The Barbara and Richard Csomay Center for Gerontological Excellence provides a home for programs, projects, and initiatives aligned with the Center mission to advance innovations in research, education, and practice to promote optimal aging and quality of life in all older adults and their caregivers.

Csomay Center Collective

We describe the relationship between the Csomay Center and members of the Collective as an "umbrella." Entities that join the collective receive strategic direction, staff support, and sustainability planning to ensure each one has the resources necessary to perform their critical work.

Umbrella with two project names listed below it "Certification Center, Optimal Aging Initiative" and three speech bubbles displayed to the right containing, "Strategic Direction, Staff Support, Sustainability"

Current Members

Three people are in the photo. One is sitting in a wheelchair, one is pushing it, and the third is bending down to shake the hand of the person in the wheelchair.

The Certification Center

The Certification Center develops and manages curriculum and testing for the direct care workforce in Iowa. The Certification Center along with all 15 Community Colleges, the State Department of Inspections Appeals and Licensing (DIAL), and facility-based training sites work together to ensure a well-trained, competent direct care workforce in the State of Iowa.
Three people sit around a table under an umbrella. Two have grey hair. They are smiling and looking at a cell phone.

The Optimal Aging Initiative

The Optimal Aging Initiative seeks to advance discovery and adoption of age friendly practices across the state of Iowa. Through community engagement and outreach, and collaborations and funding opportunities, the Optimal Aging Initiative has created an expansive network of people and organizations whose visions align with the initiative. These connections and partnerships contribute to the initiative goal: Optimal aging for every Iowan.

For More Information

If your project, program, or initiative is related to our mission and you'd like to join the Csomay Center Collective, please contact us for more information.

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