant. read more

Ararat Home planned several commemorative events on the Mission Hills campus in March and April marking the 100^th anniversary of the Armenian Genocide.

On Thursday, March 12, clergy from the Western Diocese and Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church, the Armenian Catholic Eparchy and the Armenian Evangelical Union performed a special requiem service in Sheen Memorial Chapel. read more

V. Rev. Fr. Pakrad Bourjekian performs the “Home Blessing” service in the Ararat Home Assisted Living Facility

A delegation of Diocesan clergymen were greeted by several members of the Ararat Home staff and Board of Trustees on Monday, February 9, 2015. H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, visited Ararat Home accompanied by H.G. Bishop Abgar Hovakimian, Primate of the Canadian Diocese, Rev. Fr. Vazgen Boyajyan from Montreal, Rev. Fr. Zareh Zargarian from Toronto, Very Rev. Fr. Pakrad Bourjekian from the St. James Brotherhood of the Armenian Apostolic Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and several other Western Diocesan clergy.

The delegation met with residents in the Skilled Nursing Facility as well as in the Assisted Living Facility, where H.E. Arch. Derderian reiterated his admiration and support for the mission of Ararat Home and guest clergy expressed their delight in visiting such an establishment. On behalf of Ararat Home, Board Chairman Joseph Kanimian, Esq. conveyed appreciation for such visits, which always uplift the spirits of residents and staff. He presented each visiting clergyman with special Ararat Home memorabilia. read more

Fethiye Çetin, a Turkish lawyer, writer and human rights activist, who had represented the Turkish-Armenian journalist Hrant Dink, visited the Ararat Home Mission Hills campus on November 15, 2014, where she was greeted by Ararat-Eskijian Museum Director, Maggie Mangassarian-Goschin. Ms. Çetin was in Los Angeles at the invitation of the United Armenian Council for the Commemoration of the Armenian Genocide. She was invited to Ararat Home to pay tribute to our elders. read more

His Eminence Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of the Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of America, visited the Ararat Home Board of Trustees in Mission Hills on October 23, 2014. The Board had invited His Eminence to its customary dinner and monthly Board meeting, where he had the opportunity to meet each trustee and be more closely introduced to the scope of work done at Ararat Home.

In his opening remarks, Board Chairman Joseph Kanimian, Esq. welcomed His Eminence and thanked him and the Prelacy for being long-time supporters of Ararat Home. He expressed gratitude for the Prelate’s initiation of activities at Ararat Home this year related to the designation of 2014 as the “Year of the Elder” by H.H. Aram I, Catholicos of the Great House of Cilicia. As a token of appreciation, the Chairman presented His Eminence gifts of special Ararat Home memorabilia as well as a Michael Aram olive branch motif picture frame. He explained that as a symbol of peace and victory, the olive branch is very appropriate for His Eminence, who is a man of peace and always seeks victory for the Armenian nation.

After offering the opening prayer of the meeting, His Eminence addressed the entire Board. He thanked God for the opportunity for this visit and the Board for its warm welcome and hospitality. He explained that Ararat Home is very close to his heart, as his first pastoral visit, after arriving in Los Angeles, was to Ararat Home. And thus, for over two decades, the Prelacy has fostered a collaborative relationship with the Home, where clergy regularly visit to provide spiritual enrichment and guidance for the residents in all three facilities in Mission Hills and Eagle Rock. His Eminence expressed his personal joy with each of his visits, when he leads special services or celebrates Holy Mass with the residents. He gave each trustee a special gift in recognition of their efforts to further the work of the Home, and he blessed the God-pleasing mission of Ararat Home, where compassionate care is provided to our elders. He declared that Ararat Home is a treasure that belongs to the entire Armenian nation and that the nation’s heart is at the Home.

Reverend Joseph D. Matossian, Minister to the Armenian Evangelical Union of North America, visited the Ararat Home Board of Trustees in Mission Hills on September 25, 2014. The Board had invited the Reverend to its customary dinner and monthly Board meeting, where he had the opportunity to meet each trustee and be more closely introduced to the scope of work done at Ararat Home.

In his opening remarks, Board Chairman Joseph Kanimian, Esq. welcomed Reverend Matossian, introduced him to the Board and thanked him for being a long-time supporter of Ararat Home. The Chairman also presented the Reverend gifts of special Ararat Home memorabilia as a token of appreciation.

