CSA’s Momentum art program is a transformative experience
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.
Susan Watts is the current Chair of the CSA Board of Directors. She is also a member of the board’s fundraising committee.
Why do you do what you do?
The importance of the work that CSA is doing for Central Iowa cannot be underestimated. I have immense respect for this organization and want to help them further their mission.
To someone who doesn’t know what CSA is, how would you describe it?
CSA is a resource for those in need of care and support due to mental health diagnoses and/or disabilities.
Describe a moment when you saw the difference CSA makes. What happened?
The first Momentum art exhibition that I attended — which was before I was invited to join the board — I was stunned by how many people attended and the energy in the room.
The artists’ pride was palpable. When CSA’s CEO told the story of how Momentum began, I knew I wanted to continue my involvement in some way.
What keeps you motivated in your work/volunteerism with CSA?
I’m motivated by the resiliency of the organization as they face each challenge head-on. There has been no shortage of challenges in the time I’ve been involved.
What does CSA mean to the people they support? What does it mean to you?
CSA is a literal lifeline for their clients. I see it as an essential part of a healthy community.
Why is CSA’s work important? How have you seen CSA transform the lives of the people it works with?
My closest observations with CSA clients have been through Momentum. I’ve seen how the art classes and art exhibitions positively engage them and show them paths that they may not have seen before.
I am a big believer in the transformative power of creative engagement, and this is happening daily with Momentum.
What would happen if CSA did not do all that it does?
Without CSA, I believe there would be a breakdown in the way our community functions. Without CSA, those who need this type of help would not have a safe, trusted, and flexible place to start their recovery.
If you had to describe CSA in one word, what would it be and why?
Resilient.
CSA is resilient as an organization — in an often unstable field — and they foster that resiliency in their clients.
