International Aid Closes
Officials at International AID in Spring Lake, Mich., last week said they were ceasing operations effective immediately. They are currently seeking partners that could help them fulfill commitments the agency has already made to mission and humanitarian programs worldwide.
Meanwhile, the Christian Reformed Church has sent out a letter, informing church councils of this development.
“We are sending you this note because International Aid appears on the list of agencies recommended for financial support by Synod, as listed in the Yearbook, the Acts of Synod, the Ministry Share Information booklet and on the denominational website (www.crcna.org),” writes Henry Hess, director of communications for the CRC. “Please share this information with your chair of deacons as soon as possible.”
At the same time, should a church have taken a collection for International AID and is wondering what to do, a representative of IA said that it still has orders to fill and commitments to keep and would accept donations.
“While this was a tough decision for all of us who believe in the mission of the organization, we simply do not have the resources to continue even another day,” said Roger Spoelman, chair of the board, last week in a statement.
Acting CEO Dr. Gordon D. Loux informed the agency’s 40 U.S. employees of the decision. The shutdown took place immediately affecting 32 employees in Honduras and the Philippines.
Founded in 1980, International Aid provided health care services, technology, training and supplies to the poor in developing countries around the globe in addition to emergency aid for those affected by natural disasters.
In a statement, Loux said the agency will continue shipments of medical equipment and supplies. He said he will be working with vendors and creditors affected by the shut down as well as notifying the agency’s corporate and other partners.
The organization's former president, Myles Fish resigned in April. He had served as CEO since 2001.
Since 2000, International Aid has worked with citizens and organizations in five continents and at least a dozen countries. But several factors in the past few years, Loux said, converged to create its downfall—the recent economic downturn, the lack of an international catastrophe to encourage and prop up funds, and changes in donors' priorities, to name a few, according to the Grand Rapids Press.
Loux said he is in talks with six to seven nonprofits, including a few West Michigan-based groups, about rolling International Aid's programs into existing organizations. International Aid will continue to ship remaining medical equipment and supplies as it notifies donors and works with creditors.
