SILVER SPRING, MD (May 10, 2025) – The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) honors mothers around the world this Mother’s Day, recognizing their love, strength, and vital contributions to their families, communities, and society. For more than 40 years, ADRA has implemented life-changing programs that empower mothers to improve their health, education, livelihoods, and family support systems, helping them reach their God-given potential.
Many of these initiatives, especially in vulnerable communities, have been made possible through critical government funding, including grants from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). However, due to the recent funding pause imposed by the U.S. government in January, several of these programs are now at risk, with some already suspended. ADRA is now facing the urgent challenge of identifying new funding sources to ensure that services for mothers and other vulnerable individuals can continue uninterrupted.
“We pay tribute to moms worldwide for their unconditional love and tireless dedication to their children and families,” says ADRA Vice President for Sustainable Development Sonya Funna Evelyn. “This is a difficult time for ADRA as we seek financial support and donor contributions to sustain our mission. Yet we remain firmly committed to serving mothers around the world and other vulnerable communities. We are actively pursuing new funding sources, forging new partnerships, and encouraging donor support. Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we work to overcome these challenging times.”
The global agency is striving to continue several of its projects helping moms in many countries, including:
In Myanmar, ADRA projects focus on maternal, infant, and child nutrition activities, including mobile clinics for treating acute malnutrition in children under five, as well as for pregnant and lactating mothers. ADRA also hosts educational sessions to teach mothers about dietary diversity, hygiene, breastfeeding, and complementary nutrition for infants.
In Brazil, ADRA supports Venezuelan refugee mothers and their children fleeing violence and economic hardship. Leomairys, a single mother who lost her sight at age 11, managed to settle in the Amazon region with her 8-year-old son but had no money left for food until she found ADRA.
“Thank God I was selected, and this project has been a great help to us because now we can eat well and have the strength to go out to work,” she said. “I thank God, USAID—the donor—and ADRA for all their support. My wish is that, just as they helped me, they will continue to help many others who are also waiting for an opportunity like the one they gave me.
in Madagascar – ADRA is transforming the lives of mothers and children through vital nutrition education, prenatal care, and community support. Antoinette, who once faced the heartbreak of losing a child, now celebrates her baby’s healthy growth thanks to pregnancy care, breastfeeding, and baby development training.
“My child and I are healthy and strong today, thanks to the support from the project. Before, my oldest children were not as healthy,” she said. “Now, I feel freed of worries and struggles.”
Mother-to-mother groups across Madagascar are helping women raise stronger families, share experiences, and build lasting change.
“Before, when they came back from work, they would just rest or drink alcohol,” said Christine, a mother and group leader. “Now they ask how they can help and contribute to the housework. My husband even goes to the market to shop for me. Before, he never did that once.”
In Yemen, ADRA projects provide lifesaving support to mothers and children through an integrated approach that combines food assistance, health care, nutrition, and WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) services. The program emphasizes maternal and newborn health by offering antenatal and postnatal care, skilled birth attendance, and referrals for obstetric complications. Through initiatives like Kangaroo Mother Care, which promotes skin-to-skin contact and exclusive breastfeeding for premature infants, along with mental health support, malnutrition screening, cooking demonstrations, and personalized follow-ups by ADRA-trained midwives and nutrition volunteers, the program delivers holistic care for families in crisis.
In Sudan, ADRA implements multiple projects to improve food security, health, nutrition, water and sanitation, and education for mothers and other vulnerable community members. These programs deliver critical aid to women in regions affected by conflict and emergencies while also enhancing protection services and economic opportunities for female-headed households. ADRA works to increase access to safe water in communities where women must often travel long distances to collect it, and promotes sanitation, hygiene education, agricultural support, and food assistance.
This Mother’s Day and throughout May, join ADRA in standing with moms worldwide by supporting programs that bring health, dignity, and hope to those who need it most. ADRA is deeply grateful for the prayers and generosity of donors, which are vital to continuing its global mission of compassion, justice, and love, helping mothers thrive in vulnerable communities.
Support ADRA programs that uplift moms and other communities in need. Donate here.
