H. Hovnanian Family Foundation Supports AASW’s Work with Forcibly Displaced People of Artsakh

In response to the ethnic cleansing of Artsakh's Armenian population, the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation has stepped forward with significant financial support, earmarking Emergency Grants to organizations dedicated to the urgent care and integration of Armenians from Artsakh into Armenia. The Armenian Association of Social Workers (AASW), which has been instrumental in providing support to the forcibly displaced population from Artsakh now residing in Armenia, is among the organizations receiving this vital support. 

Role of the Armenian Association of Social Workers (AASW)

Recognizing the urgent need for psycho-social services, the AASW was among the first organizations to establish operations on the ground. With the support of the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation, the AASW has successfully opened a center in the Ararat region, directly impacting the lives of displaced individuals and families. The Masis center offers comprehensive services to more than 316 families across four villages: Ayntap, Kharberd, Hayanist, and Khachpar. Notably, the center also employs displaced individuals from Artsakh, integrating them into the service provision fabric and ensuring their active participation in rebuilding lives. The AASW has established similar centers in other regions of Armenia and is planning to further expand its operations to support more communities in need.

The AASW, recognized as the largest professional social work organization in Armenia, unites over 1,000 members from a broad spectrum of academic, practical, state, and non-state institutions. With a strong commitment to improving Armenia’s social protection system, the AASW envisions a social protection system grounded in social justice principles, offering professional services to citizens and positioning social workers as key agents of social welfare in Armenia. Upholding values such as legality, non-discrimination, social justice, integrity, and accountability, the Association is steadfast in its mission to advocate for social work professionals and specialists promoting ethical work conditions, social justice, and welfare.

The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation's support extends to other organizations working with displaced people from Artsakh, such as The Women’s Rights House (WRH), HubArtsakh, the VIVA Foundation, the Moonq Technochool, and the Aren Mehrabyan Foundation. 

• The WRH is making a substantial impact by offering psychosocial services and securing permanent job placements for 70 Artsakh women in Gyumri;
• HubArtsakh is providing crucial legal assistance and employment support to the forcibly displaced population; 
• More than 70,000 forcibly displaced Armenians from Artsakh have passed through VIVA’s shelters in Goris and Vayk; 
• Moonq Technochool, which was established in Artsakh, has restarted its activities in Tashir through the H. Hovnanian Family Foundation grant; and 
• The Aren Mehrabyan Foundation continues to provide specialized training and job placement for forcibly displaced Armenians from Artsakh.

In the wake of adversity, the Foundation’s strategic support of these and other organizations exemplifies a steadfast dedication to enhancing the quality of life and opportunities for those affected by the crisis in Artsakh. The H. Hovnanian Family Foundation remains committed to its mission of fostering the development of Armenia and ensuring the well-being and empowerment of its people, particularly during these challenging times.

To find out whether your NGO is eligible for Armenian Grants, you can complete the Eligibility Quiz.