Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Gabrielle Thompson, President and CEO of IDEAS (International Development and Educational Associates), who highlights the nonprofit organization focused on helping communities and people flourish by removing barriers to dignity. IDEAS addresses structural and relational poverty and works with people on the margins of society. The organization walks alongside communities in the challenges they face.
During the interview, Gabrielle discusses their asset based approach to community development, which starts with listening and then partnering with local people to identify needs, and then IDEAS providing expertise that is missing or underrepresented in the community. She talks about their different areas of expertise, including Agriculture, Education, Health and Wellness, Disability Services, and Anti-Human Trafficking, and how their team is embedded in different communities around the world long-term. She shares some stories of impact and how their efforts are making a difference, like through providing thousands of wheelchairs that can be adjusted to help youth gain their independence, eat properly, grow and thrive. She wraps up talking about the level of passion, dedication and experience with her team and how the community can get involved in supporting their efforts.
Visit https://ideasworld.org to learn more and get involved.
