Founded 2003
Our Story
Sewa USA began in 2003 as a small group of volunteers who believe service is sacred. We were part of a larger movement that started in India in 1989, and we brought that ethic to the United States with a clear conviction: show up where the need is greatest, then keep showing up.
Over twenty years, that conviction has carried us from disaster response in Hurricane Katrina to facilitating over 200,00 COVID-19 vaccinations during the pandemic — work the FEMA Voluntary Agency Coordination publicly recognized, Today we run six core programs across 35+ chapters and reach communities in more than 20 countries.
The story is still being written — by every volunteer who answers a call, every donor who trusts us with a gift, and every family who finds a hand when they need one.
The movement begins in India
Sewa Bharati forms as a grassroots service movement rooted in the principle of selfless service.
Sewa USA is founded
Incorporated as a 501(c)(3) non-profit in the United States to bring the same service ethic to American communities.
First major disaster response
Volunteers mobilize for Hurricane Katrina and the Indian Ocean tsunami, establishing the disaster-response model still in use today.
ASPIRE education launches
After-school academic mentorship for underserved children expands from pilot to a national flagship program.
The pandemic response
Over 200,000 COVID-19 vaccinations facilitated. Recognized by the FEMA Voluntary Agency Coordination for nationwide impact.
Six programs • 35+ chapters • 20+ countries
Disaster Response, Education (ASPIRE), Family Services, Women's Empowerment. Volunteer Development, and the LEAD youth program operate at national scale.
The work continues
Every chapter, every program, every story still being written by the people who show up
