A Brief History of SPIN

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SPIN’s Mission
The Senior Provider Information Network—affectionately known as SPIN—exists to bring together senior healthcare professionals for connection, collaboration, and continued learning. Through shared knowledge and genuine community, SPIN helps those who care for older adults stay informed, inspired, and united.

 

The 1980s: A Grassroots Beginning
SPIN’s story began in the early 1980s, when a small group of passionate service coordinators came together with a simple goal: to better support one another in helping seniors access the resources they needed. What started as a few informal gatherings quickly grew into something special—a circle of professionals eager to learn, share ideas, and lift each other up.

 

The 1990s: Growing and Connecting
As assisted living and retirement communities began to flourish, SPIN became the go-to space for discovering new approaches to senior care. Monthly meetings rotated among local communities across the Portland area, offering members not only valuable education but also the chance to explore new facilities and see innovation in action. Each meeting felt like a reunion—familiar faces, new insights, and a shared purpose.

 

The Early 2000s: Expanding and Modernizing
With growth came structure. A dedicated steering committee formed, ensuring SPIN could keep pace with the rapidly changing world of senior services. Meetings expanded to both east and west Portland, and communication evolved from mailed newsletters to an online network—bridging distances and making it easier than ever for members to stay connected.

 

The Mid 2000s: Giving Back to the Community
In 2013, SPIN embraced the spirit of giving by launching its first holiday project to support residents at Providence ElderPlace. What began as a simple act of kindness soon blossomed into a beloved annual tradition. Over the years, SPIN members have filled boxes with socks, blankets, toiletries, and gift cards—small tokens of warmth that carried big meaning. In 2019, the event shifted to summer, ensuring donations reached communities when they were most needed, and the joy of giving continued to shine.

 

The Late 2020s: Continuing the Mission
Today, in 2025, SPIN remains a cornerstone of professional connection in the senior care community. Still entirely volunteer-run and operating without outside funding, SPIN thrives on the dedication of its members, the generosity of its speakers, and the spirit of collaboration that has defined it for more than four decades.