WE ARE COMPASSIONATE EXPERT PROFESSIONALS
ABOUT IDEAS
Human flourishing begins by affirming God-given worth
Removing barriers to dignity
We identify barriers that hinder human flourishing in marginalized communities and work alongside people to remove these barriers. Our commitment to local partnership, professional excellence, and cultural humility lay the foundation for lasting change.
Our community development programs create growth opportunities
We do everything through the love of God and for our neighbor
Why dignity matters
Our emphasis on dignity flows from the belief in the uniqueness of each individual designed to bear some aspects of God’s likeness.
Helping people + communities flourish
WE ARE QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
Our associates have credentials and training that ensure we bring a level of expertise that is missing or underrepresented in the communities where we work. We are qualified professionals in Agriculture, Education, Health & Wellness, Anti-Human Trafficking, Disability Services, and Community Development.
Meeting Needs. Changing Hearts.
Why we’re
here
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We help communities and individuals flourish by removing barriers to dignity
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People and communities experiencing abundant life.
Values drive our thoughts, words, and actions
Our Values
WE ARE QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
Our associates have credentials that provide a level of expertise that is missing or underrepresented in the communities where we work.
WE DO FAITHFUL WORK.
We try to do everything through the love of God and for the good of our neighbor. We offer God the what, how, and where of all of our work.
WE OFFER OUTSTRETCHED HANDS + HUMBLE HEARTS.
We offer our abilities to those we work alongside while valuing the wisdom of local communities. We’re ready to listen and learn. We seek to do things with cultural sensitivity that follows Jesus's incarnational example.
WE NURTURE HEALTHY COMMUNITIES + FLOURISHING INDIVIDUALS.
Our programs nurture opportunities for communities to become healthier and for people to flourish more fully. We till the soil and cultivate an environment where healthy communities can develop, and people can grow.
WE PURSUE JUSTICE.
We enter into communities where individuals face injustice and are marginalized. IDEAS works alongside local people to create programs that pursue and promote justice. Our goal is to embody the values of God's kingdom, such as love, respect, empowerment, mercy, and opportunity.
OUR WORK
Community development is the foundation for all our work. Our experts partner with local people to identify needs and provide services that benefit the whole community. We also seek out and amplify the voices of the marginalized.
IDEAS agricultural programs provide training in regionally appropriate soil rejuvenation methods to lift farmers above the bare minimum subsistence levels. We also equip farmers to teach others in a dynamic process with long-term impact.
Our community development programs identify and remove societal barriers and relational barriers that exclude persons with disabilities. We strive to create an environment where all people are valued, loved, heard, and empowered.
Our community development programs integrate methods to identify and mitigate risks for vulnerable individuals and those victimized by human trafficking. We care for those at risk so they feel valued, seen, loved, and protected.
IDEAS health and wellness programs provide access to high-quality healthcare services, health education, and medical equipment. We bring together best practices and local understanding to promote sustainable, holistic flourishing.
IDEAS education programs focus on people on the margins, such as refugees, students with disabilities, and those without access to education. We create life-giving spaces where people can develop their God-given potential.
Our Leadership
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Gabrielle Thompson
Chief Executive Officer
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Ron Larson
VP, Finance
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Bill Merrifield
Chief Strategy Officer
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Deirdre Harlow
Director, Growth & Development
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Tony Herrera
Director, International Programs
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Barb Larson
Director, Community Life
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Mike Miller
Director, Professional Sectors
Our faith gives us hope and purpose
What We Believe
Our love of Jesus and commitment to follow his example in word and deed are at the center of everything we do. We are members of a historic community that has expressed its faith in statements such as the Apostle’s Creed, the Nicene Creed, the Five Solas, and the NAE Statement of Faith.
See our locations
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IDEAS works in multisector programs alongside local communities. Explore Jordan!
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IIDEAS works in multisector programs alongside local communities. Explore North Africa!
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IDEAS works near Almaty in multisector programs alongside local communities. Explore Kazakhstan!
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IDEAS works in multisector programs alongside local communities. Explore Guatemala!
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IDEAS works near Córdoba in multisector programs alongside local communities. Explore Argentina!
At 12,340 feet, Agua Volcano dominates the skyline of Antiqua, Guatemala. Despite its lack of eruptive activity, the volcano can still produce debris flows that inundate nearby populated areas.
Answering your questions about IDEAS
FAQ
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IDEAS was founded in 1997 by a group of innovators who wanted to bring more authenticity, creativity, and professionalism to cross-cultural work.
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The road to become an IDEAS associate begins with filling out your application. We will then walk with you through a process that will prepare you for your cross-cultural journey.
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There are many different ways to engage as part of the IDEAS community. We have vision trips and initial assignments as well as mid-term and long-term opportunities.
Celebrating removing barriers to dignity
Stories of Transformation
Alma was born in Guatemala with a disability called spina bifida. Unable to walk, she spent the first 14 years of her life isolated, locked in a room, confined to a bed or the floor. Her mother said she was a mistake. Her father said she was not his daughter. Alma wanted to go to school and have friends, but her disability made that impossible.