Silver Key was founded in 1970 in Colorado Springs by a group of concerned citizens who wished to improve the quality of life for older individuals. Founder Betsey Myers-Burroughs, advocate Clifford King, and an impassioned group of conscientious citizens left their mark on this organization. Through the leadership and the energy of Silver Key’s first Executive Director, Mikki Kraushaar, Silver Key incorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization and officially opened its doors in October 1971 with funding from the Older Americans’ Act. From these humble origins grew a Nursing Home Volunteer Program to help alleviate the effects of isolation and loneliness for elderly residents. Silver Key soon broadened its mission to assist seniors who desired to age in place, independently, in their homes.
Our History
The Silver Key story: a half-century of impact
Dedicated to improving life for older adults, then and now.
Every great mission begins with a spark, and for Silver Key, that spark ignited in Colorado Springs in 1970. A group of conscientious citizens saw a need to improve life for older adults, with founder Betsey Myers-Burroughs and advocate Clifford King among those who passionately championed the cause. Under the energetic leadership of Executive Director Mikki Kraushaar, Silver Key officially became a nonprofit in October 1971. What started as a Nursing Home Volunteer Program soon expanded, reflecting our commitment to helping seniors overcome isolation and thrive independently at home—a journey of making a difference that spans over five decades.
