Armenian Family Support Services (AFSS) - Newcomers Gathering- November 2009

by Rita Odjaghian

On November 15th, Armenian Family Support Services held another successful “Newcomers Gathering”. At this event, we did have approximately 40 Armenian Newcomers from various countries, such as Iraq, Lebanon and Armenia.  The newcomers were from all walks of life. From a professional perspective, we had a spectrum of expertise, medical, engineering, law, teaching and even athletes.

Maida Icliates, Chair of the AFSS, launched the meeting with welcoming remarks, which was then followed by Rev. Archpriest Zareh Zargarian, Pastor of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church, addressing the support of our Church and the importance of being connected with the Armenian Community. Read more...

Armenian Family Support Services

2009 ‘Adopt a Family for Christmas’ Appeal

Do you want to make a difference in a child’s life in the true spirit of Christmas? Do you want to give your children or grandchildren an opportunity to bring Christmas cheer to others?

Our unique Adopt a Family for Christmas program will allow you to make a difference in a needy child’s life during this Holiday Season.  It’s easy and confidential-- we match Sponsors with a chosen family and give the age and gender of the children. The anonymity of both the families and the sponsors is strictly maintained. Sponsors send $25 per child to Armenian Family Support Services, 920 Progress Avenue, Toronto, M1G 3T5 .

We purchase a gift card for the entire amount and present it in a gift bag, together with a cute little stuffed toy, to the family in time for Christmas.  All extra donations will be used for AFSS projects throughout the year. A tax receipt is issued for all donations.

This Christmas reach out and touch a needy family. Your kindness will be remembered for years to come. 
If you would like to participate in our Armenian Family Support Services’ Adopt a Family for Christmas Program, please call our office at (416)431-5549 or the Church office at (416)431-3001 by December 1, 2009.

Dear Friends,

As we hear of the devastating news on the island nation of Haiti, we are reminded of the similar natural disaster beset the Armenian nation in 1988. The world at that time responded to the devastation with such outpouring of love and goodwill towards our people and nation.  It is now our turn to respond to the people of Haiti.

Every year, the Armenian Family Support Services “Soup Kitchen” takes place in the month of January to raise funds for Soup Kitchens in Armenia. With the impending situation in Haiti and in keeping true to our mission “to help those in need”, the AFSS Board of Directors in conjunction with the Holy Trinity Armenian Church have dedicated this year’s Soup Kitchen in support of the earthquake victims in Haiti. All proceeds collected will go to  the Canadian Red Cross - Haiti Relief. www.redcross.ca. As of January 15, 2010, the Canadian Red Cross appeals for more financial support to sustain emergency relief.

Enjoy a hot bowl of soup and know that your financial support will go to the much needed food, water and supplies in Haiti.

Please join us this

Sunday, January 24^th, 2010,

at 1:00 pm

at Holy Trinity Armenian Church,

920 Progress Avenue in Scarborough.

As Armenians in Toronto, let’s join the world community in the relief efforts for Haiti. Let’s show our support, as a collective community, and give back the love and goodwill that was bestowed to us 21 years ago.

For further information or to make a donation, please call the AFSS office at (416) 431-5549 or the Church office at (416) 431-3001.

4^th Annual Armenian Memorial Faith Build

Becoming a carpenter for a day: following in the footsteps of Jesus

Friday April 17th, 2009 could not have been a better day for the Armenian Family Support Services (AFSS) and the ACYOC Central Council to have held the forth Annual Armenian Memorial Faith Build. Collaborating with the faith-based, non-profit organization of Habitat for Humanity, a group of 24 energetic youth and adults gathered at the residential construction site at 20 Hartford Avenue in East Scarborough on one of spring’s warmest days.

AFSS celebrates 5^th Anniversary of “HYE HOPES”

Armenian Family Support Services (AFSS) held a one-of-a-kind event Saturday, May 2nd, at the Holy Trinity Armenian Church in celebration of the 5th Anniversary of providing “Hope” to those in need. The Church was transformed into a European tableau decorated with running fountains, dazzling flowers, amazing storefront decorations, and beautiful garden furniture.

Armenian Family Support Services (AFSS) presents a Delicious Luncheon
in support of Armenian families from Iraq!!

