By Mary O’KEEFE

The sidewalks, nearby yards and street were filled with supporters as the Armenian Community and Youth Center was rededicated as the Meher and Satig Der Ohanessian Youth Center on April 8.

The youth center located at 2633 Honolulu Ave. has been home to countless community and youth events. The center had been remodeled thanks to the support of the Der Ohanessian family. Walls were painted, new doors were installed, the kitchen was updated and the pool was cleaned to sparkling condition.

“The [youth center] services not only Armenians but all communities in the foothills,” said Arick Gevorkian, a supporter of the youth center and a community activist.

At the center’s foundation is a need to give back to the youth of the community. It is home to the Homenetmen Shant Chapter Scouts, which is celebrating 100 years of service. The community/youth center is also home to the Armenian Cultural Foundation (ACF), Armenian National Committee of America Crescenta Valley and Sunland Tujunga Chapter, Armenian Relief Society Talin Chapter, Armenian Youth Federation Garegin Njdeh Juniors, ARS Saturday School and the very popular Zavarian Summer Day Camps.

There is a lot going on at the youth center and the volunteers and organizations who call the center home do not keep their philanthropic philosophy contained within the walls of the center – they support their community in a variety of ways. You will see members at the CV Prayer Breakfast, donating food to those in need, and collecting toys for the fire department’s Annual Spark of Love Toy Drive. The center’s members may have been seen during the Montrose Christmas Parade selling hot chocolate with proceeds benefitting a local charity. The facility is also open to the public during the parade. The youth center helps other centers, like the Fire House, with donations.

It is these spirits of giving and support that has kept the youth center strong for years. Gevorkian, who leads by example by volunteering at seemingly every function in the community, said that not only does the center give youth a place to come to do activities it also gives them a place where they can learn their heritage.

“The AYF Juniors get together every Friday. They learn about Armenian history and the contributions of Armenian Americans,” he said. “We want them to be proud citizens of their country, to contribute to the U.S. and always remember their roots.”

This balance of culture and citizenship is something Gevorkian knows well.

“I am a very proud Armenian American. This country gave me everything, now I give back,” he said.

He added that he welcomes all cultures and has taught his children this foundation of acceptance as well. This is a tradition passed down from his grandfather, an Armenian Genocide survivor, and his father.

The rededication of the Meher and Satig Der Ohanessian Youth Center was attended by Western Prelate Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian who was joined by the Rev. Fr. Ghevont Kirazian in blessing the center. The generosity of the Der Ohanessian family will ensure the youth center will continue to support the community for years to come.

  Mary Okeefe