Ararat.org - The Homenetmen Glendale "Ararat" Chapter Web Site

The Armenian General Athletic Union and Scouts, referred to as Homenetmen, is a non-profit organization founded in 1918. As a strong believer in the strong mind in a strong body concept, Homenetmen provides the Armenian American youth with moral, physical and social education. In addition, it exposes the youth to the wealth of the Armenian culture and heritage, prepared outstanding and law abiding Armenian American Citizens. During its existence, Homenetmen is a worldwide organization with ninety chapters and 25,000 members on five continents.

Our chapter is the largest chapter in the United States, with nearly 2,300 members. Homenetmen provides family oriented scouting, athletic, cultural, educational and community-volunteer programs.

The Glendale chapter, which was established with only seven volunteer members in 1978, experienced tremendous growth during the 1980's. The organization has been an integral part of the Glendale community since 1978, providing services to over 10,000 children, young adults, and seniors during the years. The most important part of our organization's function is provision of healthy and clean programs for teenagers and young adults through organized and supervised after school and weekend activities in a family oriented environment. They are taught volunteerism, community and cultural values, citizenship, teamwork, receive leadership training, and are kept away from the strong negative influences facing our youth including drugs, gangs, and crime.

Our Center

Since the establishment of Homenetmen Glendale "Ararat" Chapter in 1978, the Armenian population in Glendale and our membership have increased dramatically. Due to this overwhelming growth, we had once again outgrown our facilities. In 1997, we moved into our new Center. This new Center which serves as our new home, allows our members to participate in most of our athletic, scouting, and cultural activities in one location, under one roof. This modern Homenetmen Center with its meeting rooms, a full gymnasium as well as a banquet hall for over 500 guests is where our activities are held.

This new facility has provided us with a real opportunity to ensure that our next generation can benefit from all the positive influences and teachings of Homenetmen within a healthy family atmosphere, in a modern environment.