We are in a celebration mood to welcome our additions to the Canadian Armenian Community!! Yes, we are proud to announce that through the hard work and dedication of FSS Hay Doun, our sister office in Montreal, thirty Armenian applicants, having fled from war-torn Iraq and who have been residing with their children in other countries equally harsh and unsafe, have been approved to come to Canada through the Collective Sponsorship program.  There are many more applicants and we are hopeful they too will be accepted. As the families arrive, they will need our support for their new life in Canada. How can you help celebrate and support them?

Join us this Sunday, September 13, 2009 at 12:30 pm at the Holy Trinity Armenian Church, where a group of Armenian faithful ladies are bringing their heartfelt services preparing us one delicious lunch to remember. The entire proceeds from this luncheon will support the newcomers with their transition.

The Armenian Family Support Services (AFSS) and FSS Hay Doun have been helping settle and integrate Armenian Newcomers into the Canadian Armenian community life for many years. This being a larger group of newcomers, your support and donations will ensure that we are able to assist them with resettlement into a safer life that we, here in Canada, have been so fortunate to have. 

If you would like further information or would like to make a financial donation, please contact Hasmik Minasyan at the AFSS Office at 416-431-5549 or church office at 416-431-3001.

By helping build strong communities, we’re building a vibrant future for us all!!

THANKSGIVING DINNER AT STREETHAVEN WOMEN’S SHELTER-

by Seza Nazarian

Thanksgiving Monday, October 12, 2009

For the third year in a row, members of the Board of Armenian Family Support Services and volunteers gathered at Streethaven Women’s Shelter in downtown Toronto to prepare and serve a delicious Thanksgiving Turkey dinner to over forty women. The staff at the Shelter gave access to the kitchen and offered a tour of the shelter to those who were there for the first time. Decorated tables had been set by the Shelter Staff for the special occasion.  When the meal was ready, the residents were invited to take a seat. AFSS Volunteers served plates of turkey, mashed potatoes with gravy, buttered vegetables, cranberry sauce followed by dessert plates filled with pumpkin and apple pie with whipped cream.  Read more...

"Whenever you did this for one of the least important of mine, you did it for me."    Matthew 25:40

OUR MISSION: Our inspiration comes from the compassion of Jesus Christ and is guided by the principles of the Armenian Apostolic Church. We help people in need, by providing assistance and programs through referral services and collaboration with government and community agencies.

OUR GOAL IS:

CONNECTING our members with agencies and organizations that provide key  services and resources. 

HELPING and supporting our members in crisis with empathy and compassion.

SUCCEEDING in attaining the right programs for the right people. 

 

                  
              Looking Back - Looking Ahead - Read Our Annual Report 2006/07

Please visit our website at: www.afsstoronto.org

_______________________

"CURRENT SERVICES OFFERED"

Referral Services           
Employment Link Project  
Newcomers/Settlement Project-HIMA              
Outreach Missions 
Wellness Lectures 
Adopt-a-Child to Camp Program
Adopt-a-Family for Christmas Program

____________________________________________________________________


Dear Friends, 

Please visit our website at: www.afsstoronto.org

Do you have or know of a Job Opening?

If yes, please inform us to help the members of Armenian community to make a meaningful transition to employment!

Since 2004, the Armenian Family Support Services (AFSS) has been supporting the needs of individuals and families within our community. We provide a range of services, which includes, Employment Services, Collaboration and Referral to Community and Government agencies, Settlement Support to Newcomers, Community Engagement, Youth and Volunteer Events.

Employment is currently an area of great need. We maintain an online JOB BANK to serve as a network for jobs in the community – please visit www.afsstoronto.org.

Please, let us know of any job openings and we will connect a person with relevant background to the job provider.

Please e-mail the following job details:

Date:……………………….. Job Title:………………….. Contact Name:…………….. Contact e-mail:…………….. Telephone (optional) ……………. To: jobs@afsstoronto.org

You can call the AFSS office Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 am to 4pm

and Sundays from 12 to 3pm at 416-431-5549 or leave a message and will return the call.

Your support will make our community stronger and together we can overcome many challenges!

Thank you,

Armenian Family Suport Services Team

4th annual AFSS Soup Kitchen -Cold weather can ’t stop warm hearts! 

