ROOTED IN COMMUNITY SINCE 1989
Twenty people started something lasting
From one gathering in August 1989, South Salem Seniors grew into a permanent, volunteer-powered home for a thriving community—a place built on the simple but powerful idea of seniors supporting seniors through friendship, service, shared experience, and caring for one another.
South Salem Seniors, Inc. began with a simple but powerful idea: to create a welcoming place where older adults could gather, connect, and enrich one another’s lives. In August 1989, a small group of 20 dedicated community members came together with that shared vision, and South Salem Seniors, Inc. was born. From those humble beginnings, South Salem Seniors, Inc. has grown steadily and purposefully, now serving close to 800 members.
Milestones along the way
Every step of our journey reflects the dedication of members who believed older adults deserved a place to connect, contribute, and belong—a place where seniors support seniors by sharing their time, talents, experience, and friendship with one another.
August 1989
A COMMUNITY BEGINS
It all started with just twenty people who shared a vision of creating a place where seniors could connect, contribute, and support one another. That first gathering planted the seed for what would become South Salem Seniors, Inc.
OCTOBER 13, 1989
Officially incorporated
Articles of Incorporation were filed, establishing the organization.
AUGUST 22, 1991
Nonprofit recognition
The organization received its IRS 501(c)(3) nonprofit classification.
EARLY YEARS
Finding a first home
The first home was rented space in the Old Pringle School. The Scottish Rites Lodge later leased two rooms for an office and activities.
1993
Room to grow
The Scottish Rites Lodge rented land to the center for two modular buildings.
AUGUST 2002
A PERMANENT HOME
South Salem Seniors found a place to call its own at 6450 Fairway Avenue SE—a permanent home where friendships could grow, activities could flourish, and seniors could continue supporting and enriching one another’s lives.
20 → 800+
From the first gathering to the membership described in the center’s history.
Growth built through participation
The center’s growth has been powered by people showing up—to join activities, make friends, volunteer their skills, and help sustain a place that belongs to its members.
Members built—and sustain—the center
Funding that maintains and operates the building, and that retired its mortgage, comes from member volunteers. The center reports receiving no assistance from federal, city, or state agencies.
RECYCLE
Everyday fundraising
Metal, soda bottles, and pop cans have supported the center through ongoing recycling.
RUMMAGE
Community sales
Rummage sales transform donated goods into support for center operations.
GIFT SHOPPE
Member-made support
Gift Shoppe sales help sustain the center while showcasing creative work.
GIVE
Generous donations
Donations from individuals, estates, and trusts help benefit the organization.