ACD Programs
Our philosophy isn’t giving things to people.
We build programs with communities, creating opportunities that foster dignity, participation, and long-term independence.
A Culinary Experience
Never in our wildest dreams!
but here we are…
We host groups for an immersive gastro experience.
In 2025, a generous donor provided us with a commercial kitchen. It’s a beautiful space where we provide elevated cooking classes, tastings of local cuisine, and training sessions for local women so that they can provide for their families.
Stay With Us
Ecotourism / Culture Immersionstay with us or a partner hotel
We’ve welcomed families to stay with us on campus who want to experience ACD and the community in a much more personal way.
Your time with us can be as structured—or as spontaneous—as you like, with programs and experiences customized around your interests.
Education
We’ve come a looong way…
(we used to teach outside on old automobile seats for class!)
Our schools start from grade ___ and _____. $650/year funds a child’s scholarship for an entire year. Support a student.
We arrange our programs around the lives of our communities: if children need to work during traditional school hours, class can begin later in the day instead. We succeed because we work differently.
Internships
Here’s Tanner from Tennessee….
who “accidentally” interned with us for 2 years. What a legend!
We have brand-new, modern facilities within our gated campus for hosting groups and interns from around the world—both short-term and long-term.
Stoves / Water
The ingenious Ecofiltro….
Never heard of it? Read on
Most of our community still cooks over open-fires inside their homes, contributing to respiratory illness and disease. Our stove project replaces open fires with clean, efficient stoves that vent outside through the roof.
Our water projects are endless and there is such a need for our community to have these life-saving Ecofiltros that prevent so much disease.
A stove costs $___, and this change makes an enormous difference in a family’s health and everyday life. An Ecofiltro costs $______ .
It’s simple, but life-changing. See the difference a stove and clean water can make.
Medical Care
Some of our patients are seeing a doctor for the first time in their lives
Weekly community clinics
We’ve come a long way from setting up tables and scales in a dusty dirt field. We’ve explained to mothers why Coca-Cola shouldn’t go in a baby’s bottle. We’ve taught the color wheel as a simple way to think about nutrition. We’ve seen blood sugar readings as high as ___, and watched those same patients understand the importance of regular monitoring and diet prevention.
Today, we have weekly clinics with a dedicated pharmacy, strong data management, and patients who return to us regularly for care. Malnutrition, diabetes, and hypertension are among the health challenges we see. In a region where inexpensive, carb-heavy foods are readily available and protein can be prohibitively expensive, education is a huge part of what we do.
Faith and Spiritual Care
No barriers. Just genuine connection and shared humanity. Our Christian roots inspire us to serve with compassion, dignity, and love. Spiritual care and opportunities for faith-based connection are always available, while people of all beliefs are warmly welcomed. We’re grateful for everyone who comes alongside of us in the belief of power of connection, community, and lasting change.