Jinishian Memorial Program expands support for children

LOUISVILLE — The Jinishian Memorial Program marked significant milestones in the first half of 2025, most notably through its growing support for children and the continued promotion of youth entrepreneurship across Armenia.

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Administered by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), JMP was established in 1966 through an endowment from Vartan H. Jinishian to provide economic, social and spiritual assistance to millions of Armenians in Syria, Lebanon, Turkey, Armenia, Georgia and other countries. Its fundamental mission is to help people transition from poverty and despair to self-sufficiency and hope.

By the end of the second quarter of 2025, about 200 children had been successfully enrolled at the Sevan Rehabilitation Center in rural Armenia, which provides therapy for children with mental and physical disabilities. The children, ranging in age and diagnosis, are receiving individualized therapies for conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, Pervasive Developmental Disorder, Global Developmental Delay and Jacob’s Syndrome.

“The progress we’ve seen so far this year is incredibly encouraging,” said Eliza Minasyan, JMP’s executive director. “These children are receiving consistent, high-quality support from specialized staff in an environment where they are respected, cared for, and given the tools to grow.”

The rehabilitation center continues to offer comprehensive treatment services, including psycho-speech therapy and behavioral support. The therapists have reported improvements in communication, socialization, and self-care — especially among children who had previously lacked access to specialized treatment.

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In addition to its health and social service programming, JMP continues to foster youth entrepreneurship as a path toward long-term community resilience. Several new small businesses — a bakery, a printing house, a beauty salon, a beekeeping enterprise and many other — have launched in various regions of Armenia, supported by JMP grants.

Earlier this year, JMP also celebrated the successful opening of a blood bank in Yerevan, a project that expands life-saving medical infrastructure in the capital and provides vital support to the national healthcare system.

Adding to the vibrancy of JMP’s youth-focused work, another successful debate club championship was just recently held in Yerevan, bringing together young participants from across Armenia and Lebanon. The event created a dynamic space for dialogue, critical thinking, and cultural exchange — strengthening connections among youth in the Armenian diaspora and the broader region.

These ongoing efforts were recently observed by two staff members from the Interim Unified Agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). In a visit designed to familiarize them with JMP’s mission, the Rev. Rebecca Barnes and Barry Creech met with program staff and visited project sites.

“The sustainable community development projects of Jinishian were some of the best I've ever seen in their strategy, planning, implementation and evaluation,” said Barnes, coordinator of the Presbyterian Hunger Program. “It especially was an honor to meet grant recipients who have been empowered and infused with hope by this program, to hear their stories and celebrate their achievements.”

Creech, who’s the IUA’s Deputy Executive Director for Administration, added, “Mr. Jinishian, who funded this work in the 1960’s to honor his parents, would be very pleased to see how his parents are being remembered in the lives of so many.”

To view and download the application form for JMP’s annual Study Tour to Armenia, Oct. 1-10, click here. Questions about the study tour may be directed by email to Eliza Minasyan. To read the stories of former participants, guests of Jinishian, click here and here.