When we hear “Jinishian,” we think of 45 years of compassion, partnership and networking in service to our communities, helping others, guiding them toward self-sufficiency and, most importantly, sharing whatever we have with others in need.

One of our local governmental organizations with whom we have worked closely for many years, the Bourj Hammoud Office of Social Development, recently invited two of our participants to share the experience and knowledge they gained in a Community Development Vocational Training course, “Flower Arrangement, Soap and Candle Making,” sponsored by the Jinishian Memorial Program in Lebanon. Ms. Arsho and Ms. Lila accepted the invitation. For the first time in their lives, Arsho and Lila went to an organization and spoke in front of a group of 20 women attending a training session designed to eliminate illiteracy. They shared ideas about creating opportunities through acquiring skills.

The two facilitators, Arsho and Lila, moved from being “beneficiaries” to “donors,” as they donated their time and knowledge in service to others. The activity was enriching and empowering for both the participants as well as the facilitators. At the end of the session the two speakers earned applause and praise from the participants, who were eager to learn more.

“This was worth thousands of dollars” Lila said, adding “Next time we can do better.”

Offered in JMP–L’s Talassian Hall near our main offices, it was the first ever training of its kind held there. Throughout the duration of the program, the hall turned into a busy atelier for more than 24 participants, grabbing the attention of passers-by and neighbors who curiously came to watch and ask about the training through the ground floor’s windows.

The participants were very motivated — they even tried to make soaps in their homes and came back to discuss the difficulties they faced and to ask questions to the trainer in order to improve their performance.

Mrs. Lena, one of the trainees, said: “We are being able to express our artistic talents through the soaps, candles and flower arrangements that we prepare. Handcrafts are always pleasant to work on and give us self-confidence and satisfaction when we look back to the things we have accomplished. This course is giving us scientific and technical information, practice and taste. And most importantly, we can use what we are learning to increase the incomes of our families.”

Another trainee, Ms. A.Z., said: “We can’t wait to attend the course every Tuesday and Thursday. The training is so advantageous and at the same time the group dynamics are very positive.”

The products prepared by the trainees were showcased at an exhibition-sale held in December 2009, which attracted the attention of numerous community members, reporters, and representatives of the Bourj Hammoud Municipal Council, social centers, partners and other NGOs.

While visiting the exhibit, Mr. V. of Vivaro, a neighboring shoe business, thanked JMP–L for organizing this training course. He said: “You brought life to our neighborhood. You brought color to our street every Tuesday and Thursday. We are witnessing a positive movement in our street — women come in and go out, and even the passengers look in from the open windows to see what is going on in there.” He added: “You moved peoples’ curiosity and you are doing a great job. You decorated our neighborhood…” 

The event even grabbed the attention of the kids visiting the exhibition with their parents — some of them wanted to buy something with the little money they had.

> Read about the project.

Important note: In some of the stories, the names of beneficiaries have not been used or have been changed for the sake of privacy orconfidentiality.

With its diversity of topics, the training provided a comprehensive experience to participants in a well-organized three-month schedule. The well-rounded program included not only food-preparation-related sessions, but also courses on other helpful skills needed and issues encountered by young women who are or might be interested in becoming employed.

Twenty-one women coming from a variety of social, economic and educational backgrounds participated in the training, driven by their perseverance and hunger for knowledge.

The questions they asked and their active participation in the discussions showed their keen interest in the subjects.

During the evaluation of the training, most participants reflected positively on their experiences. The evaluation results showed that the majority of the trainees found the overall duration and organization of the program very good. Also, five out of 18 of the trainees found jobs after the training. The rest had personal reasons for not working.

These are the thoughts some of the participants expressed during the evaluation of the program:

• “It was a very encouraging and interesting project. Personally, I was very satisfied and learned a lot, especially from the first aid, nutrition, and interpersonal skills sessions.” (A.A.)
• “I wish you could always organize this kind of trainings, especially on such topics as employee rights and obligations … and safety and emergency [in the kitchen]…” (N.S.)
• “I am very thankful for this training session. I learned new things, things that I didn’t know. I deeply thank the Jinishian Memorial Program–Lebanon and the Mesrobian Technical College for giving us the chance to participate in this training.” (S.H.)
• “I hope these training sessions continue for the coming years.” (P.K.)

> Read about the project.

Important note: In some of the stories, the names of beneficiaries have not been used or have been changed for the sake of privacy orconfidentiality.

recreational, educational and sports activities, organized by JMP–L’s Community Development team, with the help of volunteers, in 2008.

Ten-year-old Mireille: “It’s been two years that my sister and I have been attending Jinishian’s activities. We have lots of fun here together with friends of the same neighborhood…”

“I am Angela. My brother and I have been attending JMP–L’s activities. We learned about children’s rights and responsibilities through which we learned to respect our families. That’s why we have visited our elderly citizens, our ‘grandparents,’ in the Armenian Old People’s Home.”