The fourth annual Armenian Family Support Services (AFSS) Soup Kitchen was held on Sunday, January 18th at the Holy Trinity Armenian Church. The theme of the event was to once again call attention to the plight of the homeless and to reach out with a helping hand. AFSS board members and volunteers served a simple bowl of soup to all the guests. Chairperson Maida Icliates spoke about the mission of Armenian Family Support Services and the need to remember those who are less fortunate.

The event was reminiscent of our first Soup Kitchen which raised awareness of the role AFSS plays in the Armenian community in Toronto. The event was well-attended, with many generous and heartfelt donations. Proceeds will go to support soup kitchens in Armenia. The annual Soup Kitchen events have won many friends and supporters over the years and are one of many outreach activities regularly undertaken by AFSS. To read more, please visit our website at www.afsstoronto.org

Thank you for contributing over 100 coats for men, women and children.   Thank you to all our wonderful community members. Also, our special thanks to the Toronto Chapter of the Daughters of Vartan, who for the second consecutive year, have participated in this important Christmas mission.    All items were donated to Seaton House for Men, Streethaven for Women, and Robinson House for Children.  Shnorhavor Nor Daree yev Soorp Dznoont. Blessings for the New Year.  AFSS Outreach Missions

AFSS Newcomer’s Project once again assists two families with home settlement  - by Rita Odjaghian, Chair, Newcomer’s Project

One aspect of the Armenian Family Support Services (AFSS) Newcomer’s Project is to assist Newcomers in finding suitable housing. Following this important step, the HIMA (Help Immediate Members Appeal), an email appeal to our Armenian community members to donate gently used furniture, allows us to fulfill the second stage which is to furnish the homes.

On Saturday November 15^th, 2008, we did provide home furnishings for two more Armenian newcomers families. Despite the rain, we were really successful in providing everything for our Newcomers families. The key ingredients to the success were:

• Our generous and beautiful Armenian Community
• Previous Newcomers who have now already settled, came and volunteered to move the furniture
• Our “Magic Moving Truck” of course with the generosity of Mr. Aram Mazmanyan, who drives across the GTA picking up donated furnishings, helping us with uploading and unloading and delivers the items. 
• Last but not least, Armenian Family Support Services team members.
  

On December 9th, 2007 the AFSS Newcomers project organized its third gathering for our Armenian Newcomers. They were greeted at the entrance and we provided them a red bow as a symbol of Christmas. The theme of this gathering was Christmas and being part of one family.   I started the meeting by welcoming the Newcomers to our bigger family and explaining to them how we can assistance and support each other to settle in this new society.  Read more...

Want to help the environment??
Want to make a difference for someone in need?
The Armenian Family Support Services (AFSS) introduces the
Eco-Tote Bag

Armenian Family Support Services shares Thanksgiving dinner at Women’s shelter            

by Michael Sagsoz

On Thanksgiving Monday, October 8th, we gathered to practice the true meaning of being thankful.Members of the Board of Directors of the Armenian Family Support Services (AFSS) of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church, youths and volunteers, served the Thanksgiving Dinner with all its trimmings at the Street Haven Women's Shelter and provided a sit-down dinner for over 70 women.     Read more...

On September 28-30, 2007, under the auspices of His Eminence Bishop Bagrat Galstanian, Primate of the Diocese of the Armenian Church of Canada, the 3rd annual Pan North American ACYO Retreat took place at the scenic Wesley Acres Retreat Centre in Bloomsfield, Ontario, Canada.   Since January 2007, the PNAAR Central Planning Committee has been planning and working diligently to prepare for this historic retreat, a first for our Canadian Diocese. Read more...

("Rain or Shine" - Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes or rubber boots)

The Family Support Services (FSS) of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church held its second annual Soup Kitchen on Sunday January 14th, 2007. The “Soup Kitchen” Mission helps support 5 Soup Kitchens in Armenia. Read the  Letter of Acknowledgement sent to FSS through Ms. Edina Bobelian the Director of Development and Communications of FUND FOR ARMENIAN RELIEF.

