Our Vision
To create a safe environment where young people can learn and play
To foster a sense of community and kinship among people of all ages
To provide recreational and educational facilities in an area of the community where they are desperately needed
With this vision in mind, the Krikor and Mariam Karamanoukian Glendale Youth Center, a 3 story modern building, was established in 2010 by the Armenian Cultural Foundation’s Glendale Chapter on Chestnut Street in Glendale, California, next to the St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church. We serve as a home base for a variety of local organizations.
Organizations
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The Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), founded in 1890, is one of the oldest and most important Armenian political parties and diasporan organizations in the world.
Rooted in the principles of justice, national liberation, and democracy, the ARF has played a critical role in the Armenian national movement, from the late Ottoman period to the establishment of the First Republic of Armenia in 1918, from the birth of the Artsakh liberation struggle to the development of the new Armenian Republic, and continues today to advocate for the rights of Armenians globally. With a vast international presence spanning five continents, the ARF operates in every diasporan community on social, political, cultural, and humanitarian initiatives, uniting the Armenian diaspora in its pursuit of national preservation, social justice, self-determination and for Hai Tad.
The ARF “Aharonian” Chapter in Glendale, California, proudly carries forward this historic mission in one of the largest Armenian communities outside of Armenia. Named in honor of Avetis Aharonian—an influential Armenian writer, revolutionary, and statesman who played a central role in the Armenian national liberation movement. Aharonian was a key leader of the First Republic of Armenia and one of the signatories of the Treaty of Sèvres, the historical document that recognized Armenia’s borders after World War I.
Aharonian's legacy of intellectual leadership and national service inspires the chapter’s commitment to civic engagement, youth development, and community empowerment. As a central hub for local activism, the Glendale “Aharonian” Chapter operates the Glendale Youth Center (GYC) and works in close collaboration with sister organizations to ensure that Armenian voices remain strong.
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The Armenian Cultural Foundation (ACF) Glendale Chapter, established in 1976, is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Armenian culture and heritage. Operating across California and the Western United States, the ACF works to establish cultural and educational centers that enrich and celebrate the Armenian community’s legacy.
Our Mission
The ACF Glendale Chapter collaborates with local organizations and schools to promote Armenian culture and heritage. Key partnerships include:
Armenian Youth Federation
St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church
Armenian Relief Society
Armenian National Committee of America - Western Region
Homenetmen Athletic Organization
Hamazkayin Cultural Association
AYF Juniors
Together, these collaborations foster cultural, educational, youth-focused, and charitable activities that strengthen the Armenian community locally and abroad.
Global Outreach
The ACF Glendale Chapter maintains strong ties with Armenia, supporting the growth of cultural organizations and institutions both locally and internationally.
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St. Mary’s Armenian Apostolic Church was founded in 1975 by a visionary group committed to preserving Armenian culture, faith, and values for future generations. Located in Glendale, the church has become a cornerstone of the community, providing spiritual guidance, education, and cultural enrichment.
Programs and Initiatives
Sunday School: Held at the Glendale Youth Center every Sunday from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm, this program instills Christian beliefs and moral values in children ages 8 to 13, with the support of dedicated volunteers. Students give back through assemblies and events that promote the ideals they’ve learned.
Bible Study Groups: Tailored for adults and families, these weekly sessions offer an opportunity to deepen understanding of the Bible and strengthen Christian faith.
A Shared Vision for the Future
The proximity of the Glendale Youth Center to St. Mary’s Church enables new collaborative efforts, enhancing programs and services for the community for years to come.
Join us in our mission to preserve Armenian culture, faith, and heritage while fostering a vibrant and engaged community.
For more information, visit https://stmarysglendale.org
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The Armenian Relief Society's "Sepan" Chapter proudly serves as Glendale's branch of the Armenian Relief Society Western Region USA. Since its founding in 1975, the "Sepan" Chapter has been dedicated to enriching the lives of Glendale’s Armenian community through meaningful programs, services, and initiatives.
Our Contributions
ARS Saturday School: One of our flagship programs, the ARS Saturday School at the Glendale Youth Center, has provided generations of Armenian children with a deeper connection to their heritage. Students learn the Armenian language, history, and culture in a supportive environment, making it especially valuable for those attending public schools without access to Armenian language courses.
Community Support: The chapter participates in benevolent and humanitarian efforts, extending a helping hand to those in need.
