The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) International is an independent humanitarian agency established in 1984 by the Seventh-day Adventist Church for the specific purposes of individual and community development and disaster relief. Working in more than 120 countries, ADRA is one of the more efficient relief agencies operating in the world, keeping its administrative costs to about 10 percent while benefiting more than 15 million people annually with assistance valued at more than $109 million (figures from 2002).

ADRA's development and relief work covers five core activities: Food Security, Economic Development, Primary Health, Disaster Preparedness and Response, and Basic Education. They work at bringing solutions and training rather than just handouts. Recognizing the dignity that is inherent in each person, ADRA is committed to improving quality of human life without regard to their ethnic, political, or religious association. Helping people in need is the primary goal, especially those most vulnerable such as women, children, and senior citizens.

The Economic and Social Council of the United Nations granted ADRA general consultative status in 1997.

Go to ADRA's website.