Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA, Inc.

Home
United States
Watertown, MA
Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA, Inc.

Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA, Inc., Social service, 80 Bigelow Avenue, Watertown, MA.

The ARS is a not for profit, independent, non governmental, non sectarian philanthropic organization which serves the humanitarian needs of the Armenian people throughout the world and seeks to preserve the cultural identity of the Armenian nation.

09/01/2026

The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Eastern USA proudly honored Ungerouhi Gemma G. Vartanian with a Lifetime Achievement Certificate in celebration of her 99th birthday. For decades, Ungerouhi Gemma has been an instrumental member of the ARS, dedicating her time and energy to the organization and its mission. Her years of service reflect her deep commitment to the Armenian community and to the values of service and compassion at the heart of the ARS.

08/23/2026

📬 YOU’VE GOT MAIL!

Our very first Eastern Connections newsletter from the Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA has officially launched! Keep an eye on your mailbox for the inaugural issue!

📩 Not on our mailing list yet? We’d love to add you! Email [email protected] to be added!

08/17/2026

SAVE THE DATE!

The ARS Norian Youth Connect Program will take place on Saturday, October 24 at the National Association of Armenian Studies and Research Headquarters in Belmont, MA!

More details coming soon!

08/10/2026

Watertown, MA - The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Eastern USA is pleased to announce the appointment of Henry C. Theriault, Ph.D., as the new Director of the ARS Norian Youth Connect Program.

"Over the years, Dr. Theriault has been a valued part of the ARS Norian Youth Connect Program, sharing his expertise as a workshop leader and engaging our students with thought-provoking discussions," said Mimi Parseghian, Chairperson of the ARS Eastern USA Regional Executive Board. "We are delighted that he is now stepping into the role of Program Director and are confident that under his leadership, the ARS Norian Youth Connect Program will continue to serve as a hub to engage with scholars and have critical dialogue," she continued.

Henry C. Theriault, Ph.D., is Associate Provost at Worcester State University in the United States, after teaching in its Philosophy Department 1998-2017. In his current position, Theriault oversees the university’s library, international students and study program, faculty development center, human subjects research ethics board, general education program, first-year seminar program, and academic integrity process, as well as serving in various other leadership capacities, including as chair of the research advisory board and a member of the president’s cabinet. He coordinated WSU’s Human Rights Center 1999-2007. With a background in radical social and political as well as continental philosophy, Theriault researches genocide denial, genocide prevention, post-genocide victim-perpetrator relations, reparations, and mass violence against women and girls. He has lectured around the world and published numerous journal articles and chapters. He is lead author of the Armenian Genocide Reparations Study Group’s 2015 Resolution with Justice; with Samuel Totten, co-authored The United Nations Genocide Convention: An Introduction (University of Toronto Press, 2019), and, with Chunhui Peng, coeditor of Aftermath of Mass Violence: A Comprehensive Approach through Theory and Case Studies (Bloomsbury, forthcoming). Theriault’s work has appeared in English, Spanish, Armenian, Turkish, and other languages. Theriault served two terms as president of the International Association of Genocide Scholars, 2017-2019 and 2019-2021. He has been founding co-editor of Genocide Studies International since 2012 and co-edited Genocide Studies and Prevention 2007-2012. He currently serves as vice-chair of the executive committee of the board of directors of the National Association for Armenian Studies and Research and is a member of the Armenian Society of Fellows.

https://arseastusa.org/2026/08/10/henry-c-theriault-ph-d-named-ars-norian-youth-connect-program-director/

07/31/2026

Ungh. Heather Krafian stopped by AYF Camp Haiastan to speak about the work of the Armenian Relief Society! We loved meeting the campers and sharing about the humanitarian work we do locally, regionally, in the homeland and across the world.

07/28/2026

𝐀𝐑𝐒 𝐨𝐟 𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐔𝐒𝐀 𝐚𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐬 $𝟏𝟎𝟕,𝟐𝟓𝟎 𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐜𝐡𝐨𝐥𝐚𝐫𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐩𝐬

WATERTOWN, Mass. — The Armenian Relief Society (ARS) of Eastern USA is proud to announce the awarding of $107,250 in scholarships to 81 deserving students for the 2026–2027 academic year. The Scholarship Committee and Regional Executive Board selected recipients based on their academic achievement, commitment to the Armenian community and demonstrated financial need.