“My name is Caroline. We meet at the Jinishian Community Development office every week. We went together to so many places: to the beach, to the zoo. … We are so happy together.”

> Read about the project.

Important note: In some of the stories, the names of beneficiaries have not been used or have been changed for the sake of privacy or confidentiality.

After visiting the physician, the beneficiary came back to JMP–L’s offices and expressed his gratitude to the staff, because the doctor had informed him that he had miraculously avoided a fatal heart attack. He had received the necessary emergency treatment.

Later on, the person underwent additional diagnostic and therapeutic tests and is currently in a stable condition.

> Read about our medical services.

Important note: In some of the stories, the names of beneficiaries have not been used or have been changed for the sake of privacy orconfidentiality.

One of the participating women became very enthusiastic with the given guidance and learned skills. By the end of the program, she lost 10 kg — an achievement she was very happy and proud of.

Another participant, who used antidepressants for a long time, received support from the group activities and eventually found a part-time sales job. Due to the collective encouragement she received throughout the program, she became a more active, motivated individual, which enabled her to lead a more productive life.

> Read about the project.

Important note: In some of the stories, the names of beneficiaries have not been used or have been changed for the sake of privacy orconfidentiality

Specifically, 487 chronically sick individuals received medications from the JMP–L Medication Dispensing Department, 58 people benefited from medical assistance, and 294 people were offered cash assistance. In addition, around 130 displaced families received material assistance from JMP–L (mainly new underwear for males and females of all ages).

Monthly food coupons were also provided to 538 families for three months. The coupons were for the purchase of groceries from a specified cooperative/supermarket and excluded the purchase of alcoholic beverages and cigarettes.

According to JMP–L Director Seta Pamboukian, “the most significant advantage of this kind of assistance was the fact that people received whatever clothing and groceries they needed and whatever prescribed medications they needed.”

She explained that “usually relief assistance comes in the form of parcels or medication that people do not necessarily need or use,” adding that “the significance of this approach was that the dignity of people was respected in the way that the assistance was given.”

She added: “For the staff, it gave us satisfaction that the assistance was given in the spirit of Christian solidarity, and not in parcels on which political slogans were written.”

Source: www.pcusa.org

> Read about the project.

Important note: In some of the stories, the names of beneficiaries have not been used or have been changed for the sake of privacy orconfidentiality.

Despite their limited financial resources, JMP–L staff members use their networking skills to find the means to assist the families most in need.

My name is L. I was born on August 7, 2007. Ever since I was in my mother’s womb, I could not hear a thing. My daddy, N., and my mother, K., would always speak to me and hold up toys that made sounds to my mother’s belly for me to hear, but I was unable to hear anything.

After my birth, my parents learned that I was deaf. This was shocking news and my parents became sad and depressed.

They took me to Dr. A.N. He was a very nice person. I love him so much. He took very good care of me. The operation took place in the hospital CLSF, on Monday, December 15, 2008.

Besides my doctor, without your help, your kind support, your generous donations, and your prayers, my recovery would have been impossible.

I am hugging all those who helped me and supported my family financially to make the operation a reality so that I could hear as other babies do. Dr. A.N. promised me that after a few months I would be able to hear the voice of my mother, daddy and cousins. I will even be able to hear the sound of my toys and the television, and that will be amazing.

Many thanks to all of you.

Big Kisses,
L. J., through her mother
Lebanon

Source: PC (USA)–Jinishian website.

> Read about our hospitalization assistance services.

Important note: In some of the stories, the names of beneficiaries have not been used or have been changed for the sake of privacy orconfidentiality.

The program has helped the participants — teenage daughters of JMP–L beneficiaries with various socio-economic problems — to understand, care about, and base their actions on some core ethical values. It has also enabled them to have more harmonious relationships with God and others (kin and friends), and think and behave in more successful and fruitful ways.

Instead of staying idle at home, Vera decided to work while continuing her studies in accounting. At the same time, she tried to assist her parents — by giving away her entire income — to help them overcome their critical financial problems, since her parents failed to pay the rent. The family faced many other challenges including not having legal identity documents and being in deep debts. Despite the hardships, Vera received her accounting certificate. The family was also able to get IDs.

Another girl, Sara, was emotionally hurt, lacked her parents’ understanding and forgiveness, and was almost alienated from God and her parents. She was also financially in need. During a spiritual movie debate, Sara learned and understood that Jesus is all she needed, and that “we can do everything through Him who gives us strength.” After one of the sessions, in a private moment, she prayed a sinner’s prayer, accepting Jesus as her Savior.

Sara’s mother and brother are now in a more understanding relationship with her, accepting her despite her faults, and forgiving each others’ mistakes.

> Read about the project.

Important note: In some of the stories, the names of beneficiaries have not been used or have been changed for the sake of privacy orconfidentiality