Blood Drives: Partnering with the American Red Cross, we regularly sponsor blood drives to support our community's health and well-being.
Women's Empowerment: Collaborating with local organizations like the YWCA, we promote education and empowerment for women and girls in Glendale.
Scholarships: Supporting educational success, we provide scholarships to deserving students in public schools.
Community Engagement
The ARS "Sepan" Chapter works closely with Glendale city departments, commissions, and other community organizations to address local needs. Through these partnerships, we remain committed to fostering a vibrant, empowered community.
Join us in making a difference. Together, we can continue to celebrate and support the rich culture and values of Glendale’s Armenian community.
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Hamazkayin is an international organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and expanding Armenian culture, heritage, and values. Established in 1976, the Hamazkayin "Hovhannes Toumanian" Glendale Chapter was founded to advance these goals within a vibrant community that has since become a cornerstone of Armenian-American life.
Our Mission
Hamazkayin is committed to fostering cultural awareness and education. Through a wide range of programs and initiatives, we aim to connect the Armenian diaspora with their rich heritage and inspire the next generation to embrace and celebrate their identity.
Our Programs
The Glendale Chapter organizes and hosts:
Educational Events: From lectures to panel discussions, these events explore Armenian history, culture, and contemporary issues.
Art Exhibits: Featuring Armenian artists from around the world, these exhibits showcase the depth and diversity of Armenian creativity.
Cultural Workshops: Interactive sessions on Armenian music, dance, crafts, and culinary traditions to engage and educate participants of all ages.
Youth Programs: Specialized classes in Armenian language, literature, and history designed to instill pride and knowledge in the younger generation.
Community Impact
Our chapter serves as a cultural hub for Glendale and beyond, bridging generations and strengthening connections to Armenian identity. By fostering partnerships with other Armenian organizations, we amplify our reach and ensure that our shared cultural legacy thrives for future generations.
Get Involved
Whether you’re interested in attending an event, enrolling in a workshop, or supporting our mission, Hamazkayin Glendale Chapter invites you to join us in preserving and celebrating Armenian culture and values. Together, we can ensure that this rich heritage continues to inspire and unite us.
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The Armenian National Committee of America – Glendale Chapter (ANCA – Glendale) is a grassroots public affairs organization dedicated to empowering the Armenian American community in Glendale. We serve as a bridge between the community, elected officials, and local institutions, advocating for the recognition and advancement of Armenian heritage, culture, and rights.
Our Mission
ANCA – Glendale is committed to:
Promoting the Armenian Cause and fighting historic revisionism.
Engaging the community in the democratic process through voter outreach and education.
Advocating for recognition of the Armenian Genocide and April 24th as a holiday.
Collaborating to enhance cultural diversity and sensitivity in government, businesses, and agencies.
Supporting the rights of the people of Artsakh (Nagorno-Karabakh).
Achievements
Played a pivotal role in the Glendale Unified School District recognizing April 24th as a holiday.
Hosted forums and outreach events to educate and mobilize the community.
Partnered with organizations locally and globally to address community needs.
Our Network
ANCA – Glendale collaborates with its national headquarters in Washington, DC, its Western Region office in Glendale, and its Eastern Region office in Boston. Through a global network of affiliates in Europe, Russia, South America, the Middle East, Australia, Armenia, and Artsakh, ANCA – Glendale continues to be a powerful advocate for Armenian American interests.
Join us in making a difference for Glendale’s Armenian American community and beyond.
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Founded in 1977, the Glendale “Roupen” Chapter has proudly served the Armenian community in Glendale for over 40 years. As the largest chapter in the Western United States, we take pride in offering a wide range of impactful programs and events that foster unity, growth, and cultural pride.
Our Activities and Programs
We provide opportunities for engagement through a variety of initiatives, including:
Annual Events:
Camp Kef: A regional camp fostering camaraderie, leadership, and cultural enrichment.
Career Fair: Supporting Armenian youth with professional guidance and networking opportunities.
Membership Activities:
Social hangouts and community picnics to build strong connections.
Cultural and recreational gatherings to promote togetherness and fun.
Advocacy Efforts:
Supporting Armenian causes globally, including the recognition and restitution of the Armenian Genocide.
Promoting awareness and action for a free, independent, and united Armenia.
