Press Room

For Immediate Release
March 22, 2010

Contact: Donna Hyde
Corporate Officer, Employee Services
215-612-7126

Special People In Northeast, Inc. (SPIN, Inc.) named as a Top Workplace in the Tri-State area

Philadelphia, PA – March 22, 2010

“Achieving recognition as number one in quality is truly exciting” states Donna Hyde, SPIN’s Corporate Officer for Employee Services.  “Often people don’t think about non-profits as doing things efficiently and well, but at SPIN we set the highest standards for ourselves and then support one another to achieve them.”  

A hallmark of SPIN is its investment in workforce development through its corporate university, SPIN Institute for Service Excellence.  “Nothing is more linked to the quality of the services we provide than the quality and competence of our workforce.  And at SPIN our staff are second to none” according to Kathy Brown McHale, Chief Program Officer.

SPIN's team of 960 highly competent and dedicated professionals provides high quality residential, employment, behavioral health and day services for adults with intellectual disabilities or autism and head start, preschool, early intervention and behavioral services for children with or without developmental disabilities.  Last year SPIN supported over 3,700 children, adults and families to have more inclusive and more meaningful lives throughout the Philadelphia region.  

A quiet celebration featuring cake and balloons to thank and recognize employees and others who care about the organization will be led by David A. Losinno, President and CEO and Trina Losinno, Executive Director on Wednesday March 24. 

For Immediate Release
July 20, 2009
Contact: Teresa L. Ottaviano
Assisting Director, Professional Development
215-612-7136

Special People In Northeast, Inc. celebrated its 3rd Annual Graduates Reception

Destiny and determination best describes how SPIN recognized 29 of its own motivated employee graduates for their hard work and academic achievements at its third annual SPIN Graduates' Reception. The honored guests received a certificate or degree between June 1, 2008 and June 1, 2009. SPIN had representatives in attendance from its valued partners who offer on-site programs from Arcadia University, Community College of Philadelphia, and the YMCA.

The academic accomplishments achieved by SPIN's workforce this year ranged from Child Development Associate Certifications, Associates Degrees in Behavioral Health and Human Services, Masters degrees in Educational Leadership and Special Education and a Doctoral Degree in Physical Therapy to name a few.

The personal and professional achievement that these dedicated employees have realized while working at SPIN will afford them and those they support to obtain individual outcomes now and in the future. SPIN takes pride in ensuring the success of all its stakeholders by living the philosophy of "each one, teach one."

Congratulations Graduates! May your dreams and accomplishments continue to flourish! We are so very proud of you all!

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For Immediate Release
May 15, 2009
Contact: Megan Forrestal
Director of Communications
215-612-7506

SPIN's Children's Services Hosts Second Annual Fundraiser for Completion of a Playpark for its Northeast Campus

Philadelphia, PA - Special People In Northeast, Inc. (SPIN, Inc) hosted its 2nd Annual Beef and Beer Fundraiser on Friday, April 24, 2009 at St. Dominic's Marian Hall. Families, friends and employees gathered together to show their support and commitment to complete construction of the playpark and recreation area located on the grounds of SPIN's Northeast Campus. The event raised over $7,500. We appreciate all who contributed to the success of the event especially all of SPIN's families and friends.

SPIN has been providing quality services to children and adults with disabilities and their families for over 38 years. SPIN's Children's Services Department offers a variety of supports and services to children like Early Intervention, Early Head Start, Head Start, Pre-K Counts and Child Care. For more information, check out our website at www.spininc.org.

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For Immediate Release
May 1, 2009
Contact: Megan Forrestal
Director of Communications
215-612-7506

SPIN Signs Definitive Agreement to Aquire EMAN Community Living

(Philadelphia, PA) May 1, 2009- Effective April 30, 2009, Special People In Northeast, Inc.(SPIN, Inc.) has signed a Definitive Agreement with EMAN Community Living, Inc. (EMAN CLI) which is expected to result in SPIN taking over responsibility for all services currently offered by EMAN CLI effective July 1, 2009. EMAN CLI, which was founded in 1972 by East Mount Airy Neighbors Association, currently supports 54 individuals with disabilities in community living, supportive living and lifesharing arrangements. The civic association, known as EMAN (info@eastmtairy.org), will continue its full range of community-based programs, while EMAN CLI will close operations as part of this agreement.

