Dear Friends,

As always, we are most grateful to all of you who have, through the years, so generously supported our three AGBU Senior Dining Centers. Your contributions have been a lifeline for the 600-plus recipients who enjoy a plentiful lunch five days a week, often taking home extra portions for the evening and weekends.

It is estimated that there are 500,000 pensioners across Armenia. While most have the support of their grown children or relatives, some are completely alone, trying to exist on the monthly government pension of $70-$80 they receive. However, this sum doesn't even begin to cover the cost of food which has recently doubled, even tripled, rising utility fees and costly medications. The only positive aspect in their lives is their housing, since all citizens acquired ownership of their apartments soon after independence. Except now, they complain that they cannot afford to heat or light their homes.

You can imagine how demoralizing this is for our 65- 94-year-old retirees, all of whom were once gainfully employed in various institutions, factories and government offices. Most of their spouses are deceased; many of their children are struggling financially or have left the country. This year, in addition to our pensioners, we have had a number of desperate women who, with their children, have applied for meals. It is, of course, impossible to refuse them.

For all our diners, their two-hour visit to the AGBU Centers is just about the only comfort they have. The three-course meals they enjoy, as well as interaction with their peers, are often the highlight of their day.

When we began this humanitarian program in the early nineties, we expected it to be a temporary effort to assist seniors during this transitional period from the Soviet guaranteed wage system to free-market economy. But now, with no social services, Medicare or adequate pensions, things are worse than ever.

We hope we can once again count on you to assist us in this sacred mission. Our seniors and families always marvel at the generosity of our donors who have made their lives more bearable.

With appreciation,

Berge Setrakian
President