User:Hroeyer/Relief International

Relief International (RI) is a leading Los Angeles-based global humanitarian, non-profit agency that provides emergency relief, rehabilitation, and development interventions to vulnerable communities throughout the world. RI is solely dedicated to reducing human suffering and is non-political and non-sectarian in its mission.

Since 1990, RI’s programs have linked immediate emergency assistance with long-term economic and livelihood development through innovative programming at the grassroots level. RI programs — in more than 25 countries around the world — address a wide range of development and livelihoods issues, including disaster response and recovery, community-based infrastructure construction and rehabilitation, health, nutrition, livelihoods, women’s empowerment, and education, training, and youth initiatives.

History
Relief International (RI) was founded in Los Angeles in 1990, and has since grown into a global organization with operations in over 25 countries worldwide.

A 2003 merger added Schools Online (SOL) to Relief International's education division. Schools Online helps students around the world to use information and communication technologies (ICT) for educational collaboration and cultural exchange. Through its network of Internet Learning Centers (ILCs) established in 17 countries, SOL runs online programs that put students in close contact with their peers abroad through collaborative educational activities. Additionally, Schools Online runs in-person exchange programs that strengthen these bonds by allowing students and teachers to travel abroad on cultural exchange programs.

In July of 2009, a merger with EnterpriseWorks/VITA (EWV), a Washington, D.C. based non-profit that combats global poverty through sustainable, enterprise-oriented solutions, has increased Relief International's capacity to move communities from the post-disaster and post-conflict stage to long term, sustainable development. EWV has worked with local businesses and organizations for more than 40 years in 100 countries.

Programs
Relief International provides empowering emergency, rehabilitation and development services in over 25 countries worldwide. RI's programs include health, shelter construction, education, community development, agriculture, food, income-generation, and conflict resolution.

Finances
Charity Navigator has consistently named Relief International a "Four-Star Charity" - its highest ranking - because of their organizational efficiency and the high proportion of their budget spent directly on programs. .