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Our Work.
From Potential to Prosperity.

At the Rouben Malian Memorial Foundation, we do not believe in one-dimensional charity. We believe in multi-dimensional change. Poverty and inequality are complex issues where a lack of education leads to economic stagnation and economic stagnation leads to poor health outcomes. To solve one, you must address them all.

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Our work is grounded in the philosophy of our founder: take "big bets" on human potential. We focus on three interconnected pillars designed to move individuals from a state of survival to a state of thriving. By combining high-level advocacy with grassroots resource distribution, we are building a ladder of opportunity for those who have been left behind.

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Pillar 1: Policy, Advocacy, & The Digital Divide

Charity can fill a gap, but policy changes the landscape. We recognize that the most acute challenge facing underserved communities today is the Digital Divide. In an era where education and employment are increasingly digital, a lack of connectivity is synonymous with a lack of opportunity.

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1. Closing the Digital Gap
We provide immediate tactical support to close the technological deficit in underserved school districts. This includes:

  • Hardware Deployment: Procuring and distributing laptops, tablets, and Wi-Fi hotspots to students who lack access at home.

  • Infrastructure Support: Partnering with local community centers to create "Connectivity Hubs" where students and job seekers can access high-speed internet in a safe environment.

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2. Connecting People to Power
We believe that the people closest to the problem are often closest to the solution, yet they are rarely heard. We act as a conduit between community members and policymakers.

  • Legislative Advocacy: We lobby for equitable funding formulas in public education. We ensure that schools in low-income areas receive the resources necessary to compete with their wealthier counterparts.

  • Civic Engagement: We organize forums that bring local constituents face-to-face with their representatives. This ensures that the urgent need for educational funding is not just a statistic on a page but a personal reality presented to those in power.

Pillar 2: Economic Empowerment

The ultimate goal of our foundation is to render our assistance unnecessary. We aim to help the people we serve rise out of poverty permanently. We achieve this by treating beneficiaries not as recipients of aid, but as candidates for investment.

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1. Vocational & Digital Literacy Training
The job market is evolving, and the workforce must evolve with it. We fund and facilitate training programs designed to bridge the skills gap.

  • Tech for Tomorrow: Courses focused on coding, digital marketing, and data literacy that prepare individuals for the modern economy.

  • Vocational Workshops: Specialized training in high-demand trades that offer immediate employment opportunities and a pathway to the middle class.

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2. The "Big Bet" Job Placement Initiative
Training is only effective if it leads to employment. We actively partner with corporations and local businesses to create pipelines for our program graduates.

  • Resume & Interview Prep: We provide soft-skills coaching to ensure our candidates can navigate the recruitment process with confidence.

  • Direct Placement: We work to secure commitments from employers to hire from our pool of trained talent, reducing the risk for the employer and opening doors for the employee.

Pillar 3: Community & Heritage

While our vision is forward-looking, our heart remains rooted in the values and heritage of Rouben Malian. We understand that a community cannot thrive economically if it is struggling physically or culturally.

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1. The Armenian Community Initiative
Rouben Malian was a proud Armenian who believed deeply in the resilience of his people. We honor his memory by dedicating specific resources to the Armenian community, both in the diaspora and abroad.

  • Cultural Preservation: Funding programs that teach Armenian history, language, and arts to the next generation.

  • Humanitarian Aid: Providing rapid-response funds for Armenian families affected by regional conflicts or displacement. We ensure they have the housing, food, and medical supplies needed to rebuild their lives.

 

2. Health & Human Services
For the broader population we serve, we operate as a safety net for those in crisis.

  • Essential Resource Distribution: We organize drives for food, clothing, and medical supplies in New York and other target regions.

  • Healthcare Access: We support initiatives that bring mobile health clinics to underserved neighborhoods. This ensures that preventative care is not a luxury reserved for the wealthy.

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