After offering the opening prayer of the meeting, Reverend Matossian addressed the entire Board. He thanked the Board for its warm welcome and fellowship and blessed its efforts in the challenging task of fundraising. The Reverend briefly presented his background, ministry and current involvement in the community, and he expressed his love for God as well as for the Armenian nation and people. He spoke of the Armenian Evangelical Union’s collaboration with the Armenian Apostolic and Catholic Churches and of their shared concern regarding maintaining their connection with the Armenian youth. He affirmed the need for all members of the community to serve as examples of friendship, love and peace for our youth. Reverend Matossian concluded by thanking the Board for its passion and commitment to the worthy mission of Ararat Home, where compassionate care is provided to our elders. read more

Most Reverend Mikael Mouradian, Bishop of the Armenian Catholic Eparchy in the United States and Canada, visited the Ararat Home Board of Trustees in Mission Hills on August 27, 2014. The Board had invited the Eparch to its customary dinner and monthly Board meeting. The Eparch met each trustee and was more closely introduced to the scope of work done at Ararat Home.

Board Chairman Joseph Kanimian welcomed the Eparch in his opening remarks, introduced him to the Board and thanked him and the Armenian Catholic Church for being great supporters of Ararat Home. The Chairman also presented the Eparch special Ararat Home gifts as a token of appreciation.

After offering the opening prayer at the meeting, the Eparch addressed the entire Board. He briefly remarked on the history of the Armenian Catholic Church in North America and the challenges the Church faces today. He blessed the trustees for their service and dedication to the mission of the Home and conveyed the appreciation of the Armenian Catholic Church for the compassionate care Ararat Home provides the elderly members of the community. Bishop Mouradian expressed his wish to return to the Home on another occasion in order to tour the facilities, meet the residents and pray with them, and bless the staff for the good work they all do.

H.E. Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, visited the Ararat Home Board of Trustees in Mission Hills on May 22, 2014. The Board had invited the Primate to its customary dinner and monthly Board meeting. The Primate met each trustee and was more closely introduced to the scope of work done at Ararat Home. read more

Honorable Zareh Sinanyan, the recently-elected Mayor of Glendale, visited Ararat Home in Mission Hills, on May 21, 2014. He toured the campus accompanied by Board of Trustees Chairman Joseph Kanimian, Esq., and Chief Operating Officer Derik Ghookasian. Ararat Nursing Facility prepared a small reception for him, where Administrator Margarita Kechichian explained the quality of care provided at the facility and displayed the recently acquired certificate from Medicare verifying the facility’s top, 5-star rating. While there, the mayor joined the 100th birthday celebration of one of the residents, Alice Swaringen. read more

Zabel Krikorian, a Genocide survivor, celebrated her 100th birthday on May 15, 2014, at Ararat Convalescent Hospital in Eagle Rock, California. The nursing staff and administration prepared a wonderful party in her honor.  A few days earlier, she met with members of the Ararat Home Board of Trustees and entertained them with a few recitations and Armenian songs. Board Chairman Joseph Kanimian, Esq., commended her positive Armenian spirit and congratulated her wishing her continued good health. read more

Fleeing Aintab, Turkey in 1921 at the age of 7, little did my Grandma, Yevnige Aposhian Salibian, know that her story of survival from the Armenian Genocide would be her golden ticket to attend the USC Shoah Foundation 20^th Anniversary Gala as a distinguished guest on May 7, 2014.

It’s a Cinderella story, where, like the princess in the classic story, Yevnige Salibian was whisked away from her former life in a horse-drawn carriage at a young age escaping oppression.  And in both stories, they ended up at a ball.  For Cinderella, it was the ball in honor of the prince.  For Grandma, it was 93 years later at a gala in honor of the President, a recipient of the Ambassador for Humanity award.

