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ARS Social Services: My Rewarding Experience in the Heart of Glendale
http://asbarez.com/109261/ars-social-services-my-rewarding-experience-in-the-heart-of-glendale/
Friday, April 5th, 2013
Selin Petrosians
BY SELIN PETROSIANS
I have been volunteering at the Armenian Relief Society of Western USA
Social Services (ARS-SS) office in Glendale, California since June
2012. My interest in volunteering at this non-profit organization grew
when I learned they are a major source of social service programs and
educational programs in the Armenian community here. Another reason
why I became interested in volunteering at the organization was
because I came across an obstacle during my undergraduate years when I
decided to write a paper on gender roles in working Armenian couples.
I was surprised to find very few articles that I could use for my
research so I decided to do my own gender roles research on Armenian
working couples. I am very passionate about the Armenian community and
I believe there is much needed research to be done on them since they
are one of the largest communities here in Southern California.
As a Sociology Major at California State University, Los Angeles, I
was interested in the Armenian community, especially the new
immigrants and the elderly. Since I have been volunteering at ARS-SS,
I have experienced firsthand the passionate staff that goes far beyond
what their job requires to serve their community as the waves of
hopeful clients walk in the doors. Whether it is simple bill payment
or immigration paperwork, ARS-SS staff is ready to help by educating
and filling out the proper paperwork. One major program is finding
jobs for the unemployed. From building resumes, to applying for jobs
and teaching interview techniques, ARS-SS staff dedicates their time
to do their best in serving the population. ARS-SS provides senior
citizens with citizenship and English as Second Language (ESL) classes
to help them adjust and adapt to the American society and gain
independence. Other services that the center provides is helping the
needy with basic necessities and helping immigrants with a smooth
transition to a new culture and community.
In my experience, I was able to not only learn more about the needs of
the Armenian community, but the needs of the organization as well. I
am proud to say that for the past year it has been my privilege to
work with this dedicated and passionate staff side by side and helping
them with whatever it is they need me to do. I have been fortunate to
teach a Citizenship class and an ESL class to an elderly group and I
must say it was not only educational for me, but it was a lot of fun.
I recently graduated from California State University, Los Angeles
with a Major in Sociology and a Minor in Gerontology and I must say
that volunteering at ARS-SS has definitely been one of the most
rewarding experiences that I have had.
Selin Petrosians is a 29 year old volunteer at the Armenian Relief
Society of Western USA's Social Services office. She holds a Bachelor
of Arts Degree in Sociology with a minor in Gerontology from the
California State University, Los Angeles.
http://asbarez.com/109261/ars-social-services-my-rewarding-experience-in-the-heart-of-glendale/
Friday, April 5th, 2013
Selin Petrosians
BY SELIN PETROSIANS
I have been volunteering at the Armenian Relief Society of Western USA
Social Services (ARS-SS) office in Glendale, California since June
2012. My interest in volunteering at this non-profit organization grew
when I learned they are a major source of social service programs and
educational programs in the Armenian community here. Another reason
why I became interested in volunteering at the organization was
because I came across an obstacle during my undergraduate years when I
decided to write a paper on gender roles in working Armenian couples.
I was surprised to find very few articles that I could use for my
research so I decided to do my own gender roles research on Armenian
working couples. I am very passionate about the Armenian community and
I believe there is much needed research to be done on them since they
are one of the largest communities here in Southern California.
As a Sociology Major at California State University, Los Angeles, I
was interested in the Armenian community, especially the new
immigrants and the elderly. Since I have been volunteering at ARS-SS,
I have experienced firsthand the passionate staff that goes far beyond
what their job requires to serve their community as the waves of
hopeful clients walk in the doors. Whether it is simple bill payment
or immigration paperwork, ARS-SS staff is ready to help by educating
and filling out the proper paperwork. One major program is finding
jobs for the unemployed. From building resumes, to applying for jobs
and teaching interview techniques, ARS-SS staff dedicates their time
to do their best in serving the population. ARS-SS provides senior
citizens with citizenship and English as Second Language (ESL) classes
to help them adjust and adapt to the American society and gain
independence. Other services that the center provides is helping the
needy with basic necessities and helping immigrants with a smooth
transition to a new culture and community.
In my experience, I was able to not only learn more about the needs of
the Armenian community, but the needs of the organization as well. I
am proud to say that for the past year it has been my privilege to
work with this dedicated and passionate staff side by side and helping
them with whatever it is they need me to do. I have been fortunate to
teach a Citizenship class and an ESL class to an elderly group and I
must say it was not only educational for me, but it was a lot of fun.
I recently graduated from California State University, Los Angeles
with a Major in Sociology and a Minor in Gerontology and I must say
that volunteering at ARS-SS has definitely been one of the most
rewarding experiences that I have had.
Selin Petrosians is a 29 year old volunteer at the Armenian Relief
Society of Western USA's Social Services office. She holds a Bachelor
of Arts Degree in Sociology with a minor in Gerontology from the
California State University, Los Angeles.