Dear Friends,

We thank all of you who have so generously contributed to our "Soup Kitchen" program in Armenia over the past sixteen years. As you may notice, we have recently changed the name of this humanitarian project to "Senior Dining Centers." It was brought to our attention that the former title usually connotes aid to the homeless and unemployed which is far from the case in Armenia.

The senior citizens we have served and continue to serve have spent their working years in a variety of establishments, including universities, offices, schools, hospitals and cultural institutions. Unlike the Soviet era, when this segment of society was assured a financially comfortable retirement, the independence of Armenia caused unexpected hardships, particularly for those without relatives or children who could ease their later years.

When AGBU began this project in 1991, pensioners were barely receiving six dollars a month, even though the minimum survival income was estimated at seventy-five dollars a month. Today, with the poverty line estimated at anything below $150 a month, pensioners are receiving $20 a month in government subsidies. Even worse, in 2007, basic food prices and health costs rose over 30 percent.

Today AGBU operates six "Senior Dining Centers," three in Yerevan and three in the towns of Etchmiadzin, Sevan and Hrazdan, serving some 1200 pensioners and, at times, needy families who receive short-term assistance. A more than sufficient meal is served Monday through Friday, with take-home servings for the weekend.

In a family-oriented society, it may seem unbelievable that some elderly are in such a precarious position. While the independence of Armenia has improved the quality of life for many, others still fondly remember the good old days with government-subsidized food and health services, plus a guaranteed ample monthly income. Now, for the elderly who are alone or whose families can barely eke out a living, AGBU's Senior Dining Centers have become a life-saver.

Annual costs for the "Dining Centers" are approximately $250,000. Our recipients are chosen from a Social Ministry list of individuals who are designated as living below the poverty line. Many are embarrassed to accept what they consider unbecoming charity and often have to be coaxed to participate. But soon, comfortably dining with their peers, they are relieved and happy to be at the Centers.

Your donation will mean a great deal to AGBU and to all the senior citizens we serve.

With appreciation,

Berge Setrakian
President