Homenetmen
About
FOSTERING UNITY, CULTURE, AND ATHLETIC EXCELLENCE SINCE 1918
Early Years
Our History
Founded in 1918 in Constantinople, Homenetmen emerged as a vital sanctuary for Armenians, especially those deeply affected by the Armenian Genocide. As refugees, including many orphans, sought solace in Constantinople, Homenetmen extended its arms, offering not just physical relief but also a sense of belonging and community. The organization's scouts played a crucial role in caring for over 1,500 refugees, many of whom were orphaned children. This nurturing environment fostered a deep sense of brotherhood and sisterhood, leading members to affectionately address each other as "yeghpayr" and "kouyr", meaning brother and sister in Armenian. This tradition, rooted in the organization's early history of compassion and unity, continues to this day, symbolizing the close-knit bond between Homenetmen members.
A WORLDWIDE COMMUNITY
Homenetmen Today
Today Homenetmen continues to serve its mission of promoting Armenian culture, identity, and sports worldwide. With over 25,000 members in 24 countries, Homenetmen organizes various cultural, social, and athletic events, including scouting camps, tournaments, and festivals. The organization also provides opportunities for young Armenians to learn Armenian language and history, fostering a sense of community and pride in their heritage.


In recent years, Homenetmen has also expanded its reach through technology, utilizing social media and online platforms to connect with its members and supporters. The organization has adapted to the changing times, embracing new forms of communication and outreach while maintaining its commitment to preserving and promoting Armenian culture. Homenetmen remains a vital part of the Armenian diaspora, a beacon of unity and strength for the community.
.png)
HOMENETMEN SAN FRANCISCO
Our Chapter
Homenetmen San Francisco Chapter has a long and proud history of serving the Armenian community in Northern California. Since our founding in 1970, we have grown to become the largest Armenian youth organization in the region, with over 250 members participating in our programs and activities. Over the years Homenetmen San Francisco has organized and participated in numerous cultural, athletic, and social events, including the San Diego Basketball Tournament, the Fresno Basketball Tournament, and the Navasartian Regional Athletic Tournament. We have also sent delegations to the Pan-Homenetmen Jamboree in Armenia and the Homenetmen Regional Scout Jamboree.
Our Programs
At Homenetmen San Francisco, we believe that involvement in community events and activities is a vital part of being a responsible and engaged member. There are many ways to get involved with our organization, whether you are an athlete, a scout, a parent, or simply someone who wants to contribute to our mission.
.png)
Our Leadership
Varouj Chitilian
Chairman
Varouj Chitilian is the founder and CEO of Varouj AI, Inc. a company dedicated to leveraging technology to strengthen the family unit. Prior to that Varouj was the CTO (Chief Technology Officer) of Instacart (Nasdaq:CART) in this capacity he led the company through an IPO in 2023 and through the hypergrowth challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to Instacart Varouj was a Senior Director of Engineering at Google (Nasdaq: GOOG) where he ran engineering organizations in the Ads and Payments spaces. Varouj holds B.Sc and M.Eng. degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). He's been a lifelong member of Homenetmen and has served in many different roles in the Armenian Community of San Francisco including as chapter leader for the Homenetmen Scouts, member of the board of KZV Armenian school, and member of the board of CAAONC (Council of Armenian American Organizations of Northern California).
.jpg)
Zepyur Kasparian
Scouts Representative
Zepyur Kasparian has been a member of Homenetmen through scouting for a decade. She has served as the Scouts Representative for the past two years. Among her cherished memories are Jamboree in 2018 and festive Christmas parties, which she feels reflect the spirit and community of Homenetmen. Zepyur hopes to enhance the chapter's scouting program by fostering meaningful connections between youth and the values of scouting.
Lena Dickranian
Social Committee
Anie Tazian
Treasurer
Talar Kilijian
Secretary
A third-generation Homenetmen member, Anie has been deeply connected to the organization from a young age, participating as an athlete in her youth. Her journey continued when she joined the San Francisco chapter in 2014, initially as a volunteer coach for her daughter's basketball team. In 2023, her dedication led her to join the executive board, where she now brings both personal and professional commitment to the organization’s growth and success.
Arek Arabian
Athletic Director
Sako Sarkissian
Advisor
Arek has been a proud member of SF Homenetmen since 2007. He grew up playing basketball and Team Handball within the Homenetmen community, beginning at age 12, where he developed a deep appreciation for teamwork, discipline, and youth development. Years later, he started a new U7–U9 basketball program, laying the foundation for the organization’s youngest athletes. Through his leadership, passion, and commitment, he has helped bring many new young members into the program and continues to play a meaningful role in shaping the next generation of Homenetmen athletes.
Maral Sarafian
Social Committee
Meher Tendjoukian
Data Manager
Exemplary Members
Vahan Derounian (2015)
Vahan Derounian is a member of SF Homenetmen, and was named an exemplary member by their peers in 2015.
Shahen Aghababian (2016)
Shahen Aghababian is a member of SF Homenetmen, and was named an exemplary member by their peers in 2016.
Vachik Sarkissian (2018)
Vachik Sarkissian is a member of SF Homenetmen, and was named an exemplary member by their peers in 2018.
Hovig Aristakessian (2019)
Hovig Aristakessian is a member of SF Homenetmen, and was named an exemplary member by their peers in 2019.
Janet Demirjian Leist (2023)
Janet Demirjian Leist is a member of SF Homenetmen, and was named an exemplary member by their peers in 2023
Join Homenetmen San Francisco
If you're interested in becoming a member, we welcome you to visit our membership page to learn more about our programs and how to join. Our programs are open to Armenian youth between the ages of 6-18, and we welcome all skill levels and backgrounds. We also offer volunteer opportunities for adults who are interested in getting involved and making a difference in our community.
