Gyurmi, Armenia - August 2007 — Through a partnership between IRD Armenia and the Family Charitable NGO in January 2007, 15 bales of second-hand clothing and shoes were received and distributed as a part of project funded by the U.S. Department of State to improve the conditions of socially vulnerable families and schoolchildren in Armenia.

"We are excited about being able to collaborate with local Armenian organizations to distribute these goods," said Ruzanna Stepanyan, IRD's country director in Armenia. "The project is effective because through this partnership we were able to reach the people who need it most."

Project beneficiaries were initially identified through the Family NGO's database. Then, to facilitate the distribution process, project meetings with beneficiary families were organized. Though the clothing distributed was second hand, it often filled the very basic needs for the families.

For example, Yasha is a child with limited capabilities physically. He can not go to secondary school, as he is unable to do some things by himself. His parents are unemployed; along with his grandmother, grandfather, brother and sister, Yasha has many needs and too few resources to address them.

Yasha is able, however, to attend dancing and craft groups provided through the Family NGO. During the special education sessions, the teachers have noticed positive improvements in his physical condition. Yasha's family has also been able to receive second-hand clothing provided by IRD through the Family NGO, and they have expressed their gratitude for the assistance.

Family Charitable NGO of Gyumri was established in 1990 to work with children age 6 - 18 following the earthquake of 1988. The mission is the following:

1. - Involve orphans, disabled or special needs children and children from socially vulnerable families in arts and craft hobby groups;
2. - Provide skills in order to avoid unemployment in future;
3. - Ensure psychological and physiological rehabilitation; and
4. - Develop creativity and to help manage and overcome daily problems.
6. IRD has been working in Armenia since 2001 providing essential pharmaceuticals, relief supplies and assistance to  refugees and internally displaced persons, disabled and other socially vulnerable groups, as well as building the capacity of local NGOs such as Family Charitable to respond to the needs of the local population.