ADRA MOLDOVA-

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Changing the world one life at a time

ADRA Identity Statement

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency is a global humanitarian organization of the Seventh-day Adventist Church that demonstrates God’s love and compassion.

ADRA Mission Statement

            ADRA works with people in poverty and distress to create just and positive change through empowering partnerships and responsible action.

ADRA Vision

            ADRA is a professional, learning and efficient network that embodies integrity and transparency. ADRA reaches across boundaries empowering and speaking out for the at-risk and forgotten to achieve measurable, documented and durable changes in lives and society.

ADRA Beliefs

• That through humanitarian acts we make known the just, merciful and loving character of God.
• That to work with those in need is an expression of our love for God.
• That the compassionate ministry of Jesus is its own abundant motive and reward.
• That we are an agency of change and an instrument of grace and providence.
• In expressing concern, compassion and empathy through our work.
• That equitable partnership with those in need will result in sustainable change.
• That age, gender, race, culture and families enrich the communities with whom we work, and are assets to be respected and affirmed.
• In non-discrimination and respect for differences, accepting people as equals regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, political or religious affiliation.
• In participatory development which utilizes both men and women’s capabilities and provides equal opportunity to individuals of differing ethnic, religious and cultural backgrounds.
• That all people have the fundamental right to care, basic goods and services.
• That all persons, especially children, have the right to a life of opportunity and the freedom to choose their own future.
• In enabling partners to create participatory and sustainable community structures for information sharing and civil engagement.
• That all resources, opportunities, and advantages are gifts, which must be managed responsibly.
• That all people, in particular women and children, have the right to protection and a life free from violence, sexual exploitation and all other forms of abuse.
• In demonstrating integrity and transparency in our work at every level. 

History

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) was established in November 1956 by the Seventh-day Adventist Church to provide humanitarian relief and welfare. Originally called Seventh-day Adventist Welfare Service or SAWS, the name was changed to Seventh-day Adventist World Service in 1973.

By the mid-1970s, the organization began to broaden its mission from disaster relief into programs leading to long-term development. In 1983 SAWS underwent yet another name change to better reflect its overall mission and activities, becoming the "Adventist Development and Relief Agency" (ADRA).

ADRA's work grew rapidly with major programs in several countries emphasizing community development, food distribution, institutional development, and ongoing disaster relief. From an initial worldwide staff of approximately 600, ADRA's activities soon included: building health clinics in Africa, assisting hurricane victims in Central America, teaching hygiene and health to children in Asia, and promoting awareness of worldwide humanitarian needs through ADRA's Global Village in the United States.

ADRA is currently one of the leading non-governmental relief organizations in the world. In 1997 the agency was granted General Consultative Status by the United Nations, a unique opportunity giving ADRA added voice in the international community. In 2004 it assisted nearly 24 million people with more than US$159 million in aid. More than 4,000 ADRA staff members currently work in 125 countries. As new challenges and needs arise, ADRA continues to strive to realize its mission of reflecting God's love through compassionate acts of humanitarian service.

ADRA Moldova was established as an Agency in Moldova in 1992, shortly after the disintegration of the Soviet Union and Independence of the Republic of Moldova. It was initially registered as a local NGO. On July 6 1999, it was re-registered in Ministry of Justice as a branch of ADRA International in this territory. It is now fully recognized and registered as an International NGO.

Humanitarian Aid distributed by ADRA Moldova within last 5 years