The well-being and security of each individual is of paramount importance as SPIN plans to minimize any disruption in their lives by hiring current staff and maintaining their homes.

With this initiative, SPIN is expanding its services in the areas of Mount Airy, Chestnut Hill and Roxborough and accordingly, this aspect of its services will be referred to as “SPIN West”. In the first year in this region, SPIN expects to offer Children’s, Behavioral & Developmental and Employment Services, as well as expand residential options.

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For Immediate Release
April 10, 2009
Contact: Megan Forrestal
Director of Communications
215-612-7506

Strolling Along Pennypack on the Delaware

(Philadelphia, PA) April 10, 2009- Special People In Northeast, Inc.(SPIN, Inc.) hosted its Third Annual Stroll in the Park on Sunday, April 5, 2009 from 10:30 am to 1:30 pm at Pennypack on the Delaware located at Rhawn Street and State Road in Northeast Philadelphia. The purpose of this event was to raise funds and awareness of inclusive environments for people with disabilities. We believe that through partnerships we can achieve an event in which the entire community can benefit. Over 300 people participated in the two mile walk along the Delaware River and it was great to see families, some with their dogs, the community, SPIN staff, individuals supported by SPIN and friends. Thank you to our Event Sponsors: Legacy Foundation and Philadelphia Federal Credit Union for supporting our mission and event.

Each registered participant received a commemorative tee shirt, a bagged lunch with sandwiches provided by SUBWAY and giveaways from Philadelphia Federal Credit Union. In addition to registering, many people collected additional pledges which enhanced their contribution to the event. Proceeds from the Stroll in the Park will assist in the completion of construction of the playpark and recreation area located on the grounds of SPIN's Northeast Campus.

Thanks to the following for supporting and donating to this year's Stroll: Holy Family University, State Representative Dennis O'Brien, CMI, Citizens Bank, Betz Plumbing and Heating, Comcast, ISBRE, Subway, Genesis Asset Protection, Christ the King School, Whole Foods, LaSalle University and Sign a Rama.

SPIN, Inc. is located in Philadelphia and has been providing quality services to children and adults for over 38 years. The organization was founded by a small group of dedicated parents of children with disabilities, and it has grown into a nationally recognized organization. SPIN's mission is to provide community resources, services and initiatives in support of people with mental, physical and/or sensory impairments so that they may exercise responsibly their choice, preference and right, without limitation to a fully integrated citizen of our community. For more information, visit SPIN's website www.spininc.org.

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Day of Stewardship Impacts Fairmount Park's Pennypack on the Delaware

(Philadelphia, PA) April 10, 2009- Special People In Northeast, Inc.(SPIN, Inc.) had its third annual Day of Stewardship event on Saturday, April 4, 2009 at Pennypack on the Delaware located at Rhawn Street and State Road in Northeast Philadelphia. The event supports Fairmount Park in its efforts to provide a clean and pleasant atmosphere for everyone to enjoy. Over 100 people participated in the park cleanup including individuals supported by SPIN, SPIN staff, family, friends and the community. Coincidentally for the second year in a row, the City of Philadelphia hosted Spring Clean Up around the city and Pennypack on the Delaware was fortunate to be a host site. Several community members helped to support this effort. Despite the windy conditions, volunteers were busy for four hours cleaning, pruning, weeding, mulching and planting.

After sprucing up the park, volunteers were able to see how their labor made a difference in transforming Pennypack on the Delaware's recreational area which is now ready for the community to enjoy! The day ended with a pizza lunch partially sponsored by Santucci's Pizza on Woodhaven Road.

The Day of Stewardship is part of SPIN's Social Capital Initiative which focuses on building meaningful relationships and partnerships in the community. SPIN has been providing over 38 years of services and supports to people with and without disabilities and their families in Philadelphia. For more information, visit SPIN's website www.spininc.org.

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