Why is the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) involved?

The last will and testament of Vartan H. Jinishian named the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) as the recipient of the bulk of his estate. The church, therefore, has a legal obligation to carry out his wishes as expressed in the will. This was agreed to in 1966 before Jinishian's death. It continues to be possible since the social and religious purposes set forth in Jinishian's will coincide with the broad ecumenical and mission goals of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Expenses incurred in carrying out Vartan H. Jinishian's stated purposes in his will are borne by the fund.

Where is Jinishian Memorial Program active today?

School lunch program in Istanbul. Photo by David H. Nelson.

JMP carries out the purposes for which it was established at seven different sites in five countries, the Republic of Armenia and four countries of the Middle East. In areas where governmental social services are deficient or non-existent, JMP offers medical, social, and employment assistance to poor and needy persons, as well as holistic programs for children and youth such as summer camps, and the otherwise vulnerable population sectors of the local Armenian communities.

Read illustrative stories from the Republic of Armenia and the Middle East describing how the Jinishian Memorial Program is being used.

How is the Jinishian Memorial Program administered?

United State Advisory Committee (USAC) members.

The Fund is invested and held by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation. International program delivery is the responsibility of the General Assembly Mission Council of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) administrators of the Jinishian Memorial Program benefit from regular advice and counsel as offered by the United States Advisory Committee (USAC) as established in the Jinishian will and local advisory committees in each of the seven sites where the program is active.