On April 21, Congressman Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), addressing the House on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the Armenian Relief Society, invited his fellow Representatives to join him in congratulating the ARS on its centenary.
“The Armenian Relief Society, ARS, established in 1910, is a non-profit organization devoted to community and cultural service. Initially a mostly women’s organization, it empowered women to take leadership roles and act for the betterment of society, and encompass the importance of serving the needs of Armenian genocide victims,” Schiff said.
“As time elapsed, the goals of the ARS branched out to reach all communities in distress—Armenians and non-Armenians alike. In addition to disaster relief and assistance during wars and epidemics, the ARS has broadened its activities and developed a mission and a common purpose. Today, they address social, educational, developmental, and cultural roles within communities,” added the Congressman.
“Over the course of a century,” Schiff continued, “the organization has launched chapters in more than 26 countries. The ARS situated its western roots in Fresno in 1915 and has expanded to include 26 chapters in California, Nevada, Arizona, Texas, and Utah. Hence, the ARS of Western USA was established in 1984 in response to the growing needs of expanding communities. Geographical location has never steered members off their precise course of making a difference in local communities and around the world simultaneously.”
Schiff continued, “The ARS’s passion to help people has blossomed into various constructive projects. Since its establishment in 1980, Armenian Relief Society Social Services Centers have aided approximately 60,000 people annually regarding issues such as immigration, counseling, and services for the elderly. In the year 2000, the ARS Child, Youth & Family Guidance Center was created to provide a gateway to individuals and families suffering from problems such as marital and family conflicts and substance abuse. Supportive professional therapists offer individual and group psychotherapy, family psychotherapy, and crisis intervention. With the support of generous donors, the ARS continues to support such centers as well as schools, scholarship programs, cultural centers, health-care clinics, and orphanages to name a few examples. Today, ARS chapters also work hand-in-hand with other charities such as the American Red Cross, Catholic Charities, Salvation Army, and YWCA.”
Mr. Schiff concluded his remarks by saying, “I am proud to recognize the past and present members and supporters of the ARS for their unique contributions to the global community, and I ask all Members to join me in congratulating the Armenian Relief Society for 100 years of dedicated service.”
Speaking in reference to Congressman Schiff’s initiative, ARS chairperson Mrs. Vicky Marashlian underlined the fact that “from day one, Adam Schiff has been a true friend of Armenian-Americans, and through them, he has rendered many a service to the Armenian nation world-wide. American Armenians have many reasons to be grateful to Congressman Schiff. By remembering the ARS Centenary in the House of Representatives, Mr. Schiff gave a reason not only to Armenian-Americans but to all ARS members serving in 26 different countries, to have feelings of gratitude for him.”
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