CSA staff members advocate for success of all Iowans
Community Support Advocates is celebrating 25 years of supporting individuals and families impacted by mental health or disabilities in Central Iowa. The nonprofit served 100 people during its first year in 1997 — and expects to serve more than 1,900 people this year.
A critical “first stop” organization that connects individuals and families to resources — such as employment, education, and community living — CSA’s impact has resonated throughout Polk, Jasper, Story, Dallas, and Warren counties.
To celebrate a quarter-century of service, CSA asked individuals to share their stories. Read more stories at teamcsa.org or follow #CSA25DSM on Facebook or Instagram.
JoAnn Eastman is a staff member at CSA. She is a team lead in the Knowledge Empowers Youth program, which supports disadvantaged youth with obtaining housing, employment, and higher education, as well as the KEY programs.
She is also team lead for Integrated Services, which supports adults living with mental illness or disabilities to live their best lives by working, maintaining housing, and accessing care.
Why do you do what you do?
Doing something every day that supports or assists another human being to improve their life or experience is important.
How would you describe CSA?
CSA is a nonprofit organization that supports people with disabilities so that they can live their best lives and be a part of the community. We do this by helping them build skills and overcome barriers.
Describe a moment when you saw the difference CSA makes.
KEY was working with a young man whose parents had both died prior to his 18th birthday. His extended family members were all struggling themselves and could not help him with housing, attending school, or finding employment.
At 17 years old, he was on his own with no assistance from the children’s system because of the amount of time it takes to access services. The young man stayed with a family friend, dropped out of high school, and could not find employment.
His previous depression was exacerbated by the loss of his parents and his situation. KEY helped him access mental health care and find employment.
But they also helped him find opportunities for fun by attending community activities.
Just before his 21st birthday, he earned his high school diploma. Now he’s maintaining mental health treatment and is working a fulltime job.
What keeps you motivated in your work/volunteerism with CSA?
CSA’s work is important. CSA’s approach to service is different than other agencies. People are empowered to make their own choices. People take risks and make mistakes as a natural part of learning and life.
CSA remains present for people during their best and worst times.
What does CSA mean to the people they support? What does it mean to you?
People are accepted. People are supported to take their next steps.
Why is CSA’s work important? How have you seen CSA transform the lives of the people it works with?
Because of CSA, people (who otherwise might not be) are living and working in their community. They are accessing the care they need to prevent crises, and are contributing to the workforce and the culture of our community.
What would happen if CSA did not do all that it does?
Without CSA, the Des Moines community and Polk County would lose an agency that operates with integrity. People in the community would lose advocacy services, a source of support, and the opportunity to express themselves through art.
If you had to describe CSA in one word, what would it be and why?
Hope.