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On Wednesday, April 30, 2014, Very Rev. Fr. Tatoul Anoushian, a member of the Patriarchate of Constantinople and Religious Council Chair, visited Ararat Home in Mission Hills. Accompanied by Ararat Home Board of Trustees Chairman, Joseph Kanimian, Esq., Very Rev. Fr. Anoushian toured the Nursing Facility as well as the Assisted Living Facility. Administrators of both facilities, Margarita Kechichian and Rita Noravian, explained the mission and work of Ararat Home and introduced Very Rev. Fr. Anoushian to some of the residents who received his blessings. He also toured Ararat-Eskijian Museum and Sheen Memorial Chapel on the campus. The Very Rev. Father was impressed and pleased with his visit and commended Ararat Home for the good work it continues to do within the Armenian community of Los Angeles. read more

The 15^th Annual Armenian History Timeline Quiz Bowl was held at Ararat Home on Sunday, April 6, 2014, with the participation of eighth graders from the following Armenian schools: Rose and Alex Pilibos Armenian School, Vahan and Anoush Chamlian Armenian School, Holy Martyrs Cabayan Elementary and Ferrahian High School, C&E Merdinian Armenian Evangelical School, Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School, A.G.B.U. Manoogian-Demirdjian School, Armenian Sisters Academy, and St. Gregory A. & M. Hovsepian School.

The Quiz Bowl evolved into a lively contest and revealed students’ depth of knowledge, the thorough preparation of their teachers, and the engaged attentiveness of the audience. During the two-hour competition, students answered a series of questions about Armenian history and culture spanning three millennia. They demonstrated familiarity with a varied range of topics, including history, geography, literature, science, the arts and religion. The questions were based on the book, Armenian History Timeline, written by Hagop and Marilyn Arshagouni and illustrated by the late Herach Hovsepian. read more

The Ararat Home Board of Trustees re-elected its executive committee officers for another year of dedicated service on March 27, 2014, in Mission Hills, California. Among those entrusted to guide the organization through another outstanding year of growth is Chairman Joseph Kanimian. Attorney Kanimian was elected as Chairman of the Board of Trustees last year and, along with members of the Building Committee co-chaired by Nazar H. Ashjian Jr., CPA, successfully oversaw the completion and opening of the Avakian Wing, the addition of a 58-bed unit in Ararat Nursing Facility. Trustees expressed their appreciation of Chairman Kanimian’s commitment to the mission of Ararat Home and conveyed their trust in his leadership and vision. The other officers of the Board of Trustees who were re-elected include: Mr. Ashjian Jr., CPA, as 1st Vice Chair, Nora Hampar as 2nd Vice Chair, Nadya Verabian as Secretary, Debbie Avedian as Assistant Secretary, Michael Surmeian, CPA, as Treasurer and Ron Nazeley as Assistant Treasurer. read more

Honoring Those Who Helped Rescue a Generation of Armenian Survivors

On March 22, 2014, Ararat-Eskijian Museum hosted an all-day international conference titled, “Honoring Those Who Helped Rescue a Generation of Armenian Survivors, 1915 -1930.” The purpose of the conference was to pay tribute to all those countries, individuals and organizations that had sacrificed so much to aid a perishing nation. Leading scholars from around the world discussed the manner in which the international community participated in the first major humanitarian effort of the twentieth century. The event was very well-attended by the community.

Dr. Carla Garapedian, documentary filmmaker and Director of Screamers, served as mistress of ceremonies for the day. The conference opened with pre-recorded speeches addressed to the Armenian community by United States Representative Adam Schiff and California State Assemblyman, 43rd District, Mike Gato.

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At the invitation of Ararat-Eskijian Museum, on March 21, 2014 in Sheen Chapel, renowned journalist Robert Fisk presented a lecture titled, “Nearly a Century after the Armenian Genocide, These People Are Still Being Slaughtered in Syria.” He spoke of the effects the civil war is having on the Armenian communities throughout Syria as well as the challenge the Armenian nation faces of perpetuating the memory of Genocide victims for coming generations. The next day, Dr. Fisk participated in the international conference organized by Ararat-Eskijian Museum and held in Deukmejian Grand Ballroom, which focused on “Honoring Those Who Helped Rescue a Generation of Armenian Survivors 1915-1930.” read more

HISTORIC MILESTONE FOR ARARAT HOME OF LOS ANGELES

“THE BRIGHTEST STARS ARE THOSE WHO SHINE FOR THE BENEFIT OF OTHERS”

