A Little Sun in Armenia

By Sarah Stites

Artyom is now 29. Before visiting Emili Aregak Center for the first time in 2019, he was isolated and uncommunicative. Due to Artyom's cerebral palsy, he hadn't finished school. As a young adult, he hardly ever left the house. 
 
Then he was referred to us. He grudgingly participated in "Nine Steps to the Labour Market"—our soft and professional skills training program for young adults with disabilities.
 
Not even Artyom could resist the joy of Aregak, which means "little sun" in Armenian. And over time, our little sun warmed him. Artyom became actively involved in our trainings, seminars, and social activities, and took photography, computer, and English courses organized through our partnerships with local organizations.

Today, Artyom is a totally different young man. He can't stop talking! He helps me with graphic design and video editing projects and gets anxious when I don't have his next project lined up. The knowledge that we genuinely value his work means more than anything in the world to him. 

At our big event on December 3—the International Day of Persons with Disabilities—the once taciturn Artyom told his story in front of more than 100 people. And to top it all off, Artyom was hired by a local tech company. The only problem is—he now loves Emili Aregak so much that he doesn't want to leave us! 

Artyom's departure is our success; it means we've given him the wings to fly on his own. 

Through the generosity of the faithful in the US who have contributed to the Collection for the Church in Central and Eastern Europe, the Emili Aregak Center received critical financial support for the building of the Center. Now hundreds of vulnerable children and young adults in Armenia, like Artyom, are able to experience transformative opportunities. Thank you!

Sarah Stites is the development officer for Emili Aregak Center in Gyumri, Armenia.