When Sveta first walked into FAR’s Gyumri Atinizian Senior Center, she didn’t know what to expect. Her friend Ruzanna had encouraged her to come, and after some hesitation, she decided to give it a try. The first meal she had there was meat soup with salad and kompot, and she immediately fell in love with it. “I love it now. They really make the meat soup very delicious,” says 84-year-old Sveta Asatryan, her eyes sparkling as she recalls that first visit.
That was six years ago, and since then, coming to the soup kitchen has become a regular part of Sveta’s life. Though she’s a bit shy and doesn’t often chat with the other seniors, the daily routine of getting up and going to the soup kitchen is important to her. It’s where she gets the most nutritious meal of the day, something that’s not always possible at home.
Often, Sveta takes home a second serving to share with her son, Hovsep, for dinner. “The first few days were a bit strange for me; I felt shy eating there. But slowly, it became a normal part of my life. I usually sit at the first table with Ruzanna. If it weren’t for the soup kitchen, things would be much harder for my son and me,” she says, highlighting the tough realities many face in Gyumri.
With prices rising, it’s challenging for many families to afford two hot meals a day, making the support from FAR’s Gyumri Atinizian Senior Center all the more vital.
Winter brings its own set of challenges. With her modest pension of 40,000 AMD ($102) and her son’s irregular work, it’s hard to make ends meet, especially when they have to save for heating. But even in the coldest months, Sveta remains resilient and optimistic. “I love Gyumri and the people here. I can’t imagine living anywhere else,” she says with a smile.
FAR’s Gyumri Atinizian Senior Center is more than just a place for a meal. It’s a lifeline for 120 elderly people in Gyumri, providing nutritious meals five days a week. More importantly, it offers a sense of community and belonging, reducing the feelings of isolation that can often come with old age.
If you’re moved by Sveta’s story and want to help support elderly people who rely on FAR Soup Kitchens all across Armenia, please consider making a donation today.
Comments