JUNE 28, 1973 – Spruce Run is incorporated in Bangor, becoming the third domestic violence agency in the country.

1977 – Spruce Run joins other organizations to found the Maine Coalition for Family Crisis Services.

1979 – A bill creating protection from abuse orders and requiring police departments to receive training about domestic violence is passed.

1979 – Spruce Run provides training and technical assistance to people in Piscataquis and Washington counties and the midcoast region, fostering the development of Womancare, Womankind and New Hope for Women.

1982 – An anonymous donation enables the agency to make a down payment on a building. A capital funds campaign to renovate and equip the shelter surpasses its goal of $155,000, raising just short of $200,000.

1983 – The shelter is opened in August.

1984 – Spruce Run staffs an office in Ellsworth.

1987 – Gov. John R. McKernan adds the state’s voice to a nationwide movement to proclaim October Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

1989 – The first Chocolate Party, still held annually, raises $2,700.

1993 – The advisory committee for the Spruce Run Ellsworth office grows into its own project, The Next Step.

1993 – In December the agency buys a building on State Street in Bangor for its resource center.

1994 – Spruce Run is instrumental in founding the Domestic Abuse Task Force in Penobscot County, a group representing schools, churches, law enforcement, emergency medical facilities, media and human services.

1994 – The agency moves its offices into the State Street building and starts a capital campaign ending in 1995 that exceeds its $200,000 goal by almost $50,000.

1997 – In September, with funding from the Department of Human Services, the agency institutes a transitional housing and services program with three apartments. It becomes the Economic Empowerment Program, expands to seven units and plans to expand again.