Dear Friends,
A little more than two months ago, Shirley and I were in Armenia for 10 days. When we were in Yerevan, we had a chance to learn about work being done to revive the wool production in rural Armenia which I will detail soon in my next message when I gather more information (In Armenia, there are a lot of sheep that are sheared, and the wool discarded or burned).
While there, we had a chance to visit EREO in Vanadzor (3rd largest city in Armenia). They are doing amazing work. Besides mobility related disability, they have expanded to include help for the deaf and the blind. They have come a long way since we sent our donations in 2018, and George bought their permanent home. Read the attached report to learn more about their remarkable achievement. The best return on our investment.
George in the center with founders Anush Aslanyan to his left and Anush Arakelyan to his right in front of the property
November 2018 Property Purchased $22,000 in Vanadzor.
December 2018 Your donations totaling $15,046 deposited in Ameria Bank – Vanadzor.
March 2020 Installed Heating System, new carpeting, security system, wheelchair ramp, electrical upgrade, new windows, toilet accessible by the disabled, new cabinetry, secure metal doors.
November 2021– New paint, laminate floors, outside landscaping.
September 2022 – Balcony extended and renovated to install a new Wheelchair Ramp for better wheelchair access.
During our visit in May, Anush signed on her computer and printed a copy of EREO’s bank statement for us. They now have a balance of approximately $21,000 and a vehicle that USAID gave them after closing their operation in Armenia. They plan to sell it for $14,000. If you would like to know how they were able to do all that, read the attached report.
USAID Armenia Mission Director John Allelo with EREO president Anush Aslanyan to his right and Anush Arakelyan to his left accompanied by Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Narek Mkrtchyan in front of EREO Facility.
This is all I have for now. I will soon send you more information about the Wool Project.
Wishing you all health and happiness.
Shahe
More details here