Hope Story Circle with Paul Chepikian - August 14, 2021

Paul Chepikian is a Greek Armenian immigrant, born in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia and growing up in Cairo, Egypt and Beirut, Lebanon until his family came to the United States when he was eight years old — and he grew up in New Jersey. When he was ten years old, his parents were arguing and he became concerned and afraid. He dialed the Operator on the phone (there was no 911 in 1965), and asked for the Police to come to his house. Two Police Officers came, and they calmed everything down, made things better, and were sure that Paul was okay before they left in the snowy night. That experience of the officers making things better stuck, and Paul wanted to be a police officer. His life took different directions, but he has always had experiences with making things better, partly with the Los Angeles Crisis Response Team as a volunteer, supporting the LAPD and LAFD in traumatic situations to support family, neighbors and friends immediately following an event. The inquiry was about coming to this as peace builders, and wanting every child to feel safe when there is a crisis. For everyone, especially children, when people are frightened, how do we help them feel safe again? Check the calendar of Events at www.peacealliance.org - join us at our next Hope Story Circle and share your emerging stories!