Our Story

The Journey of The Ages of Us

People often ask how The Ages of Us began. The answer is simple. It grew from a lifetime of bringing people together.

A Lifetime of Building Community
For decades, Sue Bollinger has brought people together through volunteer leadership, community organizations, educational programs, and local events. Every experience reinforced one belief: meaningful connections change lives.

2025
Recognizing the Need
As more women shared their experiences of loneliness, retirement, loss, relocation, and difficulty making new friends, the idea for The Ages of Us began to take shape. There was a need for an organization focused on helping women build lasting friendships and meaningful lives after 50.

Spring 2026
Women Aging Solo (or Not) Series
The educational series launched in partnership with the Newcastle Library, bringing together women from across the region for conversations about independence, planning ahead, support circles, and building community.

The Ages of Us began with one woman’s vision…and is being built by a community of women who believe connection can change lives.

Meet Our President/Founder

After decades of bringing people together through community organizations, workshops, and volunteer leadership, Sue Bollinger recognized a growing challenge: too many women over 50 were experiencing loneliness and social isolation, even while living in vibrant communities.

Rather than simply talk about the problem, she created The Ages of Us to build meaningful friendships, educational opportunities, volunteer experiences, and a true sense of belonging.

Today, that vision is growing through dedicated volunteers, community partners, and women who are creating connections for one another every day.

What She Believes

Connection isn't a luxury — it's a lifeline. And women over 50 deserve to feel it.

  • The second half of life isn't a slow fade — it's full of possibility, if you have the right people around you.

  • Small moments of joy — a good laugh, a real conversation, someone who remembers your name — can change everything.

Meet Our Secretary

What She Believes

Meet Our Treasurer

What She Believes

Meet our Board Members

Sue Bollinger
President/Founder
The Ages of Us

Shannon Tulloss
Treasurer
The Ages of Us

Kelly Nelson
Director at Large
The Ages of Us

Kelly Nelson, recently retired, comes to Ages of Us with several years of experience serving on nonprofit boards, and with a life-long passion for service and social justice. She fills her days now by volunteering, producing a podcast and re-exploring her home state of Washington after many years away.

June 2026
The Ages of Us is Founded
The nonprofit was incorporated in Washington State with a mission to reduce social isolation and improve the wellbeing of women 50+ through education, connection, volunteerism, and community engagement.

June 2026
First Board of Directors
The inaugural Board of Directors held its first organizational meeting, adopted the foundation for governance, and began building the organization for future growth.

2026 and Beyond
Growing Together
Programs, partnerships, volunteers, and community events continue to expand as The Ages of Us reaches more women throughout Washington and, eventually, beyond.

Our Vision

The Ages of Us is just beginning. Our vision is to build a lasting organization that helps women 50+ create meaningful connections, continue growing, and thrive throughout every stage of life.

2026 | Building the Foundation

  • Establish the nonprofit organization

  • Form the inaugural Board of Directors

  • Launch the website and social media presence

  • Develop core branding and marketing materials

  • Build relationships with community partners

  • Continue the Women Aging Solo (or Not) educational series

  • Expand community events throughout the Puget Sound region

  • Recruit volunteers and supporters

  • Begin fundraising and sponsorship efforts

2027 | Growing Our Programs

  • Launch the Dreams Don't Have Deadlines initiative

  • Expand educational workshops and speakers

  • Introduce Support Circles

  • Launch The Ages of Us Care Circle

  • Host the first Washington State Women's Retreat

  • Increase volunteer opportunities

  • Strengthen partnerships with libraries, senior living communities, and local organizations

  • Grow membership and participation throughout Washington

2028-2030 | Expanding Our Impact

  • Expand Dreams Don't Have Deadlines scholarships and opportunities

  • Develop regional chapters across Washington State

  • Create leadership opportunities for volunteers and members

  • Introduce new educational and wellness programs

  • Expand community service and volunteer initiatives

  • Build a sustainable funding base through grants, sponsors, and donors

  • Become a recognized leader in reducing social isolation among women 50+

  • Explore opportunities to share The Ages of Us model with other communities

Have Questions? Let’s Talk

Send us a quick note and let’s figure things out together—we’re excited to help you reach your learning goals.