Forever Homes for Abandoned Armenians

Dearest friends & supporters -

As I alluded to in my last letter, we at Warm Hearth are stretching our limbs, trying to reach further and higher and wider to include more residents and to offer always better care to those we already have in our home and in our care. As of three days ago, July 1, this means that we began operating under our new foundation "Jermik Ankyun (Warm Hearth) Foundation" in the Republic of Armenia as opposed to under the umbrella of another nonprofit, Mission Armenia. Mission Armenia has been vital to our beginning and we are quick to say that we would not have been able to do this without them. But there comes a time, and the time has come, to step out on our own...recognize what makes us unique and go confidently in that direction. That is what I hope and believe that this transition means for us. Please keep our directors there in your hearts, prayers and thoughts as they take risks - both personal and organizational - on behalf of those whom we all hold dear.

In the midst of this and as a result of my recent trip with Bridget over the seas and back in Armenia, we are also renovating/finishing our third floor. We plan to new residents, each of whom either is already living in the psychiatric institutions or is destined for them. We hope to welcome them by the autumn. After 2 1/2 years of being open, we feel like we are at a place where we can welcome new residents into our home.... The ground is sure enough beneath our feet. Thank you for being patient with us, and for trusting our timing. Because some of you have asked, the initial renovation project (which doesn't include heating and plumbing) is currently estimated to cost $29,600. We have already raised $25,000 of that amount and are hoping to send the rest soon so that we can get the roof raised, as they say, before winter sets in.

We have enjoyed the summer influx of visitors and volunteers as well. Our residents and staff have been able to participate in activities and trainings. People have come and visited from far and wide. And as you know from walking with us for the last 2 1/2 years, this always is a gift to us. Know that you also are always welcome to come, to stay awhile in our home, to give what you have to give - whatever that might be, and to receive and appreciate all that Warm Hearth offers, in all its humanness, commonness, and dailyness. But this is where beauty and mercy are most often found.

May you know and find that same mercy this day, wherever you are.

With much gratitude and love, Natalie

MOST RECENT NEEDS:

**In order to raise money for our renovation project, we are selling packets of greeting cards with paintings by our residents. They are $15 each and if you are interested, please let me know by phone or email. (My phone number is listed below.)

**A desktop computer and monitor for our new foundation (no more than 3 years old and in working condition).

** Used/old cell phones which can be mailed to the post office box below (Warm Hearth receives monetary compensation for these).

-- Natalie Bryant Rizzieri Founder, Executive Director Friends of Warm Hearth, Inc.

Tel. (480) 921-1181 Armenian Tel. (374) (10) 39-81-50 Address: P.O. Box 1037; Tempe, AZ 85280

Here are some recent photos from the trip to Warm Hearth.