Social Inclusion and Empowerment
Inclusion, Independence and New Opportunities
Inclusive Communities and Social Support
In alignment with national priorities and in close partnership with the Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs of Armenia, the Izmirlian Foundation launched in 2023 the flagship program: “Supporting Graduates of Social Protection Institutions: Community Small Group Homes named after Alice Dumoulin Izmirlian.”
This initiative addresses one of the most critical gaps in the social protection system - supporting young adults transitioning out of institutional care into independent life. It ensures access to safe, community-based housing and tailored support services for up to 160 individuals aged 18 and above who are unable to return to their families and require continued professional guidance.
Key Program Components are:
- Expanding Community-Based Living. Six community small group homes are being constructed or fully renovated, furnished, and equipped under a unified, high-quality design standard. In parallel, operational support is provided to four existing homes, ensuring safe, stable, and dignified living conditions for individuals transitioning from 24-hour state care institutions.
- Strengthening Professional Care Capacity. Targeted capacity-building programs are delivered to health and social care professionals working in supported homes. Individualized health and social care plans are developed for each beneficiary, improving access to essential services and long-term well-being.
- Driving Social Inclusion and Acceptance. Public awareness and behavior-change campaigns are implemented in host communities to foster understanding, reduce stigma, and promote inclusive attitudes toward individuals leaving institutional care, including persons with disabilities.
- Enabling Independent Living. Residents benefit from comprehensive life skills training and access to employment opportunities, equipping them with the tools needed for a confident and sustainable transition to independent living.
Supporting Children with Special Needs and Families
The Izmirlian Foundation has maintained a long-standing commitment to improving the quality of life for children with special needs and their families across Armenia.
- Long-Term Care and Rehabilitation. For over 18 years, more than 115 children annually have benefited from programs at the Marie Izmirlian Care Center. Interventions have included facility renovations, improved living conditions, and the establishment of a dedicated rehabilitation center to address developmental, educational, and therapeutic needs.
- Expanding Access Through Partnerships. In collaboration with partners such as the Source Foundation, the Arabkir Foundation, and the Step Forward NGO, nearly 1,000 children with special needs have benefited from targeted small-grant initiatives. These programs have enhanced access to assistive technologies, strengthened life skills, promoted economic opportunities - particularly among autistic youth - and advanced social inclusion.
- Empowering Parents and Caregivers. Each year, over 300 parents receive specialized training in the use of assistive and adaptive devices, enabling more effective and confident care for children at home.
Honoring Service and Supporting Resilience
The Foundation also stands alongside families and individuals affected by conflict, delivering sustained and meaningful support.
- Assistance to Families of Fallen Soldiers. Over a period of 10 years, 30,000 family members of soldiers who lost their lives in the First Nagorno-Karabakh War received monthly financial assistance through a partnership with the Hayastan All-Armenian Fund.
- Empowering Injured Veterans. In collaboration with the My Step Foundation, 41 injured war veterans have strengthened their professional and economic prospects through career orientation, vocational training, and business development support - helping them rebuild independent and dignified lives.
