Sierra Service Project has been helping youth explore faith, serve others, and experience new cultures for 40 years. They offer home repair services to the elderly and poor across the Western United States in rural and urban locations, as well as on Native American reservations. They are actively seeking volunteers to serve in one-week sessions from late-June to early August, during their 41st summer of service in 2016.
SSP is committed to providing safe, accessible, and affordable programs for youth to deepen their relationships with God and others through service. SSP trips cover housing, meals, construction training, spiritual development, fellowship and more. They also offer scholarships to groups and individuals who may not otherwise be able to attend.
During the 2015 summer, SSP hosted 1,757 volunteers. They worked together to complete 94 projects which included replacing 9 failing roofs, constructing 10 brand new wheelchair ramps, and painting 17 homes. The Episcopal church was well represented with 210 of those volunteers coming from Episcopal churches or Dioceses.
Pastor Robb Fuesler is the pastor at Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Tustin, CA and has attended Sierra Service Project for over 15 years. He describes SSP as “a really rewarding experience for both the campers and the [adult] counselors.” He has been impacted by the program so much that he says that “there’s one week [a year] that I’m sure I’m doing exactly what Jesus would want me to do, and SSP is where I get to do it.”
“There’s one week [a year] that I’m sure I’m doing exactly what Jesus would want me to do, and SSP is where I get to do it.”
Sierra Service Project is an independent, interdenominational Christian 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides equal opportunity for everyone to experience God’s grace through service. SSP believes in offering the invitation to service and relationship freely, without expectation. SSP is open and affirming, and welcomes anyone who is interested in participating in its programs.
Priority registration for Summer 2016 is now open. Groups of all sizes can enroll, and no group is too small. Youth can also attend as individual participants. Call (916) 488-6441 or email SSP’s Volunteer Coordinator, Veronica Russell, for more information!