Innovations in Aging Collaborative

Background Statement

Innovations in Aging Collaborative (IIAC) was founded in 2009 by Barbara Yalich and BJ Scott who convened other community leaders interested in aging issues and the growing senior population in the Colorado Springs area. IIAC was initially supported by a $50,000 grant from Inasmuch Foundation working in collaboration with UCCS Chancellor Pam Shockley-Zalabak, the CU Foundation, and the CU Aging Center and Gerontology Programs.

IIAC became a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in December 2012 and formed its inaugural board of directors. Supported by another grant from Inasmuch Foundation and a new grant from the RNR Foundation, IIAC was able to hire its first executive director in January 2013, and the El Pomar Foundation generously provided free office space for IIAC at Columbine Cottage on the Penrose House campus. Since then, IIAC has hired new staff members and moved several times.

Innovations in Aging Collaborative has been convening the community and bringing in expert speakers since 2010, addressing many different aspects of aging and initiating dialogue on a range of topics. In recent years, IIAC has focused on acting as an incubator organization that researches and assesses the need for new initiatives, catalyzes their initiation and forms strong community partnerships with organizations which are experts in the particular area at issue. IIAC provides monitoring, start-up assistance, and ongoing facilitation for the programs we initiate.