MDS logo

MDS, the disaster-relief agency of Mennonite churches in the United States and Canada, began at a picnic in Hesston, Kansas in 1950. As Sunday school members gathered to share ideas and food, they expressed a common desire to “seek opportunities to be engaged in peaceful, helpful activity...just where we find ourselves.”

Today, Mennonite Disaster Service is a volunteer network through which various constituencies of the Anabaptist church can respond to those affected by disasters in Canada and the United States.

While our main focus is on clean up, repair and rebuilding homes, this activity becomes a means of touching lives and helping people regain faith and wholeness

Your donation on behalf of cycle MDS will help to connect volunteers with disaster survivors who need assistance on their path to recovery. MDS depends on the support of people who believe that disaster response is an important part of helping those who are in need.

HC Logo

The Hesston College Disaster Management Program exists to develop leadership abilities in managing disaster response, emphasizing Christ-like service to socially vulnerable people

The Disaster Management program began at Hesston College in the fall of 2005 as a cooperative venture between Hesston and Mennonite Disaster Service (MDS). With the increase in disasters, and the resulting victimization and economic losses, MDS and other faith-based agencies recognized the need for trained leadership in managing disaster response and recovery.

Most students who enter the Disaster Management Program at Hesston receive the associate of arts (A.A.) degree, and then transfer to a four-year school. A two-year associate of applied arts and sciences (A.A.A.S.) degree and a one-year certificate is also offered for those who do not wish to transfer to a four-year school after Hesston.

Your donation on behalf of cycle MDS will help support students in the Disaster Management Program at Hesston College.