The ladies of the Agape Circle of the Western Diocese were honored with the Heart and Excellence Award at the 21st Annual YWCA Glendale Legacy Luncheon which was held on April 18, 2018 at the prestigious Vertigo Venue in Glendale.

The Diocesan Primate Archbishop Hovnan Derderian attended the function accompanied by the Rev. Fr. Khajag Shahbazyan, Pastor of St. Leon Armenian Cathedral. Delivering the invocation, the Primate commended the God-pleasing mission of the YWCA of empowering women, girls and families in our communities through education and intervention to achieve independence, well-being, health, self-sufficiency and a life free from violence, and to draw people together to attain peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all andcongratulatedall honorees on the auspicious occasion.

Headed by Mrs. Alice Chakrian, the Agape Circle of the Western Diocese is a group of dedicated women who have made it their mission to support and contribute to organizations that have impacted the lives of the Armenian-American community. Through their fundraising efforts and events, they give the Armenian community meaningful alternatives to become engaged and involved in programs that strive to alleviate human sufferings, including illness, homelessness, addiction, poverty and abuse.

Agape Circle of Western Diocese of the Armenian Church provides direct support to community groups, outreach programs, and institutions that strive to alleviate human sufferings. Agape Circle is defined by the meaning of “agape”– a Greek word which means universal, selfless and unconditional love that transcends and serves irrespective of race or gender.

Annually, Agape Circle designates and adopts a community organization or institution, providing financial support and volunteer work to further their programs. Agape Circle is also a member of the Armenian Ambassadors of Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, a group comprised of community members organizations, and businesses dedicated to creating hope and building a healthier future for children.

Other honorees were Carol Ann Burton, (Board-Certified Obstetrician/Gynecologist who worked in Glendale from 1988 to 2005); Marilyn Kay Butler (Active member of a Y service club); and Sona A. Tatiyants, (Founder of Lynk Law, a law firm dedicated to servicing families and business with their estate planning needs).

Click here  to read more about the honorees:

Agape Circle leadership believes in being a fearless advocate against racism and domestic violence as well as altruistic servants of our community at large regardless of circumstances.  Agape Circle is committed to partnering with YWCA Glendale to better our community by providing seminars, workshops and networking events so that opportunities are presented to women and girls, both in their personal as well as professional lives.

The 21st annual Legacy Luncheon raises funds for YWCA Glendale’s domestic violence programs, including the Sunrise Village Emergency Shelter, case management services, counseling, legal advocacy, childcare and more.

YWCA Glendale has been helping survivors of domestic violence in Glendale since 1979. In that time, YWCA Glendale has served over 60,000 women and children through its emergency shelter and domestic violence service center. As the only domestic violence agency in Glendale, annually YWCA Glendale continues to serve over 2,000 men, women and children:

Providing crisis counseling to over 700 hotline callers

Housing over 60 women and children at our Sunrise Village Emergency Shelter

Providing housing, job and food assistance to over 450 survivors

Helping almost 50 survivors with legal issues

Reaching almost 800 people through educational outreach and special events