About NorCal

HISTORY

In 1982, three Armenian men in the East Bay decided to establish a tax exempt entity to gather funds for a parcel of land somewhere in the Bay Area. This would be the first step in the eventual construction of a home for the elderly. A non profit, tax –exempt status was established and, on April 20, 1983 was approved by the IRS. That year the first Board meeting was held with these three men becoming the president, vice-president and sec/treasurer. Our official name became NorCal Haven, Inc. doing business as NorCal Armenian Home and Senior Services. Soon, thereafter, a house was purchased and established as an Armenian Retirement and Care Facility. The Auxiliary was formed to help raise funds to support the home. However, it quickly became apparent that, in addition to the home, more varied assistance for Armenian seniors was needed throughout the Bay Area. So, the home was sold in 1990, the Burlingame office was opened in 1991, and the focus of NorCal Haven Inc. was shifted to provide a wide range of services to Armenian seniors.

MISSION STATEMENT

THE PURPOSE OF THIS ORGANIZATION IS TO ENHANCE THE WELL
BEING OF THE SENIOR ARMENIAN COMMUNITY OF NORTHERN
CALIFORNIA BY PROVIDING HOME BASED SENIOR CARE SERVICES
AND DEVELOPING A FACILITY TO RENDER MORE COMPREHENSIVE
SERVICES

Services Offered
Throughout the year, our NorCal staff continuously strives to assist our seniors in resolving many of their daily needs. Some of the services that we provide are:

• Assistance with general information and referrals.
• Helping seniors and their families cope with their daily lives and various issues and concerns.
• Putting seniors in touch with the necessary community resources to stay at home and create a safe living environment to be independent.
• Emotional and moral support.
• Assistance with the application process and entitlements for Medicare and Medi-Cal issues.
• Providing information for home care agencies (MSSP), transportation, translations and helping with housing challenges.
• Assisting families in placing their loved ones in the appropriate nursing homes.
• Visiting our seniors throughout the Bay Area who are at nursing homes, assisted living facilities or living at home.
• Assisting those who are searching for care giving employment and matching them with the appropriate families.
• Organizing the following activities: Hye Days, excursions, Christmas parties, picnics and all their associated arrangements.
• General information regarding NorCal’s activities.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Vigen Khachooni, President
Ruben Kazarian, Vice President
Sonia Koujakian, Secretary
Judy Jingirian, Treasurer
Aida Mirigian, Membership

Seda Chavdarian, Advisor

Haig Mekhdjian, Advisor

Hagop Koujakian, Advisor

Stephen Sarafian, MD., Advisor

SENIOR SERVICES COORDINATOR

Ayko Berberian

ASSISTANT SENIOR SERVICES COORDINATOR

Hermine Armstrong

LEGAL COUNSEL

Levon Sagatelyan, Esq.

ASSOCIATE BOARD MEMBERS

Norma Yaglijian
Loretta Emerzian
John Jezmajian
Garo Keadjian
Linda Khachooni
Sarkis Sarkisian
Jack Saroyan, D.D.S.

AUXILIARY MEMBERS

Mirta Arsenian Cali, President
Hilda Basmajian, Vice-President
Marlene Kasparian, Treasurer
Bonnie Koojoolian, Cor. Secretary
Arlene Hovsepian
Ann Sarkisian
Caline Soghikian
Maddy Tolegian