In a room inside a building in Armenia’s capital, Yerevan, a small team of people are offering more than just tea and pastries for those entering through their doors. The Artsakh Elderly Support Café has become a refuge for elderly individuals displaced from Artsakh, many of whom have lost their homes, their communities, and the sense of security they once knew. This project is made possible by the generous funding of the Armenian General Benevolent Union (AGBU).
For Anna, a 72-year-old grandmother from Stepanakert, the café was an unfamiliar but intriguing space. She arrived hesitantly, unsure of what to expect. “It’s difficult to start over at this age,” she admitted. “We are not just rebuilding homes, we are trying to rebuild our lives.”
Inside, the café is warm and welcoming. The air carries the scent of fresh gata, and a table is arranged in a small circle where women, many of whom left Artsakh with only a few belongings, gather to share stories and reconnect. The project aims to address the psychological and emotional toll of displacement, offering structured support from psychologists and social workers through a series of tests and evaluations curated by a special team of researchers from Alzheimer’s Care Armenia’s team.
Throughout the afternoon, Anna listened as others shared their experiences. One woman described the pain of separation from her grandchildren, now resettled in different parts of Armenia. Some conversations were heavier, while others found brief moments of joy and laughter over old memories.
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The presence of mental health professionals is a key part of this initiative. One psychologist, who has been working with displaced elderly individuals since the crisis began, explained the challenges they face. “Many of them carry deep grief and anxiety. They have lost not just their homes but their sense of belonging. This café provides them with a space where they can talk, be heard, and, most importantly, feel less alone.”
The road to healing is long, but for those who gather at the Artsakh Elderly Support Café, it begins with a simple act of sharing a cup of coffee, a conversation, and the reassurance that they are not alone. Need more information on our programs and initiatives? Contact Dr. Jane Mahakian at [email protected]
Dr. Jane Mahakian, President; Alzheimer’s Care Armenia