February 8, 2014 marked the official grand opening of the Avakian Wing of the Skilled Nursing Facility of Ararat Home of Los Angeles, Inc. adding 58 much-needed beds. Clergy, dignitaries and over 500 benevolent sponsors and supporters of the Home attended the Black-Tie Jubilee Dinner Dance. The historic event began with the official ribbon cutting ceremony by Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Co-Chair of the Building Committee, Joseph Kanimian, Esq., past Chairman of the Board and Co-Chair of the Building Committee, Mr. Nazar H. Ashjian, Jr., past Chairman of the Board and former Chairman of the Building Committee, Mr. Armen Hampar, and executor of the Avakian Family Trust, Mr. Robert Taylor. Greeting the guests in true Armenian fashion, beautiful hostesses dressed in traditional Armenian costumes served brandy and chocolates as they were ushered into the new wing.

A capacity crowd included religious leaders: Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Primate of Western Diocese of the Armenian Church of North America; Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Prelate of Western Prelacy of the Armenian Apostolic Church of the United States; Reverend Joseph D. Matossian, Armenian Evangelical Union of North America; Very Reverend Monsignor Andon Atamian of the Armenian Catholic Eparchy; many archbishops and reverend clergy accompanied them. Our religious leaders commended Mr. Kanimian for his exceptional leadership and expressed appreciation to the Board, administration and staff for their hard work and dedication in superbly providing a nurturing, stimulating and safe environment for our elders.

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The Board of Trustees of the Ararat Home of Los Angeles proudly announces the completion of the new wing of the Long Term Skilled Nursing Care facility in Mission Hills. The newly completed expansion has added 19,000 square feet to the existing structure and will provide 58 additional beds to continue the highest quality level of care afforded to its residents.

To celebrate the expansion, a New Wing Celebration Committee has been appointed to plan a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony and Jubilee Banquet on Saturday, February 8, 2014. Committee members include co-chairs and Board members Berj Shahbazian and Ron Nazeley along with Debbie Avedian, Nora Hampar and Arthur Zabounian. The committee also includes Lily Balian, Araxie Boyamian, Alice Chakrian, Eileen Keusseyan, Tamar Mashigian, Silva Naccashian, Vivian Nazeley, Angela Parseghian, Belet Shahbazian, Hilda Sinanian, and Zovig Zeitlian.

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MISSION HILLS: The Ararat Home of Los Angeles Board of Trustees has elected Attorney Joseph Kanimian as its chairman. At the Annual Membership Meeting on March 3, 2013, outgoing Chairman Nazar Ashjian Jr.remarked, “I am certain that you will be very pleased with Joe Kanimian as your new chairman. He has demonstrated his care for the Home through many years of service.”

Joseph Kanimian, active in many organizations, is a former chairman of the Diocesan Council of the Armenian Church, Western Diocese. He is a member of the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross Los Angeles Region, and chairs its Gift Planning Committee. He is a founding board member of House of Armenia, a non profit charitable organization and serves on the Endowment Fund Committees of the Western Diocese and Ararat Home. Mr. Kanimianis a recipient of the St. Nerses Shnorhali Medal from His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians for his many years of volunteer service to the Armenian Church.

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MISSION HILLS: The Ararat Home Annual Picnic on Sunday, September 23, 2012 was a great success. Chairman of the event, Mike Surmeian, said, “As usual, it was a total team effort.” Mike and committee members, William Kevorkian, Galen Petoyan, Shant Dergazarian, Richard Jebejian, Maggie Goshen and Luke Surmeian all did their part as well as an additional 150 volunteers who filled positions on the day of the picnic. While the Los Angeles Chapter of the Triple X Fraternity and the Los Angeles Jr. Triple X did the lion’s share of the food ordering, prep and serving, don’t forget the ladies of the Ararat Home Auxiliary and the Guilds who prepared and sold the much sought after baked goods and desserts… always with a smile.

The day was warm, but that didn’t keep the Najarian Ensemble from playing wonderful music in the courtyard to the delight of those who couldn’t bear to sit still and took the opportunity to get up and dance. The Ara Dance Group, in full costume, was thrilling to see; such attractive young people putting their all into their art. Wonderful! Members of Knights of Vartan Sevan Lodge manned the shuttle vans all day so no one had a long walk to and from the additional parking lots down the hill.