“Education has always been one of the Armenian Relief Society’s greatest priorities because it empowers individuals and strengthens our communities for generations to come,” stated Mimi Parseghian, chairperson of the ARS of Eastern USA Regional Executive Board. “We are honored to invest in these exceptional students as they pursue their academic goals and continue to serve the Armenian community,” she said.

The scholarships awarded each year are made possible through the generosity of individuals and families who have established endowed scholarships and memorial funds in honor of their loved ones. Their enduring commitment to education has enabled the ARS of Eastern USA to help hundreds of students pursue higher education while easing the financial burden on their families.

07/13/2026

You can still book your rooms and join us at the ARS Eastern USA Retreat as we sail from New York to Bermuda!

07/04/2026

As America celebrates the 250th Anniversary of Independence, we join in honoring the enduring ideals of freedom and service that have shaped this nation.

Founded in New York City in 1910, the Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA has grown alongside the Armenian-American community for more than a century. From survivors of the Armenian Genocide seeking a new beginning to generations born and raised in the United States, Armenians have embraced this country as home while enriching its communities through service, education, business, medicine, the arts, public service, and philanthropy. The Armenian-American experience is a testament to the strength of immigrant communities and the values that define our nation.

This anniversary also recognizes the indispensable role of nonprofit organizations in American society. For more than 115 years, the ARS-EUSA has remained committed to supporting Armenians and Americans alike, uplifting individuals and families, responding to humanitarian crises, preserving the Armenian identity, and strengthening our communities. Alongside countless nonprofit organizations across the country, we remain dedicated to making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

As we celebrate this historic milestone, we honor the freedoms and opportunities that have allowed generations of Armenian Americans to flourish while giving back to the nation they proudly call home. May the next 250 years continue to be defined by service and hope for all.

Happy 250th Anniversary, America! 🇺🇸

06/27/2026

Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Venezuela and particularly the Armenian community during this incredibly difficult time following the devastating twin earthquakes.

The Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA is closely monitoring the situation and will keep our community updated on further relief actions and how you can support. Stay strong, Venezuela. 🇦🇲🇻🇪

06/18/2026

The Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA held a productive seminar from June 5–7 at AYF Camp Haiastan under the theme, “Empowered Chapters, Enduring Communities,” bringing together members and ARS Supporters from across the Eastern Region for learning and discussion centered on strengthening community engagement and organizational growth.

“Gatherings like this are essential to the continued growth and strength of our organization,” said Mimi Parseghian, Chair of the ARS Eastern USA Regional Board. “Bringing together members from across the region gives us the opportunity to learn from one another, exchange ideas, and build meaningful connections. These weekends not only strengthen our chapters, but also reinforce our shared commitment to serving our communities and preserving the mission of the ARS for future generations,” she continued.

Throughout the weekend, attendees participated in informative presentations and thoughtful discussions focused on empowering local chapters and ensuring the continued strength and sustainability of Armenian communities. Silva Avedis presented “Staying Connected: Addressing Needs and Supporting Seniors,” focusing on ways communities can better support and engage elderly members. Janet Haroian led a session titled “Civic Participation in our Communities,” encouraging active involvement and leadership within local communities.

In addition, the ARS Eastern Region Board Treasurer, Talar Abdalian presented a comprehensive overview of the organization’s yearly activities. This presentation carried particular significance as it marked the first time the ARS has not hosted a convention following the transition to a two-year convention system. During the presentation, it was also announced that more than $330,000 has been allocated to various community initiatives, homeland programs, and worldwide humanitarian efforts under the umbrella of the ARS, further reflecting the organization’s ongoing commitment to service both locally and globally.

The seminar also featured an open forum discussion, “Exploring Opportunities & Navigating Challenges,” allowing members to openly exchange ideas, discuss the evolving needs of the community, and explore future opportunities for the organization, which was particularly important as more than 71 members gathered from across 16 chapters.

Chairperson Parseghian also reflected on the significance of holding the seminar at AYF Camp Haiastan by saying “It was wonderful to gather at a place that so many of our community members call home. Camp Haiastan holds a special place in our hearts, especially knowing that the seed money to help establish the camp was given by the ARS to the AYF many years ago. Today, it has become a staple of our region and a cherished home away from home for generations of our community.”

Address

80 Bigelow Avenue
Watertown, MA
02472

Telephone

+16179263801

Website

http://www.arseastusa.org/

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA, Inc. posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to Armenian Relief Society of Eastern USA, Inc.:

Want your organization to be the top-listed Government Service in Watertown?