Anidaso is a non-profit organization whose founders believe clean water, healthcare, and education are basic human rights. The mission of Anidaso is to serve the underserved in our world.
Explore the History of Anidaso
'07-'09
In June 2007, a small team—led by Martha Leeson Avance, Dr. Sheryl Hamilton and two others—travelled to a remote village in Ghana’s Western Region. They witnessed students and teachers walking miles each day just to attend school. The following year, a generous benefactor offered to ship more than 350 bicycles collected by volunteers—free of charge—to support those students and teachers. Along with the bikes, the team delivered school supplies, sports gear, computers, clothing, backpacks and textbooks to unlock new possibilities.
'10-'17
From that early effort, the group evolved into a team of committed volunteers who learned that even a small collective can become a mighty force for good. During those early years, they drilled more than 75 water wells, taught at schools, volunteered at the Christina Adcock & Sons Christian Hospital, and continuously provided technology and school supplies to children—all while holding annual mission trips that brought high-school students, teachers, and parents together in service and transformation. The bonds they formed were unbreakable, and many of those first volunteers now continue to give each month, trusting that even the smallest gifts can create lasting change.
'18
After 11 years of tireless service, the team formalized their work in 2018 by forming a 501(c)(3) organization. They named the nonprofit Anidaso, taking the word from the Twi language of Ghana’s people—anidaso means hope. Since its inception, the mission has remained steadfast: to provide clean water, healthcare, and education to underserved communities everywhere.
Through thriving partnerships with businesses and organizations that believe in sharing profits for the greater good, Anidaso has greatly expanded its scope and reach. Many of the water wells we drill are named in honor or memory of a loved one—a free gift to each community, reflecting our conviction that every person is entitled to clean potable water. Because in so many villages the only water source is a dirty watering hole—one used for bathing, for livestock, and for washing vehicles—we refuse to accept that as normal.
Hope means action. When communities sit on the brink of despair, Anidaso drills. When children skip school because they’re sick from contaminated water, Anidaso steps in. And when you give—even the smallest gift—the ripple becomes real.
today & tomorrow
To date, Anidaso has drilled more than 160 water wells, provided technology to schools, supported the education of many children, and met the medical needs of numerous children and young mothers who once lived without hope. Our work continues to grow as we remain steadfast in our mission to bring clean water, education, and healthcare to underserved communities. We invite you to partner with us through a one-time or monthly donation—because every gift makes a difference in a life.
Martha Leeson Avance is the visionary founder of Anidaso. With a life shaped by education, journalism, photography, and graphic design, she answered one clear call: that clean water, education, and healthcare are fundamental human rights.
Since 2007, Martha has led numerous teams to serve communities throughout Ghana. Under her leadership, Anidaso has drilled more than 160 water wells, provided vital medical care to children and adults in remote villages, built soccer fields to encourage school attendance, and equipped schools with laptops, tablets, educational materials, and fully-furnished science labs. Internationally, when a Kenyan village was displaced by a dam project, Anidaso stepped in—providing goats for sustainable livelihoods and building a church for the community.
Business partners, organizations, and donors who share the vision of using profits for a greater good stand alongside Martha and her teams. Martha reminds us that every donation counts—even the smallest gift goes a long way in a third world country.
A devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and mentor, Martha uses her creative talents to bring the faces and stories of those she serves into the hearts of supporters around the world. Her compassion moves beyond empathy to tangible action. With Anidaso, she continues to serve one life at a time—believing that hope gives life and that God blesses and provides.
Tara Kirk
Tara Kirk was moved to action by the photos she saw from people who had traveled to Ateiku, Ghana. In 2014 when she was able... Read More
Earl Young
Earl Young is an American Olympic gold-medalist sprinter whose 1960 Rome 4×400 m relay team set a world record....Read More
Kristi England
Work and play go hand-in-hand. Kristi England has the unique privilege of a job that allows both. Day-to-day, Kristi can be... Read More
Robyn Craig
Robyn Craig believes the words "Be Kind" have the power to change the world. As a woman of faith, wife, mother... Read More
Dr. Sheryl Hamilton
A trip to Ghana in 2007 changed Dr. Sheryl Hamilton’s perspective on all things she previously thought might be important... Read More
Kathy Holt
Kathy Holt feels called to serve. Whether she is helping the people where she lives or people across the ocean... Read More
Laurie Muns
Laurie Muns is the newest member of our Board of Directors. Laurie and her husband, Greg, have been long supporters of... Read More
Darla Sanderson
Darla and her husband Michael adopted their daughter, Savannah, from Ethiopia. God had chosen to build their... Read More
Fredrick Akuamoah
Christina Adcock
Laurie Barnett
Kennedy Cooper
Lauren Leeson Eagle
Madison England
Jan Foster
Emma "McCartney" Kirk
Ann Kittrelll
Kaitlyn Pace
Jake Robbins
Millie Winston
