Founded in 1975, Sierra Service Project was inspired by and modeled after Appalachia 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.
Early Years:
- 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 SSP’s work in 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.
The 1990s & 2000s:
- 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.
The 2010s:
- 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.
- 2018: Megan Taylor becomes Executive Director, following a 6-month Co-Director transition with Rick Eaton in 2017.
Since 2020:
- 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. Launched the North Sacramento Free Tool Library.
- 2023: We returned to work with our long-standing community partners in the Navajo Nation and Del Norte County, focusing on high-impact home repairs, environmental restoration, and various other service-learning opportunities. We also piloted the Sacramento Sustainability Academy workforce development program (funded by the City of Sacramento) and Days of Service for local youth (funded in part by the City of Rancho Cordova).
- 2024: Celebrated a decade of partnership with the Tolowa Dunes Stewards in Del Norte County.
- 2025: SSP’s 50th Anniversary! Send your memories to SSPturns50@SierraServiceProject.org.
