CSA helped keep central Iowans alive during the pandemic
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.
William Vaughn served as CSA’s first CEO. He is now President and CEO of Mainstream Living. Now, they work together to reach persons with disabilities in Polk County who had fallen between the nets of services.
How would you describe CSA?
CSA provides essential services for persons with a disability in Central Iowa. Services have included integrated supports, case management and service coordination. The services are very personalized to the needs of the member served.
Why is a partnership with CSA important?
CSA provides essential supports for non-traditional persons with a disability who may not seek out supports. They reach people who need additional assistance, and a personal connection, to engage with services and meet their needs.
What does CSA mean to the people it serves?
CSA members and families have consistently loved the services at CSA. The staff have always gone above and beyond to meet the people served where they are and help them reach the next level of independence.
What does CSA mean to the community?
CSA has a place in my heart. I have seen firsthand the connection of the staff to the members served. I have seen some member’s lives transformed.
Why is CSA’s work important?
CSA has helped all members become more independent. Some have gained near complete independence over time. Others have avoided the long-term impact of un-treated mental health disorders.
CSA has helped people maintain safe and affordable housing, and kept people safe and alive during this pandemic.
What would happen if CSA did not do all that it does?
There would be more homelessness, and people with disabilities in Central Iowa would have poorer health, and mental health.
There would be more people with disabilities in our jails, psych-wards, and morgues. In general, there would be more suffering for disabled people in Central Iowa.
Describe a moment when you saw the difference CSA makes.
CSA helped a member with mental health needs, who also had an organ transplant, receive the services that he needed in the community to keep him alive and engaged.
They have consistently met his needs and have been one of the few sources of stability in his life.
If you had to describe CSA in one word, what would it be?
Family – because CSA treats its members as you would a family member.