By: Lina Martirossian Three years ago, a small group headed by Maida Icliates introduced the Family Support Services (FSS) at the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church.  Over the years, FSS has flourished; new members have joined and a diverse collection of activities have been accomplished.  A handful of these activities include raising funds for soup kitchens in Armenia, feeding hearty meals to Toronto’s homeless, partaking in Habitat for Humanity, helping Armenian newcomers adjust to life in Canada, furnishing homes, providing employment opportunities and much more.  To celebrate all of these achievements, last Sunday’s Holy Mass became the occasion to bless current FSS members... read more     see photos

ARMENIAN MEMORIAL FAITH BUILD and Habitat for Humanity Toronto pay tribute to victims of the Armenian Genocide


On a sunny morning, April 28, 2006, over 40 people were gathered to take part in the Armenian Memorial Faith Build in Commemoration of the 1915 Armenian Genocide.

This humanitarian mission was organized by the Family Support Services (FSS) of the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church in Scarborough in conjunction with Habitat for Humanity (HFH) Toronto to honour the victims of the Armenian Genocide while providing a tangible difference in the life of disadvantaged families.    Read more...

Many people remember the Armenian Genocide on April. 24th but do not seem to realize the importance of this event, especially throughout our generation today. For the second straight year, the Family Support Services (FSS) of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church in Toronto were looking to change the outlook our generation has towards the genocide. read more...

Sunday February 4th, 2007, it all started with RED Carnations, suddenly, there were a series of questions and curiosity filled in the Church hall. Yes it was all about Red Carnations! Is it Valentine’s day? No, we still had 10 more days to go ….. The Red Carnations were a welcoming sign from Family Support Services (FSS) of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church and pinned on each of our 2006 Armenian Newcomers to Toronto.  Based on our records, we did have 21 Armenian families from all corners of the world; Bulgaria, Syria, Armenian, Russia (Siberia & Moscow). Read more...

Family Support Services “Soup Kitchen” Mission helps support 5 Soup Kitchens in Armenia.   The Family Support Services (FSS) of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church held its second annual Soup Kitchen on Sunday January 14th, 2007.  We could not have asked for a better day as the cold weather and snow outside made it perfect for having some hot chicken noodle soup, prepared by the ladies of FSS Board of Directors.  Read more...

Christmas came early this year for the ladies at the Street Haven Women’s shelter.  On December 18th, after a 5 week “Wish List” drive, 2 vans were fully packed and headed to the shelter.  The mountain of donations which included sleepwear, blankets, hygiene products, including 160 toothbrushes and toothpaste, were dropped off. Included were five bags of toys which were from the toy drive held by the AGBU Zaroukian Armenian Day School.        Read more...  The Thank you letter from Street Haven...

We as a team are thrilled to report that we were able to assist our fifth Newcomer family within one week of them coming to the Family Support Services of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church and requesting assistance.   The Newcomers Project is a new initiative of the Family Support Services and through the “HIMA" (Help Immediate Members Appeal) e-mail distribution list, we received an amazing number of responses of people wanting to help. Read more...

On Monday, October 9, as people all across Canada celebrated Thanksgiving dinner with their families, members of the Executive Committee of the Family Support Services (FSS) of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church, their children and supporters, volunteered to share Thanksgiving dinner with over 60 women at Street Haven Women’s Shelter. Read more...

Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice
Psalm 96:12

“Treeeeeeees” was the environmental cheer as volunteers representing the Family Support Services (FSS) of the Holy Trinity Armenian Church gathered to take pictures, celebrating the planting of over 100 trees and shrubs along the northern end of Morningside Park located in Scarborough, Ontario. The event took place on Saturday, September 23, 2006, when FSS Volunteers gathered bright and early to be part of this environmental revitalization mission organized by Highland Creek Stewardship and Centennial College Environmental Student Society. This is our third year participating. Read more...

The holidays are a time to spread the spirit of the Christmas Season and to bring joy to the lives of others.  That is exactly what the Family Support Services Members and Volunteers set out to do on December 2nd, 2006 with their visit to the Hye Pajeen of Leisureworld.             The afternoon started off with a musical feast.  The elders were delighted as they listened to Classical and Christmas songs played by Garin Ohanessyan and Garbis Shasuvar on the piano, Garbis also providing us with the vibrant sounds of the saxophone, and Elizabeth Sakarya playing on her flute.  The surprise highlight of the afternoon was the musical duet of the flute and saxophone.  Read more...