Santa Monica College ASA On October 27, 2026, Lorik Humanitarian Fund founder Shunt Jarchafjian visited Santa Monica College for a presentation organized by the college's newly established Armenian Students Association. The gathering provided an opportunity to share firsthand experiences from Artsakh, discuss the consequences of the forced displacement of its Armenian population, and introduce students to Lorik's ongoing humanitarian work. We extend our sincere thanks to the

Earlier this month, Lorik Humanitarian Fund visited St. John Armenian Apostolic Church in San Francisco to share updates on our humanitarian work and express our gratitude to the parish community for its generous support of families forcibly displaced from Artsakh. Following Sunday Divine Liturgy, Lorik founder Shunt gave a presentation to parishioners about the organization's ongoing programs, including housing assistance, educational scholarships, small business development

Lorik Humanitarian Fund has begun distributing scholarships for the new academic year through the Aznavour Saghyan Scholarship Fund, continuing its commitment to supporting students forcibly displaced from Artsakh. So far this academic year, six students have received scholarships totaling $5,924, including three children of fallen Armenian soldiers. These scholarships provide direct financial assistance to students pursuing higher education while their families continue rebu

28 Students received their Kimonos Lorik Humanitarian Fund's Judo on the Border program is officially underway in Bertavan, a village along Armenia's northeastern border in the Tavush region. Under the guidance of instructor Sose Balasanyan, a judoka from Artsakh, children are now participating in regular judo classes, developing discipline, confidence, physical strength, and teamwork. To help launch the program, Lorik has purchased and distributed 28 judo uniforms (judogi) t

For months, children at Lorik Humanitarian Fund's Artsakh Tsil Arts Studio in Gyumri have been learning the traditional Armenian art of khachkar (cross-stone) making. This summer, we also brought that experience to children in villages across Armenia as part of Tsil Studio's traveling arts program. Recently, we had the pleasure of welcoming Narine Poladian, a master khachkar carver, to our studio in Gyumri. Originally from Lebanon, Narine repatriated to Armenia in 2018. Today

In Bertavan, a small village in Armenia’s Tavush region near the borders with Azerbaijan and Georgia, a new opportunity is opening for local children: judo classes right in their community. Lorik Humanitarian Fund is working to fund the program for its first full year, giving children in this border community a place to train, stay active, develop discipline and build confidence. Meet Our Instructor, Sose Balasanyan Sose Balasanyan is an accomplished judoka and sambo athlete

Lorik Humanitarian Fund has completed its first round of Small Business Development Grants, awarding 23 grants totaling $31,727.07 to families forcibly displaced from Artsakh. The grants put real resources directly into people’s hands: 60+ beehives, more than 700 chickens, 15 mother rabbits, bakery equipment, professional tools, business equipment and training. What the 23 Grants Actually Funded Beekeeping, 2 grants Two families received support to establish or expand beekeep

How a simple community gathering in Southern California can reach all the way to children in Armenia’s remote villages. On a summer afternoon in June, a group of friends gathered in Southern California to learn something new, how to prepare sourdough. The workshop, hosted by Peggy Ishkhanian, was also an opportunity to come together for a cause close to her heart. By the end of the gathering, Peggy and her friends had raised $4,000 for Lorik Humanitarian Fund. Peggy Ishkhany

Armo Abgaryan's widow and children Two families from Gishi, Artsakh receive permanent homes in Armenia, bringing Lorik Humanitarian Fund’s housing program to 15 families, including seven families of fallen servicemen The Abgaryan family’s new home was made possible through a $20,000 contribution from St. John Armenian Church of San Francisco to Lorik Humanitarian Fund, providing a permanent home in Etchmiadzin for the widow and four children of fallen Artsakh serviceman Armo

Four young athletes from families forcibly displaced from Artsakh represented Armenia in Abu Dhabi with support from Lorik Humanitarian Fund. Armenia returned from the 2026 IMMAF Youth World Championships with three medals, one gold and two bronze, after a strong showing by its 32 young athletes. The championships brought together more than 1,100 fighters representing 55 countries. Armenia finished ahead of a number of larger and established sporting nations in the official m

Four young athletes from forcibly displaced Artsakh families are heading to Abu Dhabi to represent Armenia at the 2026 IMMAF Youth World Championships, taking place August 16–23, 2026. With support from Lorik Humanitarian Fund, Karen Arzumanyan, Tigran Gasparyan, Samvel Avetisyan, and Erik Hayrapetyan will have the opportunity to compete on one of youth MMA's biggest international stages. Each of these athletes has earned his place through competition in Armenia. Their partic

Originally from Martuni, Artsakh, Inna was forcibly displaced and forced to rebuild her life in Armenia. Determined to continue the work she loves, she set out to strengthen her bakery and provide for her family. Through the Lorik Humanitarian Fund Small Business Development Program, we provided a grant to purchase bakery equipment and essential tools. These improvements will help her increase production, improve efficiency, and continue serving her community. Small business

For students forcibly displaced from Artsakh, pursuing a university education often means overcoming tremendous challenges.Despite losing their homes, many remain determined to continue their studies and build a better future. Through the Aznavour Saghyan Scholarship Fund, Lorik Humanitarian Fund helps cover tuition costs so students can remain focused on their education instead of financial hardship. Every scholarship represents more than assistance—it is an investment in th

Thanks to the support of our donors, Lorik Humanitarian Fund is helping forcibly displaced students from Artsakh continue their education in Armenia. Over a 100 students have been helped this year Every scholarship helps a student build a brighter future. To Learn more or support visit: Aznavour Saghyan Scholarship Fund

After being forcibly displaced from Artsakh, Arthur's family was determined to rebuild their future through hard work and self-sufficiency. Through the Lorik Humanitarian Fund Small Business Development Program, we provided funding for chickens and the supplies needed to begin a poultry farming operation. The project creates an opportunity to generate steady income while helping the family become less dependent on humanitarian assistance. Small business grants are about more

After being forcibly displaced from Artsakh, Gevorg was determined to rebuild his family's future through honest work. In Armenia, he opened a neighborhood produce store, providing fresh fruits and vegetables to his community while working to establish a stable source of income. Like many small business owners, however, he faced a practical challenge. Without proper climate control, high temperatures caused fruits and vegetables to spoil more quickly, resulting in unnecessary

Recently, we provided support to Anahit, originally from Her Her village in the Martuni region of Artsakh, helping her reopen and expand her bakery in Armenia. Following the forced displacement from Artsakh, Anahit and her family faced the challenge of rebuilding their lives while creating a reliable source of income. Through a small business aid grant, Lorik Humanitarian Fund helped provide bakery equipment and funding to renovate the business location.

One of the goals of Lorik Humanitarian Fund's Small Business Development Program is to provide practical aid that helps displaced Artsakh families rebuild sustainable sources of income and achieve long-term stability.

Children's Day event for children of fallen Artsakh soldiers

Lorik Humanitarian Fund recently provided support to a displaced family from Mardakert through our Small Business Development Program. The family, which includes four children, was forcibly displaced from Artsakh and is now rebuilding their life in Armenia. Through a grant of 250,000 AMD (~$685), support was provided to help the family acquire 100 four-month-old chickens as part of a small-scale poultry farming initiative aimed at creating sustainable income and long-term sta