CSA and Momentum help transform lives through art
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.
Kelsey Kleinow is program coordinator with Momentum, an art program with CSA that supports individuals with disabilities and mental health conditions through art-building wellness and resilience.
Why do you do what you do?
Serving people in any form is my passion. I have seen the way the Momentum program has changed the lives of people we serve, but it’s also changed my life.
I come to work every day excited to do my job, and that’s not something a lot of people can say. Building relationships with our members and watching them thrive is the most rewarding thing that I’ve ever done.
To someone who doesn’t know what CSA is, how would you describe it?
CSA is a social services organization serving individuals with disabilities throughout Central Iowa. But honestly, it is so much more than that.
It is a group of people that feel like a family. They are dedicated to working together to change the lives of our most vulnerable community members. They are kind, supportive, and truly just incredible to work with.
Describe a moment when you saw the difference CSA makes. What happened?
I see the difference CSA makes nearly every day. Watching our artists build confidence and come out of their shell to talk about their art is truly an experience that warms my heart.
What keeps you motivated in your work/volunteerism with CSA?
Knowing that the work we do matters. And knowing that I have a team of people that have my back keeps me motivated.
What does CSA mean to the people they support? What does it mean to you?
CSA means so much to the people they support. Staff truly become a part of our members’ families. Our members know that staff are there to support, encourage, and comfort them during tough times.
CSA has become a part of my family as well and I can’t imagine my life without the people I work with.
Why is CSA’s work important?
CSA serves a vulnerable population that doesn’t always get the support and services they need. CSA steps up to the plate to encourage independence, growth, and resilience. I see the way that CSA transforms lives every day.
What would happen if CSA did not do all that it does?
Without CSA, there would be a whole group of people not getting the services that they needed. They wouldn’t be living independently, working, taking part in community activities, etc.
Especially with COVID, mental health has become an epidemic in and of itself. Imagine if people didn’t have access to services during these times.
If you had to describe CSA in one word, what would it be and why?
Compassionate, because at the end of the day, that’s what we are all about. Showing compassion to our staff and the people we work with.
