In 1994, Bob founded Joint Development Associates International (JDA), a US nonprofit 501(c)3 with the ultimate goal of bringing transformation to Central Asia. After drilling over a thousand clean water wells, restoring desalination plants, and establishing a stable micro finance program in the hard-hit former fishing region of Muynak, Karakalpakstan, Hedlund's singular vision of hope diversified JDA's development projects from the villages of the Aral Sea basin into the steppes of Uzbekistan, from the fertile Ferghana Valley to the mountainous rural poor of south-central Uzbekistan, from the ancient city of Samarqand to the provinces bordering Afghanistan.

MISSION

JDA believes that all people have unlimited creativity and potential for transformation.  In that spirit, JDA joins with the people and communities of Central Asia in developing holistic solutions that affect fundamental progress toward a more equitable society.  They support locally integrated solutions in community development, education, health and in economic growth.

 

Vision

JDA engages with the people of Central Asia in a spirit of humility and respect.  They are a catalyst encouraging individuals to believe in their potential to be change agents of their own lives and to conceive and actualize their vision of the future for themselves, their families, and communities.