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13thAnnual Armenian History Timeline Quiz Bowl was held at Ararat Home in Mission Hills on Sunday April 29, 2012 with the participation of eight graders from the following Armenian schools. Rose and Alex Pilibos School, Vahan and Anoush Chamlian School, Holy Martyrs Ferrahian School, Merdinian Evangelical School, Sahag Mesrob Christian School, AGBU Manoogian-Demirjian School, Sisters Academy, and St. Gregory (Hovsepian) School.

A lively contest developed, revealing the depth of the knowledge of the students, the thorough preparation provided by their teachers, and the absorbed attentiveness of the audience.

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Mission Hills: On Sunday afternoon, March 25, 2012, members of the Ararat Home of Los Angeles gathered at the Mission Hills campus to elect Board of Trustee members and to receive reports and news of accomplishments for the previous year. Board Chairman, Nazar Ashjian, Jr. presided over the meeting. The tone of all the reports was overwhelmingly positive. Highlights included a progress report on a building project which will add 58 beds to the Ararat Nursing Facility which is scheduled to open in May of 2013. Ararat Home continues to receive highest ratings from State and Federal agencies. The Home, in recognition that the State of California is in a severe budget situation, has planned for and is confident to maintain the highest of standards despite the downturn. Generous donations from the Southern California Armenian community assure success.

Revered clergy from the Southern California Armenian Community came together on Sunday afternoon, October 2, 2011 to bless the ground of Ararat Home Skilled Nursing Facility’s newest construction project. Known as “Phase III,” the project will provide an additional 58 beds to the 198 beds already in service at the Mission Hills campus. Western Diocese Primate, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian, Western Prelacy Primate, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian, Armenian Catholic priest Armenak Bedrosian and Minister to the Armenian Evangelical Union, Rev. Joseph Matossian took part.

Co-Chairmen of the Construction Fund Raising Committee, Ron Nazeley and Berj Shahbazian welcomed the 40 attendees and provided details of the project. Ararat Home Board Chairman, Nazar Ashjian, Jr. who also serves as Co-Chairman of the Construction Committee with Joseph Kanimian, commented, “Ararat Home is for the whole community and is open to everyone.” Following the blessing of the ground, a reception took place in the Trustee’s conference room.

Two things immediately noticeable at this year’s September 25, 2011 Ararat Home Picnic in Mission Hills, CA were the good weather (it wasn’t hot) and the appearance of the new construction project taking shape at the north end of the property. After months of planning, Michael Surmeian led his volunteers with great enthusiasm and energy as he chaired the picnic for the third consecutive year.

Shuttle service from adjoining properties where visitors parked was provided by members of the Knights of Vartan Sevan Lodge. As always, the Triple X and Triple X Juniors worked at food & drink stations, sold tickets, ran children’s games, and barbequed shish kebab. Parking control was assisted by Students of AGBU Manoogian-Demirdjian School of Canoga Park. The doors were open from 11:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. A few of the older volunteer workers remembered six decades of service to the Home. Others were serving for the first time.

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Eagle Rock CA – Celebrating 30 years of service to the “hayrigs” and “mayrigs” of the San Gabriel Valley, Ararat Home Convalescent Hospital in Eagle Rock was host to honored guests and valued staff on May 13, 2010. Administrator Robert Taylor introduced long-time supporters and former administrators who expressed their fond memories of the hospital’s humble beginnings and stellar reputation. In an atmosphere which felt like a family reunion, a delicious meal was shared and an anniversary cake was cut and enjoyed. To cap off the afternoon, certificates of appreciation for specific years of service were presented by Mr. Taylor, Director of Nurses Mrs. Aida Yeghiayan and Chairman of the Ararat Board of Trustees, Mr. Nazar Ashjian, Jr. Special recognition was given to the two longest serving staff members, Mr. Ovanes Bakalian, Cook, and his wife, Janet, Certified Nurse Assistant who have provided loving care for approximately 1800 residents over these 30 years. Chairman Ashjian, speaking for the whole Armenian community, said to the staff members who care for Ararat’s residents, “Your services and hard work are much appreciated by us all.”

Photo Left to Right: Aida Yeghiayan, Director of Nurses, Robert Taylor, Adminstrator, Ovanes and Janet Bakalian, faithful 30-year staff members