Our Mission
We create physical and relational spaces where connections build peace, leading to collective flourishing on the border and beyond.
About Us
Abara was born in 2019 in response to a critical question: “What’s really happening at the border?”
As polarization deepened and thousands of families arrived at the U.S.-Mexico border, the need for clarity, compassion and an understanding of root causes only grew. Abara’s founder saw an opportunity to cultivate peace by creating compassionate spaces on the border where people from all walks of life could connect and learn. Our name comes from a Semitic word meaning “ford”—a place where a river is shallow enough to cross. This name embodies our mission: To create physical and relational spaces where connections build peace, leading to collective flourishing on the border and beyond.
Through our work, we aim to create crossings where people can encounter the “other,” building connections that restore humanity to the conversation around migration.
As we host Border Encounters, we invite visitors to step into the stories of the borderlands. These experiences amplify underheard voices. They show the region's beauty and challenges. Meanwhile, our Border Response program meets urgent humanitarian needs by supporting migrant shelters and providing vital resources.
We’re also developing Abara House, located on a historic and storied property adjacent to the border fence. This communal space will feature a restaurant, artisan market, chapel, contemplative gardens, and event venues. This center will inspire reflection, foster dialogue, and celebrate our vibrant community.
At the heart of our work is a commitment to Beloved Community. A beloved community is a concept rooted in Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s vision of a world in which love and justice prevail. It is a world where everyone belongs because the dignity of every person is recognized. It is a world where people engage in the hard work of building relationships, dismantling systems of oppression, and nurturing collective flourishing.
The beloved community is not just a utopian vision. It’s a call to action. At Abara, we’re challenging each other to go beyond asking, “Who belongs here?” to “How can we belong to each other?”
Our Values
Dignity
We affirm every person's inherent worth in light of our shared humanity.
Empathy
We approach every interaction with curiosity, compassion, and genuine care.
Connection
We bring hearts and minds together to foster empathy and amplify impact.
Courage
We step into discomfort to build bridges and cultivate relationships.
Adaptability
We are agile and embrace change with creativity and resourcefulness.
"Our struggle is one."
— Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Get To Know Our Staff & Board
Our team lives and works at the heart of the borderlands—leading with compassion, creativity, and a deep commitment to peace and connection.
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