NY Armenian Home

The birth and growth of the home is the fruits os selfless contributions offered by those people, whether rich or poor, learned or illiterate, whose concern for the welfare of the elderly members of the New York Armenian Community prompted them to tie their fate to that of the Home. Sanossian was first convinced of the necessity of such an institution by the plight of many elderly Armenians who ha

d been cast off by their families. She gradually attempted to enlist the support of a group of devout Armenian ladies in the New York area. Despite many trials and tribulations, including ridicule, the Home became a reality, assuring that the Armenian elderly need no longer live their last years in loneliness, if their families were unable to care for them. On November 17, 1948, the Armenian Welfare Association of New York was incorporated. No sooner were the doors opened, than there was a waiting list for hopeful entrants. In the summer of 1954, the present location, 137-31 45 th Avenue, Flushing, New York, was purchased. Upgrading was begun in 1955. During 1957 the critical need for more beds was placed before the devoted volunteers and Armenian community. A Building Fund Drive was launched and after much consideration, the decision was to add a wing to the existing site. Three floors were added, and now there was room for 80 residents, (current licensing is for 79 residents). In retrospect, the history of the Home is itself a tribute to the Armenian community that fostered the Homes growth from a small institution housing three elderly Armenians, to the present day facility.