In 1972 HI Tom Sawyer, a dairy farmer and a volunteer member of the Stanislaus County Mental Health Advisory Board envisioned a group home that could provide the high level of care needed for children in Stanislaus County The agency's foundation was built on the belief that children need positive and loving role models to grow into healthy adultsOver the past four decades, Sierra Vista has grown into one of the largest nonprofit agencies in the region, serving more than 22,000 children and families each year with nearly 300 dedicated employees, 21 programs, and providing services in every school district throughout Stanislaus and Merced County The integration of these programs into the community has created a sustainable continuum of child and family services that is accessible and tailored to addressing a broad range of needs By offering quality programs that meet the growing needs of the literally thousands of people of all ages, who are overwhelmed with mental illness, child abuse or substance abuse children and families have found healing and hope at Sierra Vista