—Michelle Menechyan

The beginning of this week started off wonderfully, as Nanor Balabanian paid UCSB HRI a visit for our annual presentation. Monday night commenced with a fun and informative demonstration of what the Hidden Road Initiative is about! We had many familiar faces, as well as new ones, who were excited to learn about HRI’s most recent endeavors in Armenia.

Following the presentation, a wine and cheese night was held to fundraise for the 2014 summer trip to the villages. It was a great night filled with delicious cheese, white wine and lively conversation. We are absolutely grateful to our guests for joining us and contributing to our cause. We raised over $300 in one night! It was a successful and productive Monday night for all. 

—Michelle Menechyan 
 
UCSB junior and dedicated HRI member, Hasmik Baghdasaryan set out to apply for the Strauss Foundation's Public Service Scholarship and received the prized amount of $10,000 last month! We are very proud of her determination to pursue the grant, following in the footsteps of our founder, Nanor Balabanian. Baghdasaryan has decided to use the grant towards an installation of a kindergarten in Tsaghkaber, Lori Province in Armenia. HRI is looking forward to visiting the village this Summer! 

The Hidden Road Initiative began in 2011 with Balabanian applying for and receiving the Strauss Foundation's grant. Following the mantra, "connecting roads and bridging issues," HRI has been very successful in all endeavors since its very beginning. The grant helped Balabanian set a foundation for our organization and begin branching out to really make a change in Armenia. 

We would like to extend a huge thank you to the Strauss Foundation and Hasmik Baghdasaryan for this wonderful opportunity to expand the Hidden Road Initiative, and to reach out to more villages. 

Take a look at HRI's past projects here!