- 3 days ago
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Important Dates and Upcoming Events
CSN Closed
Thursday, January 1
Monday, January 19
For more information about our upcoming events, visit us at VisitCSN.org/events or follow us on
A New Year Rooted in Opportunity
Dear Friends,
The start of a new year is a time for fresh starts, renewed goals, and intentional choices. At Community Support Network (CSN), we are beginning 2026 focused on what matters most: expanding opportunity, connection, and independence for adults with developmental disabilities.
Because of generous community support, CSN enters this new year on strong footing. People are working in meaningful, paid jobs. Participants are engaging in Inclusive Adventures that foster confidence, creativity, and belonging. Dedicated staff continue to provide consistent, skilled support that changes lives every day.
But the need for CSN’s services does not pause with the calendar.
As we move into 2026, your support will help us:
Expand and sustain supported employment opportunities
Offer more Inclusive Adventures and enrichment experiences
Retain experienced staff who provide stability and trusted relationships
Remove barriers that limit full participation in community life
A gift made at the beginning of the year has lasting impact. It helps set the tone for the months ahead and ensures that adults with disabilities can continue building independence, confidence, and meaningful connections.
If you are looking for a way to start the year with purpose, we invite you to make a tax-deductible gift to CSN. Together, we can continue creating an inclusive community where everyone has the opportunity to thrive. www.VisitCSN.org/donate
Thank you for believing in our mission and for being part of the CSN community.
With gratitude,
Caroline Bowers
Executive Director
Community Support Network
Inclusive Adventures: Exploring Madison Together
In 2025, Community Support Network proudly launched our Inclusive Adventures Program, opening the door to new experiences, meaningful connections, and shared exploration throughout the Madison community. These outings are about more than just visiting new places—they offer participants the chance to learn, grow, and feel a deeper sense of belonging.
One of our first adventures took us to Olbrich Botanical Gardens, where participants were encouraged to slow down and engage their senses. We listened to birds calling from nearby trees, took in the vibrant colors of plants and flowers, and enjoyed the calming scents of the gardens as we explored the pathways together. For many, it was a peaceful and grounding experience that highlighted the joy of being present in nature.
At the Henry Vilas Zoo, learning came alive through an engaging educational lesson led by a zoo professional. Participants had the rare opportunity to interact up close with animals while discovering fun and surprising facts—details many of us might never have learned otherwise. The experience sparked curiosity, laughter, and plenty of excitement as participants connected with wildlife in a hands-on way.
Our visit to the Chazen Art Museum offered a completely different kind of exploration. Guided tours invited participants to engage with paintings, sculptures, and more, while knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guides shared fascinating details about the artwork and the museum itself. One standout favorite was an intricate, lifelike sculpture of a rabbit—so realistic it left everyone amazed.
These Inclusive Adventures show the power of new experiences. Trying something new builds confidence, encourages social connection, and reinforces that everyone deserves access to the cultural and educational opportunities our community has to offer. The impact of these outings is best captured by participants themselves. When asked what she liked about our Inclusive Adventures, CSN participant Sara summed it up perfectly: “Everything!”
We are deeply grateful to the MGE Foundation, Sonnentag American Foundation, TASC, Summit Credit Union, Antioch Foundation, Townsend Foundation, Costco, and Gainwell Cares for their generous support in making these adventures possible. Their support—and yours—helps provide transportation, entry fees, lunches, and other essentials that allow Inclusive Adventures to continue.
Together, we’re creating opportunities to explore, learn, and belong—and we can’t wait to see where our next adventure takes us.
Celebrating the Volunteers Who Made 2025 Shine
At Community Support Network, volunteers are at the heart of so much of what we do—and in 2025, they truly showed up in meaningful, inspiring ways. From special events to weekly creative connections, our volunteers shared their time, talents, and kindness, making a lasting difference for the people we support. Altogether, volunteers generously contributed over 400 hours of service to CSN in 2025.
This past year, an array of volunteers joined us at Taste of Madison, helping CSN be part of a vibrant community event while supporting inclusion and connection beyond our walls. Their energy and enthusiasm helped make the experience welcoming and fun for everyone involved.
We were also grateful to have Donna and Ellyn once again share their time and care by facilitating another Caregivers Expressive Writing Workshop in the spring. Their thoughtful guidance created a welcoming space for reflection, creativity, and connection—something caregivers deeply value. We’re excited to share that Donna and Ellyn will be hosting another Caregivers Expressive Writing Workshop this winter. Registration is now open, and details on dates, location, and how to sign up can be found below.
Throughout the year, we welcomed student interns and volunteers Ariana, Caitlin, Lauren, and Ronnie, who balanced busy school and work schedules to spend time at CSN. They shared their interests, ideas, and creativity while gaining hands-on experience to support their future personal and professional goals. Their presence enriched our programs and reminded us how powerful learning and connection can be when it goes both ways.
