About Us
The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) was started by the Seventh-day Adventist Church as a way to follow Christ’s example of serving and caring for those in need. Put simply, ADRA improves the lives of people around the world. The agency searches out deprivation, social injustice, and need—then works to eliminate them. ADRA invests in the potential of individuals through advocacy, supporting families, promoting health, providing food and water, establishing livelihoods, and responding to emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Of Private Donations Is Used For Direct Humanitarian Services?
ADRA International strives to make ...
Read more >
From Whom Does ADRA Receive Its Funding?
ADRA International's disaster relief and ...
Read more >
Timeline
| 1956 | ADRA is established under the name Seventh-day Adventist Welfare Service (SAWS). |
| 1962 | SAWS provides $2.3 million of relief to 29 countries. |
| 1984 | SAWS becomes the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA). Focus shifts to development work. |
| 1989 | ADRA begins working with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Provides education for 37,000 Liberian refugees. |
| 1994 | During the Rwandan genocide, ADRA is the only nongovernmental organization to stay in the country. Feeds 400,000 and medical staff treat 1,000 patients a day. |
| 1997 | ADRA is granted General Consultative Status by the United Nations. |
| 2001 | ADRA is one of 14 agencies selected to be part of the Global Food Education program. Allows ADRA to feed 90,000 students in Madagascar. |
| 2004 | Following the Asian tsunami, ADRA launches its largest emergency response ever, helping thousands of survivors in four countries. |
