The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is an international humanitarian agency that assists people in vulnerable situations in more than 110 countries around the world. It also runs several projects in South America and contributes to the development and care of thousands of people every year.
Photo: Indigenous NGO ADRA
The first initiatives that led to the creation of the agency took place in 1956, in the United States, when its sponsor, the Seventh-day Adventist Church, touched by the suffering caused by the world wars, organized itself to provide assistance services to those most affected. This is how the desire to work tirelessly to make this world a place where everyone can live as God intended was born.
On October 10, 1983, it took on its current name with the aim of professionalizing the service offered, both in the area of community development projects and in the area of welfare aid.
In 1997, ADRA was recognized as a general advisory body by the United Nations (UN), a unique opportunity to have a voice and recognition in the international humanitarian community.
With 40 years of international presence, ADRA acts motivated by three essential values:
Justice – so that each person recognizes that they are unique and special.
Compassion – because no one should carry their burden alone.
Love – a love without limits, that sees no distinctions and is so strong that everyone can see its reflection of the character of God’s love.
In South America, ADRA is present in seven countries and understands that its work consists of promoting development and specific relief for people in vulnerable situations. Therefore, it prioritizes nine major areas of action:
- Management of shelters and halfway houses
- Emergency response and post-crisis recovery
- Promotion of education
- Promotion of food security and hunger reduction actions
- Community health care and promotion
- Water supply, sanitation and hygiene (WASH)
- Job and income generation
- Valuing women
- Assistance to minors in vulnerable situations
STATISTICAL DATA IN
SOUTH AMERICA
454
of active projects
6.895
of volunteers
1.051.077
of beneficiaries
SOLIDARITY
Joining Forces to Transform Lives
Find out about the projects developed by ADRA to benefit communities in different situations, as well as initiatives that promote the inclusion and training of children, young people and adults. Find out how to join the Adventist humanitarian agency and make a real impact.
See Also
Desenvolvimento Humano
To contribute to the formation of children and adolescents, Adventists maintain worldwide programs that stimulate creativity, companionship, learning and love for God and neighbor.
Bible Study
The Bible is the revelation of God’s love, character and justice for humanity. Its study plays a central role in the life and practice of Seventh-day Adventists.
Family
The family is a precious asset. That’s why the Adventist Church has specific initiatives to help strengthen bonds and love within homes.
organizational STRUCTURE
From the local church to the world headquarters, learn about the administrative levels that work to strengthen faith, Bible teaching and support different initiatives aimed at members, others and society.
IDENTITY
With a clear vision of its mission to proclaim hope to the world, the Adventist Church has a unique identity based on the Bible. This is present from its fundamental beliefs to its elementary fronts of action.