And then there are our steady, year-after-year volunteers—Bea, Carly, Lisa, and Marlisa—whose consistency means so much. Despite full lives filled with work, family, and countless commitments, they continue to show up. From collages and salt dough ornaments to cookie decorating and other creative projects, their visits bring joy, laughter, and a sense of belonging.
We also want to recognize our Board of Directors, who serve CSN as dedicated volunteers. Their leadership, guidance, and commitment help strengthen our organization and ensure CSN continues to grow and thrive in service of our mission.
These moments are about more than the activities themselves. They’re about the relationships we build, the friendships that grow, and the connections that continue long after the project is finished.
To every volunteer—including our board members—who shared their time, talents, and heart with CSN in 2025: thank you. You brighten our days, strengthen our community, and help make CSN a place where everyone feels welcome and valued.
A Space to Reflect: Caregivers Expressive Writing Workshop
Caregiving is an act of deep commitment and compassion—and it can also be emotionally demanding. This winter, Community Support Network is proud to assist with the Caregivers Expressive Writing Workshop, a free, six-session series designed to support caregivers through reflection, connection, and gentle writing practices.
Led by facilitators Donna Anderson and Ellyn Zografi, the workshop offers caregivers a welcoming, low-pressure space to pause and explore their experiences through guided writing. Participants engage with thoughtful prompts, optional sharing, and supportive discussion, discovering tools they can carry with them beyond the sessions. No writing experience is needed—only a willingness to show up and be present.
Past participants have described the workshop as uplifting, supportive, and deeply meaningful. One shared, “This was a wonderful way to process caregiving and meet others with relatable experiences… the experience was uplifting, pressure was low, and discussion was supportive and helpful.” Another reflected on how the writing tools offered a way forward during overwhelming moments, providing hope and a path toward healing.
The Caregivers Expressive Writing Workshop will take place February 9 through March 30.
Registration is open now through January 26. We are grateful to support opportunities like this that honor caregivers and offer space for reflection, care, and connection.
To learn more or register, visit VisitCSN.org/events.
Curiosity, Creativity, and Connection: A Look at Recent Activities
Throughout 2025, we’ve shared many of our favorite moments with you—and as the year came to a close, participants continued exploring, creating, and learning in ways that were both meaningful and fun. Here are a few recent activities you might not have heard about that truly captured the spirit of curiosity and imagination at CSN.
One of our most intriguing activities was a candy corn experiment that kept everyone coming back to check the results. We placed candy corn in a variety of liquids and observed which would dissolve it the fastest. From cold and hot water to sparkling water, vinegar, oil, hand sanitizer, and even an energy drink, each liquid brought something new to discover. The group was so fascinated the first time that we decided to try the experiment again using completely different liquids. In the end, oil didn’t dissolve the candy corn at all, while the energy drink worked the fastest. This hands-on experiment sparked great conversations, encouraged observation, and reminded us how fun it can be to keep asking “what if?”
Creativity was on full display during our winter polar bear art activity. Using a simple clothespin and cotton ball as a painting tool, participants stamped white paint onto black construction paper to create snowy polar bear scenes. No two turned out the same—our pack of polar bears ranged from big to small, each one uniquely perfect. Once the paint dried, participants added eyes, noses, and mouths, bringing their creations to life. It was a wonderful reminder that art doesn’t have to be complicated to be expressive and personal.
We also traveled the world—without leaving the room—while learning about Japan. Exploring different cultures is always a favorite, and this activity was full of interesting discoveries. We learned that Japan is made up of four main islands along with thousands of smaller ones. Participants also practiced saying common words and numbers and learned about Koinobori, colorful carp streamers that are displayed to celebrate Children’s Day on May 5.
Whether experimenting, creating art, or learning about new cultures, these activities highlight the joy of trying new things together. As we move into 2026, we’re excited to keep exploring, imagining, and growing—one activity at a time.
Connections That Create Opportunity
Strong employment outcomes grow from relationships. At Community Support Network (CSN), we are grateful for the many local employers who build meaningful connections with our clients and welcome them as valued members of their teams.
CSN clients bring a great deal to the workplace. They contribute care, consistency, and a genuine desire to be part of their work environment. Just as important, they often bring warmth, joy, and a sense of connection that can positively shape workplace culture and team morale.
We are proud to partner with businesses that recognize these contributions and see our clients as capable employees with strengths to share. These employers understand that inclusive hiring is about belonging, opportunity, and mutual benefit.
CSN remains actively involved throughout the employment journey. We support both clients and employers with onboarding, training, and ongoing job coaching, helping ensure that expectations are clear and that support is available as needs evolve. Our goal is to create situations where both the employee and the business feel supported and successful.
