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Helen Cirrito
East Lansing
Hero Story
Helen Knar (Arakelian) Cirrito has had a life-changing effect on hundreds within the Greater Lansing Region Armenian Refugee Community. For more than three decades, Cirrito welcomed refugee families from all over the world into her home and helped them establish in the Greater Lansing area.
As a descendant of survivors of the 1915 Armenian Genocide, Cirrito’s commitment to helping those in need was ingrained in her. In 1992, as Armenians were displaced by the Nagorno-Karabakh war, Cirrito founded the Armenian Resettlement and Refugee Assistance Trust Fund using her resources and time. She worked closely with St. Vincent Catholic Charities to secure opportunities for the new arrivals. Cirrito also facilitated employment, education, transportation, and medical care, setting the stage for success and integration into the Lansing community.
What truly sets Cirrito apart is her ability to remember and celebrate the milestones of each person she has helped. Her commitment to the well-being and growth of these individuals is a testament to her dedication and care. As the Armenian American community flourished under Cirrito’s guidance, her efforts continued to expand; more than 90 percent of the refugees she assisted purchased homes, opened local businesses, and provided employment opportunities to other community members. Cirrito s influence has rippled through generations, as young Armenian Americans achieve academic, artistic, and athletic success on national and international stages.
Cirrito’s profound service has not gone unnoticed by her community. Her selflessness and generosity have garnered deep respect and gratitude from everyone she has helped. The Armenian American community stands united in their support of her, echoing sentiments of appreciation for her dedication and life-changing work.
“Helen Cirrito is an amazing woman who cherished all of us as her own family and gave us another chance to build a new life in America and succeed. She is worthy of hundreds of awards and recognitions, but she never sought or expected anything in return for all her hard work,” said Asya Vardanova, a member of the Lansing Armenian community. “We are all forever grateful for everything she has done for our entire community."
Cirrito’s legacy is one of unwavering compassion, boundless dedication, and a resounding belief in the potential of every individual to thrive. Her lifetime of saving lives, creating opportunities, and fostering unity is a shining example of how one person's actions can truly make a profound and lasting impact.
Helen Cirrito
East Lansing
Hero Story
Helen Knar (Arakelian) Cirrito has had a life-changing effect on hundreds within the Greater Lansing Region Armenian Refugee Community. For more than three decades, Cirrito welcomed refugee families from all over the world into her home and helped them establish in the Greater Lansing area.
As a descendant of survivors of the 1915 Armenian Genocide, Cirrito’s commitment to helping those in need was ingrained in her. In 1992, as Armenians were displaced by the Nagorno-Karabakh war, Cirrito founded the Armenian Resettlement and Refugee Assistance Trust Fund using her resources and time. She worked closely with St. Vincent Catholic Charities to secure opportunities for the new arrivals. Cirrito also facilitated employment, education, transportation, and medical care, setting the stage for success and integration into the Lansing community.
What truly sets Cirrito apart is her ability to remember and celebrate the milestones of each person she has helped. Her commitment to the well-being and growth of these individuals is a testament to her dedication and care. As the Armenian American community flourished under Cirrito’s guidance, her efforts continued to expand; more than 90 percent of the refugees she assisted purchased homes, opened local businesses, and provided employment opportunities to other community members. Cirrito s influence has rippled through generations, as young Armenian Americans achieve academic, artistic, and athletic success on national and international stages.
Cirrito’s profound service has not gone unnoticed by her community. Her selflessness and generosity have garnered deep respect and gratitude from everyone she has helped. The Armenian American community stands united in their support of her, echoing sentiments of appreciation for her dedication and life-changing work.
“Helen Cirrito is an amazing woman who cherished all of us as her own family and gave us another chance to build a new life in America and succeed. She is worthy of hundreds of awards and recognitions, but she never sought or expected anything in return for all her hard work,” said Asya Vardanova, a member of the Lansing Armenian community. “We are all forever grateful for everything she has done for our entire community."
Cirrito’s legacy is one of unwavering compassion, boundless dedication, and a resounding belief in the potential of every individual to thrive. Her lifetime of saving lives, creating opportunities, and fostering unity is a shining example of how one person's actions can truly make a profound and lasting impact.