FAR was founded on the principle of need. In response to the 1988 earthquake, a group of dedicated and prominent Armenians led by Archbishop Torkom Manoogian, Dr. Edgar Housepian, and Kevork Hovnanian, provided the necessary resources and aid to help Armenians rebuild their shattered lives. These outstanding individuals represented the collective strength and willpower of the Eastern Diocese and many American Armenians.

 

While initially focused on the immediate aid required, FAR quickly realized that Armenia needed medium-term and long-term support that extended far beyond healing the wounds inflicted by the earthquake’s devastation. As a result, FAR evolved into an all-encompassing organization with a dedicated Board of Directors and a steadfast, incredible staff in Yerevan, Tavush, Gyumri, and Sisian.

 

Today, FAR is world-renowned and respected as an organization whose mission is to empower the people of Armenia. Often, we do things that others cannot do and have a unique approach to help empower others in ways that others cannot conceive of. Our organization not only works tirelessly to alleviate the hardships of those in the present, but we constantly and successfully seek out solutions to improve people’s lives in the future in ways they never dreamed possible.

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To date, FAR has implemented more than 300 relief, social, child protection, education, economic development, health, and cultural projects valued at more than $380 million. ​