This is the story of Nelly Sargsyan, a woman with one child who has been getting the “cold shoulder” at Armenia’s social service agencies.

After leaving her husband, Nelly wound up at the Light House charitable organization. That’s where she gave birth.

She spent a few months at Light House, but later was evicted.

Her family agreed to take Nelly in, on condition that she not bring her child. The mother was thus forced to temporarily leave the baby at an orphanage.

After returning home, Nelly's brother, along with his family, left. Nelli now resides with her father and stepmom.

Nelli eats her meals alone. She says that’s the way her stepmother wants it.

No one in the family works. Nelly used to work in the service sector and at a sewing factory. When she was a teenager, the family used to receive a medical disability allowance for Nelly since she suffered from epilepsy. That allowance no longer comes.

Nelly has sought help from local and regional authorities and various NGO’s. She wants to get a job; any kind of work.

The Vanadzor Municipality’s Caretaker Committee recently reviewed Nelly’s case at which she was present. They concluded that the best resolution would be for the municipality to intercede with Light House to take Nelli back.

Light House agreed to a one month trial period, but Nelly refused, citing disagreements with staff members. She doesn’t want to go back.

The committee also addressed why Nelly hasn’t yet received the 50,000 AMD monthly child allowance she’s entitled to.

Vanadzor Social Services’ Director Karen Grigoryan says it’s because her paperwork isn’t in order. Later, his office found out that Nelli had given the child over to the orphanage, which would disallow any allowance.

“Right now, she can apply and present the necessary documentation. There’s no problem,” said Grigoryan, changing his original story.

Lernouhie Gevorgyan, Secretary of the Vanadzor Caretaker Committee, says that Nelly isn’t physically able to care for the child, arguing that the mother just doesn’t possess adequate parenting skills.

Gagik Simonyan, Secretary of the Vanadzor Municipal Staff, argues that if they gave Nelli an apartment it would quickly turn into a brothel.

Simonyan says that Nelly has a place to live, and that her family hasn’t yet turned her out. He also denies Nelli's charges that she’s been beaten at home.

During the review process, Gagik Simonyan told Nelly to get her act together, find work, and take her child back as soon as possible.

“No one is going to hand you a job or a home. If you refuse to assume parental care of your child for much longer, I promise to take you to court and demand child care alimony,” Simonyan told Nelly.

The young mother left the office wailing and in tears.