Mission Statement

As a cooperative we recognize that the need to adapt is essential and we are dedicated to understanding how communities can navigate change as effectively as possible. We aim to go beyond gathering knowledge and to create and facilitate the types of solutions that directly benefit communities around the world. By collaborating with partners from diverse backgrounds, we learn from their experiences, gain a holistic understanding of community needs, and ensure our actions are effective, inclusive, and of the highest quality. We aim to remain a small, agile collective that innovates and facilitates in creative ways to empower communities to act. Our goal is to provide practical tools, frameworks, and knowledge that help communities recognize and build upon their existing strengths. By learning from the methods and tools communities already use, we serve as a hub for sharing knowledge and supporting ongoing learning.

Core Values

Trauma-Informed: Trauma is an unavoidable reality for individuals and communities adapting to the challenges of natural disasters and other crises. It is critical that we ground our work in a deep awareness of the lasting impact trauma can have on people’s lives, and we reflect that understanding in how we operate, collaborate, and design our initiatives. Rather than adding complexity to already strained circumstances, we focus on meeting basic, essential needs with clarity, compassion, and respect—creating space for healing, dignity, and resilience.

Full-Spectrum Adaption: There is no one-size-fits-all solution to the challenges we face as a global community. Instead, a wide range of responses is needed—shaped by the diverse needs, circumstances, and lived experiences of people around the world. To serve effectively, our organization must remain curious and committed to continuous learning. We pursue a broad spectrum of approaches—ranging from low-cost to high-investment, simple to sophisticated, time-tested to innovative. This adaptability enables us to meet people where they are, focus on practical, immediate impact, and stay aligned with our long-term vision for systemic change.

Localized Resiliency: Large-scale disruptions like the COVID-19 pandemic impact everyone—but they especially challenge our ability to meet basic needs at the local level. This period exposed deep vulnerabilities in our systems and prompted reflection on what is truly essential in our daily lives. As our global connections were limited, we turned inward—finding strength, support, and connection within our local communities. The lessons from that time, along with the growing challenges we face today, reinforce our belief at Adaption Works: resilience starts by working with our neighbors. That’s why our place-based pilot programs focus on building strong local partnerships to meet critical needs.