On March 8, 2009, the Santa Barbara Choral Society will "hit the road" and travel to Van Nuys to perform a benefit concert for Mer Doon, which provides safe housing for Armenian women. The program will consist of the Mozart "Requiem" and Morton Lauridsen's "Lux Aeterna". E-mail info@sbchoral.org for ticket information.

ABOUT MER DOON:
Mer Doon (“Our Home”) NGO, established in 2005, opened its first home in Etchmiadzin, Armenia in October 2006. Mer Doon provides a family environment for young adults in Armenia who have outgrown their childhood home in Armenian orphanages, or who come from seriously disadvantaged lifestyles. Because of Mer Doon, these young adults have now been given the opportunity to become productive members of Armenian Society, instead of being forced to live far more devastating lives on the streets and in less than honorable vocations.

The first facility, located near the Holy See of the Armenian Church, has the capacity to provide a home for up to fourteen young adults, and is currently providing a full-time family environment for the first time in the lives of 10 young women. Each young woman is required to further her education; each is pursuing a skill or vocation that will enable her to enter the Armenian work force. In addition, the residents receive a religious education, learn French, Russian and English languages in-house, and are trained by staff in personal and social skills.

In an effort to give back to society, the residents visit regional orphanages, returning to their childhood homes, and interact with the children to show them that hope for the future exists. Local educators, government officials, and representatives of the Church regularly visit Mer Doon and provide assistance and support. Operating costs include food, clothing, utilities, on-site staff and educational supplies, maintenance, transportation, and related expenses.

Our Home – Mer Doon, Inc. is the United States fund-raising support organization for Mer Doon NGO.