Dental Care for 235 orphans in Armenia

Update-Gyumri Dental Clinic on Our Lady of Armenia's (OLA) Grounds

By Kohar Mardirossian Pelter & George Yacoubian Jr. - Project leaders

 Happy New Year and Warmest Holiday Greetings to Our Supporters! 

On behalf of SOAR family, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude for all your support and contributions in funding the construction of the first Dental Clinic in Gyumri on the grounds of Our Lady of Armenia (OLA) in 2015!

The dental clinic in OLA is being constructed to serve not only the orphaned children living at the orphanages, but also orphaned children throughout Gyumri, senior citizens, and the needy and poor children living within greater Gyumri community. The 1988 earthquake destroyed buildings and structures in Gyumri, killed more than 25,000 residents, injured 19,000, and displaced more than 500,000 residents. Since that earthquake, Gyumri has been beset by physical devastation, poverty, and economic struggles.  Dental care remains unattainable for the poverty stricken population, including the orphans and the disabled. There are no permanent facilities for dental care in Gyurmi. The majority of the population do not have routine health screening or check-ups, and statistics show that by the age of 18 years, 80% of children no longer have their natural teeth. Scientific studies have documented that complications from dental cavities would lead to gum disease, general health issues and diseases. In 2016, the poverty still has a strong hold on the population of Gyumri-which struggles in severe and destitute conditions.

 In June of 2015, SOAR endeavored to partner with Global Giving and bring forth our first of the dental care project to Armenia's most vulnerable population, a humanitarian endeavor that would help a distinct and underserved population. Most of the city of Gyumri depends on charitable organizations and volunteers to provide health and dental care clinics. We are aiming to have our sponsored dental clinic in OLA be a year round clinic, providing full preventative care, such as dental cleaning and teaching of the routine teeth care plus all the procedures and treatments for all ages!
The OLA dental clinic's construction is almost complete thanks to the immense generosity of donors like you. However, we still need funds to purchase equipment supplies as well as to hire dental professionals such as dentists and technicians. A dedicated team of SOAR dental experts in USA volunteer to oversee the construction and the selection of the equipment and supplies. We are grateful for their support and guidance in fulfilling the project! We also have created a dental care fund volunteer program to invite dental professionals who would want to volunteer in the clinic in Armenia, thus providing more manpower coverage for the clinic's operation in Gyumri. 

 On this Armenian Christmas day and a New Year, touch a life and give the children bright and healthy smiles. OLA's clinic is the first of many clinics that we hope to establish in different parts of remote areas of Armenia. We need your help to make this come true. There is no amount too little to make a difference. Please support us through Global Giving Campaign! Our heartfelt thanks to your continued support!

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

Kohar Mardirossian Pelter & George Yacoubian Jr.

Gyumri Dental Clinic construction has begun in the OLA Center.

November 10, 2015

 The grounds of the Our Lady of Armenia (OLA) Center in Gyumri is noisy and bustling with construction workers. Yes, our dental clinic in OLA is being constructed to serve not only the orphaned children living at the orphanage, but also orphaned children throughout Gyumri, senior citizens, and the needy and poor children living within greater Gyumri community.

 The 1988 earthquake destroyed buildings and structures in Gyumri, killed more than 25,000 residents, injured 19,000, and displaced more than 500,000 residents. Since that earthquake, Gyumri has been beset by physical devastation, poverty, and economic struggles. In 2013, the National Statistical Service data reported that 32% of Armenia’s population lives below the poverty line. According to Armenia Poverty Snapshot 2014, child poverty is at 37.3%, and 3.2% of children in Armenia live in extreme poverty. High rates of child poverty contribute to children being unable to receive education, healthcare, and nutrition. Children with disabilities are among the most affected.

 Dental care remains unattainable for the poverty stricken population, including the orphans and the disabled. There are no permanent facilities for dental care in Gyurmi. The majority of the population do not have routine health screening or check-ups, and statistics show that by the age of 18 years, 80% of children no longer have their natural teeth. Scientific studies have documented that health care in childhood is essential for the overall health of a person and complications from dental cavities would lead to gum disease, general health issues and diseases.

 Most of the city of Gyumri depends on charitable organizations and volunteers to provide health and dental care clinics. We are aiming to have our sponsored dental clinic in OLA be a year round clinic, providing full preventative care, such as dental cleaning and teaching of the routine teeth care plus all the procedures and treatments for all ages!

 We appreciate your continued support of our dental care project. We hope to be able to raise more funds to supply and man the clinic soon. The walls are constructed and the roof is being built! There is a smile on the faces of the orphans, and we want the children to have bright and healthy smiles. We need your help to make this come true. Please support us through Global Giving Campaign! Our heartfelt thanks to your continued support!

Links:

• Dental Care Campaign