A Step Forward – a New Chapter for the AYC and the Youth of our Community

The Washington, D.C. “Sebouh” Gomideh of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) announces the successful completion of the sale of the Armenian Youth Center (AYC) owned property in Darnestown, Maryland. This property was purchased years ago through the visionary spirit and tireless work of members of our local chapter. The proceeds of the sale of this property will, like all the work of the AYC, be dedicated to serving local Armenian youth and ultimately realizing its founding mission of establishing an AYC community youth center in our national capital area.

The AYC was officially formed on January 20, 1984 with the filing of Articles of Incorporation which included the following corporate directors: Dr. Hratch Abrahamian, Mr. Harry Atanossian, Mr. Haig Gakavian, Mr. Ara Papazian, and Col. Harry Sachaklian. These Articles of Incorporation listed the following reason for the formation of the corporation – “To provide physical facilities to serve as a center for educational, social and athletic activities of Armenian Youth of the Greater Washington Area.” Today we stand on the shoulders of these community leaders, ready and committed to continuing to work to realize their vision.

As has been reported regularly and transparently, repeated efforts, over many years, to develop this land into a functioning center were consistently blocked by county government action, frustrated by neighborhood opposition, limited by environmental restrictions, and obstructed by other factors beyond the AYC’s control. Given these obstacles, and the poor prospects for the development of a center of the needed scale at this site, the AYC decided to secure a fair market price for the property and to pursue other options. We invite community input and welcome community discourse about how to best advance the AYC’s mission.

The need for a dedicated community center has never been greater. As our community continues to grow, so too does the importance of creating a permanent home where our youth can gather, learn, and strengthen their connection to their heritage and identity.

Those who wish to support this mission and contribute to the future Armenian Youth Center may do so here: https://givebutter.com/armenian-youth-center-gw

This moment is both a culmination and a beginning – a testament to what sustained commitment can achieve, and a call to continue the work ahead with renewed energy and unity.

We join with the AYC in thanking all for their persistence, patience, and perseverance – and in looking forward to the day that we can open the doors to our new center.

Together, we remain committed to bring this vision to life.