Sierra Service Project History

Founded in 1975, Sierra Service Project was inspired by and modeled after Appalachian Service Project. Originally founded by several United Methodist Church ministers, SSP is now an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For much of SSP’s history, our week-long summer home repair projects have been in partnership with Indigenous tribes throughout the Western United States. SSP has worked with over forty Indigenous communities and non-native rural and urban communities.

SSP is aware we have many areas to grow in our expression of anti-racism. Our leadership is, and has historically been, primarily white. We continue to work towards fostering inclusive and BIPOC-elevating spaces. We hope to be transparent in our ongoing efforts to create equitable and safe spaces as a network of helpers, justice-seekers, healers, and community builders.

The Early Days of SSP

$Tex Evans$: Tex Evans

1969

Appalachia Service Project (ASP) established; Rev. Tex Evans brings 50 volunteers to Frakes, Kentucky for 4 weeks.

1975

ASP sponsors satellite operations in California, Alabama, Texas, and North Dakota (all except CA have since closed).

1976

Sierra Service Project's first summer; 1 site operated with leadership by Rev. Dave Wolf and Floyd McKeithen.

1978

SSP operates 2 summer sites.

1979

Incorporates as an independent nonprofit.

1993

Paige Eaves is hired as the first full time Executive Director.

1994

Expands to 3 summer sites; operates 1st site outside of California (Arizona).

1998

Expands to 4 summer sites.

2001

Young Adult Program piloted. Rick and Toni Eaton are hired as Executive Director and Administrator.

2002

1st tool trailer purchased.

2003

Honduras Homebuilding Program established. Expands to 5 summer sites.

2004

Urban Los Angeles program established.

2006

Associate Director hired. First Alternative Break in Los Angeles. Expands to 6 summer sites.

2008

Middle School Program established. Tijuana, Mexico Program piloted (only year).

2009

Project Consultant and Intern hired.

2010

Expands to 7 summer sites. 2,071 youth and adults participate in the Summer Program, largest to date.

2011

Weekends of Service established in Sacramento and Portland. Central American program moved to Guatemala.

2013

Partnership with Seeds of Learning in Nicaragua began. Bookkeeper hired.

2014

Combined Middle and High School Program and Individual Youth Program established. Communications and Volunteer Coordinators hired.

2015

40th year of service to youth and adults! Phoenix Weekends of Service piloted.

2016

Rancho Cordova Neighborhood Beautification Program established in partnership with the city. First summer ever in the state of Washington.

2017

First summer hosting Intergenerational groups, offering service experiences to a wider range of volunteers and promoting cross-generational learning.

2020

45th year of service. 1st year working in SSP's home community in North Sacramento. Piloted online summer program due to impact of COVID-19.

2021

Launched SSP’s first Community Advisory Council and Youth Advisory Council. Hosted 2nd online summer program due to COVID-19. Resumed Days of Service in Sacramento.

2022

Returned to in-person overnight service with a 99% Covid-19 case prevention rate. Programs involved more opportunities for community-based partnership.