The LeadingAge Kansas Foundation was formed in 1988 to conduct research, and produce information and training to increase the understanding of aging, and to improve the quality of care and services for older Kansans. The organization has been the recipient of millions of dollars in grant funding from agencies as diverse as the Kellogg Foundation, OSHA, the Kansas Health Foundation, United Methodist Health Ministry Fund, The Academy of General Dentistry, the Sunflower Foundation and the Kansas Department on Aging. It has provided cutting edge training to thousands of aging services professionals which have resulted in measurable improvement and change in long term care practice around the state. It has produced a wide range of groundbreaking reports on trends in aging and disability demographics, the economic impact of not-for-profit retirement communities in Kansas, the root causes of staff turnover in Kansas nursing homes and other topics. Most recently, the Foundation has focused on workforce development and providing scholarships for individuals working in LeadingAge Kansas member communities.

Mission

To advance the health and well-being of older adults by providing research, education, training and the dissemination of information for providers of long-term supports and services.

Vision

To be a knowledge generator and transformational agent for aging services.

Core Values

Innovation | Collaboration | Respect | Sustainability

2018 – 2019 Priorities

• Increase the visibility and viability of the Foundation
• Engage in activities to support the priorities of LeadingAge Kansas, with a focus on workforce growth and development.
• Maintain the scholarship program for LeadingAge Kansas member employees.

Board of Directors

Mark Garriott, Chair
Catholic Care Center, Bel Aire

Pam Bachman
Consumer Representative, Centralia

Lu Janzen
Consumer Representative, Hillsboro

Teresa McComb, Secretary/Treasurer
Logan Manor Community Health Services, Logan

Courtney Wolfe
Wichita Presbyterian Manor, Wichita

Foundation Staff

Debra Harmon Zehr
President/CEO, Topeka

Dana Weaver
Executive Director, Topeka

Tina Andres
Director of Administrative Operations, Topeka

Stephanie Gfeller
Special Projects Coordinator/Grant Manger, Topeka