The organization's mission statement is: "ADRA works with people in poverty and distress to create just and positive change through empowering partnerships and responsible actions.

"[2] Its stated reason for existence is "to follow Christ's example by being a voice for, serving, and partnering with those in need",[4] and the 1983 organizational documents include a biblical rationale for conducting humanitarian work.

[6] ADRA's areas of expertise include: Education, Emergencies, Food/nutrition, HIV/AIDS, Health, Refugees and IDPs, Shelter, Training and development, Water and sanitation, Women, Children, Monitoring and Evaluation, Programme management, and Security.

[9] As a global organisation, ADRA is a signatory of the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NGOs in Disaster Relief, which states that "aid will not be used to further a particular political or religious standpoint", that "aid is given regardless of the race, creed, or nationality", and that organizations "shall respect culture and custom.

By the year 2000, the APLI program was used as a model by the Food Aid Management members as an example of "best practices for local capacity building."

Their outreach targets nations that experience poverty, disaster-struck areas, lack of educational opportunities and populations needing advocacy.

"[13] Outreach Through examination of ADRA's impact in Hargeisa, North-Western Somalia, there were several projects to contribute to the well-being of this small community.

This study documents that ADRA created opportunities for skill development that directly led to town improvement.

ADRA also assisted in developing electricity in schools, stoves to provide a flow of food while training individuals to become electricians or manufacturers.

[14] Socio-Economic Development NGOs are committed to helping the lives of the poverty stricken, alleviating those levels and creating a sustainable life for people in communities.

[3] Another major part of Bangladesh's growing economy was the effort of ADRA vocational training in the health-care industry.

Impacting overall health creates a positive environment and hopeful livelihood of human-beings, but also provides more income opportunities.

AAs they provided aid to those who were underprivileged during disaster relief missions, they took the opportunity to let professionals train others, while creating jobs.