Mardigian — Ed and Janet Mardigian are seen cutting the ribbon at the newly renovated Berd Daycare Center, part of FAR’s Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Program

Armenia & Karabakh Community Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America Fund for Armenian Relief Rural Armenia

Ed and Janet Mardigian Continue Philanthropic Mission in Armenia

September 12, 2024

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The Armenian Mirror-Spectator

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Ed and Janet Mardigian, longtime champions of the Armenian community, have dedicated their lives to philanthropy, building on a legacy of compassion and service that spans generations. Raised in families with deep ties to both the Armenian diaspora and a commitment to giving back, they have helped lead efforts that have made a lasting difference in Armenia, particularly in the challenging regions of Tavush. Their ongoing work with the Fund for Armenian Relief (FAR) and their unwavering support for Armenia’s most vulnerable reflect their profound sense of duty and humanity.

The Mardigians recently discussed their journey in philanthropy, the state of Armenia today and the importance of addressing the urgent needs of displaced families and children during the ongoing conflict with Azerbaijan.

A Legacy of Giving

Philanthropy runs deep in the Mardigian family. Ed’s father, an immigrant from Istanbul, established the family’s eponymous foundation in 1956 after finding success as an engineer in the US auto industry. Janet’s mother, who was also from Istanbul, passed on a strong sense of compassion, particularly for those in need within the Armenian community.

“I remember when my parents started the foundation, I hadn’t any exposure to charity work and I didn’t understand why they were giving money away,” Ed Mardigian said.

Over time, he came to understand his parent’s motives and took over running the foundation in 1990. Under his leadership, the family has expanded its support to include hospitals, schools and various Armenian and non-Armenian organizations.

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For Janet Mardigian, the moment that ignited her commitment to Armenia came during a trip to the country in 2008 as part of her work with the Diocesan Council in New York. What she saw there — particularly the plight of orphaned, displaced and single-parent children — left a lasting impression.

“When you see things like that, you don’t have an option,” Janet said. “How can you turn your back on people who are desperate and need help? If you can make a difference, you do your best.”

Breaking the Cycle of Poverty

In response to Janet’s experience in Armenia, the couple established the FAR Edward and Helen Mardigian Child Protection Foundation in 2007, focusing on vulnerable children. Their efforts soon expanded into the broader Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Program (BCPP), launched by FAR in 2013 , with the goal of rebuilding the rural Tavush region.

The BCPP worked in partnership with the Armenian government, private sector, and civil society, addressing a range of needs from improving healthcare to developing sustainable industry and creating educational opportunities. By stabilizing families and promoting self-reliance, the program has given many in Tavush a chance to escape the grip of poverty.

Ed and Janet are humble about their contributions. “We haven’t done anything but write a check and maybe provide opportunities,” Ed remarked, acknowledging the on-the-ground efforts of FAR and its dedicated teams. “They were the ones who truly accomplished incredible things.”

The Armenian Mirror-Spectator

Topics: Eastern Diocese of the Armenian Church of America, Fund for Armenian Relief, Rural Armenia

People: Edward Mardigian, Janet Mardigian

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Challenges in Armenia Today

Despite the progress made through BCPP, the Mardigians emphasize that the need in Armenia remains great. The country continues to grapple with the aftermath of its long-standing conflict with Azerbaijan, which has left thousands displaced from Artsakh. Meanwhile, communities in Tavush and Lori provinces struggle to recover from recent floods, and many rural areas remain impoverished.

“There’s still so much to do,” Janet said. “In some areas, people are still living in tin huts. Schools are being renovated, but some children still have to use outdoor toilets in the winter. It’s heartbreaking.”

Yet, the Mardigians are optimistic. They believe the model of success established through BCPP can be replicated to address the current crisis. “Organizations like FAR have done an incredible job of getting things moving when others are bogged down in politics,” Ed said. “By the time we hear about a project, it’s often shovel-ready.”

The couple hopes that their efforts will inspire others in the Armenian diaspora to step up. “If more Armenians saw what was happening, they would want to help,” Ed added. “It’s truly humbling how appreciative the people are. They deserve our support.”

A Call to Action

As the Mardigians reflect on their years of service, one message stands out: The work is far from over. Both Ed and Janet stress the need for ongoing support, particularly from the Armenian diaspora, which they believe has the resources to make a difference.

“There are so many wealthy Armenians in America who could help,” Janet said. “You can’t turn your back on our people, our children. That’s our future.”

With the unwavering support of philanthropists like Ed and Janet Mardigian and the continued efforts of organizations like FAR, there is hope that Armenia’s most vulnerable can find a path forward. To the Mardigians, the mission is clear — hope, dignity, and opportunity to those who need it most.

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