These partnerships make a lasting difference—for our clients, for employers, and for the community as a whole. When workplaces are inclusive, everyone benefits.
If you’re interested in learning more about hiring CSN clients or partnering with CSN, please contact us at info@visitcsn.org.
Caring for Ourselves Through the Seasons: Winter Wellness
In the heart of winter, it’s natural for our routines, energy, and even moods to shift. Small acts of care—toward ourselves and others—can make a meaningful difference in our well-being.
Winter is an ideal time to focus on rest, connection, and gentle structure. Giving ourselves permission to rest isn’t just okay—it’s essential. Whether that’s taking a few quiet moments in the morning, enjoying a warm beverage, or simply pausing to breathe deeply, rest helps us recharge and show up more fully for ourselves and those around us.
Connection is another cornerstone of winter wellness. Shorter days can make us feel isolated, but small gestures—checking in with a friend, sharing a laugh, or participating in a community activity—can brighten even the coldest day.
Finally, gentle structure provides a comforting rhythm during months when life can feel unpredictable. Simple routines, like a weekly walk, a creative project, or regular meal times, offer stability while still leaving room for spontaneity and fun.
Caring for ourselves in these ways—resting, connecting, and creating gentle routines—supports not only our own wellness but also the vibrancy of the communities we share. This winter, we invite you to notice the small opportunities to care for yourself and for others, remembering that even tiny steps can make a big difference.
Fall Recipes
Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce
Ingredients
3 Lbs. Apples
½ C Granulated Sugar
½ tsp Ground Cinnamon
½ C Water
Instructions
Peel, core, and slice apples and place into the bowl of your crockpot.
Sprinkle cinnamon and sugar over the apples and mix well.
Pour water into the bottom of the crockpot.
Place the lid onto the crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours.
Once finished cooking, remove the lid and, using a whisk, stir the applesauce until smooth or to desired consistency.
Enjoy!
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Crockpot Cranberry Meatballs
Ingredients
32 oz. Frozen Meatballs
14 oz. Whole Cranberry Sauce
12 oz. Heinz Chili Sauce
2 Tbsp Dijon Mustard
2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
2 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
Instructions
Place meatballs into your crockpot.
Put the remaining ingredients into a medium bowl and whisk until fully combined.
Pour sauce over meatballs and stir to evenly coat the meatballs.
Cover and cook on low for 4 - 6 hours or on high for 2 - 3 hours.
Enjoy!
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Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Balls
Ingredients
1 ¾ C Oat Flour (or Ground Oats)
¼ C Rolled Oats
1 Tbsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
⅛ tsp Salt
½ C Pumpkin Puree
¼ C Peanut Butter
¼ C Maple Syrup
½ C Mini Chocolate Chips
Instructions
In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the oat flour, rolled oats, pumpkin pie spice, and salt.
In another larger mixing bowl, combine the pumpkin puree, peanut butter, and maple syrup.
Add the dry ingredients to the wet ingredients and mix well until a firm texture is formed.
Fold in mini chocolate chips.
Form the batter into bite sized balls.
Refrigerate for 10 minutes.
Enjoy!
Make a Difference
Join our Board of Directors
Are you passionate about building a more inclusive community for people with developmental disabilities? CSN is currently seeking committed, thoughtful individuals to join our Board of Directors.
As a board member, you’ll help shape the future of our organization by:
Attending one-hour monthly meetings (held virtually or in person, typically the second Tuesday of each month)
Contributing to strategic planning and program oversight
Reviewing financial matters and supporting responsible stewardship
Serving as a community ambassador and champion for CSN’s mission
Directors and Officers Liability Insurance is provided to ensure peace of mind for all board members.
If you’re ready to share your skills, insights, and passion for inclusive support, we’d love to connect with you. Your leadership can make a meaningful, lasting impact in the lives of the individuals and families we serve.
To learn more, please contact Caroline Bowers at caroline.bowers@visitcsn.org
Shop for a Cause!
Visit our Online Shop for a variety of must-have items! Every purchase helps raise funds and spread awareness for our mission. By wearing our gear, you’re not only supporting a great cause but also promoting inclusion and empowerment for adults with developmental disabilities. Thank you for being a part of our community and making a difference!
Ways to Donate
Financial Donation - Financial donations are always appreciated! Checks can be mailed to CSN or donate directly on our website - VisitCSN.org
ShopRaise - Shop online using ShopRaise and your purchases from eligible retailers will help support CSN.
Volunteer - Share a hobby or talent with us. We would love to learn something new from you!
Supplies - Contact us if you have supplies to donate and we’ll let you know what we are in need of.
Hire Us!
Hire CSN clients to work at your company. Email Info@VisitCSN.org for more information.
Host an Art Gallery Event!
Learn about our clients and their lives through art. Host our art gallery at your business for a month and experience their stories and talents. Email Info@VisitCSN.org for more information.
