A BRIEF HISTORY
On 4th of July 1944, the vision and aspirations of a handful of Armenian-Iranian youth to establish a center to nurture the needs of the Armenian community’s younger generations became a reality. From its humble beginnings, the Armenian Youth Cultural Association matured into a multi division organization known as Armenian Cultural Ararat Organization (ACAO) with several branches in Armenian population centers in other cities of Iran.
With roster of membership that exceeded several thousands, ACAO functioned as the main hub of Armenian youth activities in the fields of literature, performing arts, scouting and athletics.
In response to the intellectual needs of the Armenian Diaspora living in Iran, ACAO organized concerts, plays and other cultural events that were the subject of community’s admiration and appreciation throughout the years.
ACAO also known as “Ararat” produced world class athletes who participated in Olympic Games and other national and international meets in scouting, boxing, weight lifting, wrestling, men’s and women’s basketball, cycling, mountain climbing, table tennis, tennis, soccer, fencing, track and field, swimming and diving, and gymnastics.
Homenetmen Glendale “Ararat” Chapter was founded on December 15, 1978 by former leaders and members of Armenian Cultural Ararat Organization (ACAO), who had recently moved to the Los Angeles area . Through out the years, the chapter membership as well as activities has grown considerably. Currently the chapter has more than 2,300 members.
The chapter’s Executive Board of Directors is elected during the chapter’s annual meeting for one year term and oversees the activities of all divisions. Currently the chapter is divided into Scouts, Basketball, General Athletics, Cultural, Volunteers and Program divisions. Each division is managed by it’s elected Executive Committee and other sub-committees. Volunteer and Program divisions, with their various sub-committees, provide support to youth programs and organize fund raising activities. In addition to more than 200 volunteer leaders, the chapter employs a small staff of professionals.
Homenetmen Glendale “Ararat” Chapter activities started in a small rental office in 1978. In 1984 the chapter was able to purchase a mid size property and finally in 1997,the chapter purchased a property (65,000 sq. ft. lot with 33,000 sq. ft. building), which was renovated in three phases and is currently serving as the center for most activities.
Ararat center on 3347 San Fernando rd, is equipped with a full size Gymnasium, a multipurpose Banquet Hall/Gymnasium with a foyer, a general purpose hall, a gymnastics hall, shop, cafeteria and more than 20 rooms to hold different activities and meetings. Currently, the chapter is actively searching for a second center in the city of Glendale.