Our Mission
The Armenian Youth Federation (AYF) remains committed to:
Empowering Armenian Youth: Developing their moral, social, and intellectual potential.
Advancing Armenian Causes: Working toward the prosperity of Armenia and Armenian communities worldwide.
Preserving Armenian Identity: Combating assimilation and sustaining cultural heritage in the Diaspora.
Our Five Pillars
Our efforts are rooted in these core principles:
Social Engagement: Building connections within the Armenian community.
Athletic Development: Promoting teamwork and healthy living.
Cultural Enrichment: Preserving and celebrating Armenian traditions.
Political Advocacy: Championing Armenian causes on local and global stages.
Educational Growth: Cultivating knowledge and leadership among Armenian youth.
A Vision for the Future
As the Armenian Youth Federation moves forward, we remain focused on:
Expanding programs to address the evolving needs of Armenian youth.
Strengthening our support for the homeland’s development and progress.
Inspiring a new generation to lead with passion, pride, and purpose.
Join us in our mission to empower Armenian youth, preserve our heritage, and strengthen our community for generations to come!
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The AYF Juniors “Shant Chapter” is dedicated to empowering the next generation of Armenian leaders. Open to children aged 7 to 16, AYF Juniors is more than just an educational program—it’s a vibrant community where young Armenians come together to connect with their heritage, develop leadership skills, and make a meaningful impact in their communities.
Our Mission
AYF Juniors aims to:
Instill pride in Armenian heritage by teaching history, culture, and traditions.
Educate members about significant current events affecting Armenians worldwide.
Cultivate leadership skills and social responsibility through community service and activism.
Foster lifelong friendships and a sense of belonging within the Armenian community.
Programs and Activities
AYF Juniors offers a wide range of programs tailored to enrich the lives of its members:
Educational Workshops: Interactive sessions that teach Armenian history, cultural traditions, and contemporary issues.
Community Service Projects: Opportunities to give back through initiatives that benefit local communities and the Armenian diaspora.
Leadership Development: Activities that encourage teamwork, critical thinking, and decision-making skills to prepare members for future leadership roles.
Social Events: Fun and engaging activities, such as sports, cultural celebrations, and outings, that strengthen bonds among members.
Why Join AYF Juniors?
AYF Juniors provides a unique environment for young Armenians to embrace their identity while growing into active and responsible citizens. By joining, members become part of a supportive network where they can learn, lead, and make lifelong connections.
Get Involved
Parents, educators, and community members are encouraged to support AYF Juniors by enrolling their children, volunteering, or attending our events. Together, we can nurture the leaders of tomorrow and ensure the preservation of Armenian heritage for generations to come.
Join us in our mission to inspire, educate, and empower the Armenian youth!
About GYC
Bringing the Community together
The goal of the Krikor and Mariam Karamanoukian Glendale Youth Center (GYC) is a multifaceted one. While the center seeks to primarily serve the community as a whole, the GYC houses various organizations, allowing for more interaction and easier cooperation between the various groups. By bringing together various community organizations under one roof, the center unites the community and provides a central location for community meetings and forums. The GYC features a large multi purpose room and various smaller rooms that serve as meeting rooms for organizations and community groups.
Education Outside of School
Education outside of the classroom is often just as valuable as the lessons children learn from textbooks. Hands on learning and community involvement often allows youth to expand their horizons and explore topics that are not offered in school. Moreover, such activities allow students to apply classroom education in the outside world.
At the Krikor and Mariam Karamanoukian Glendale Youth Center, cultural activities such as dance classes, choir groups and Armenian language classes will teach the youth about culture and arts while Bible Study will help the youth learn about Christianity and Chrisitan values.
Furthermore, with several organizations housed in the Center, youngsters will have many opportunities to get involved and learn about the community they live in. The ANCA offers youth internships which help educate them about the importance of civic participation and provides youth with hands-on lessons on the democratic process. The ARS allows youths to get involved in service activities and teaches them the importance of community service. Hamazkayin, an organization aimed at preserving and expanding the Armenian cultures and values offers the youth educational events as well as art exhibits raising the youth’s awareness on Armenian Culture and history. Lastly the AYF and the AYF Jrs. teach the youth the importance of involvement, activism, national heritage, responsibility and commitment.
Outside the classroom and inside the Glendale Youth Center, our next generation will grow up to become well-rounded, dedicated citizens who will in turn give back to the community that was able to make such a large commitment to them.