Celebrating National Wellness Month

Small Steps Toward a Healthier You

August is National Wellness Month — a time to focus on self-care, build healthy routines, and reflect on what it means to live well. Wellness isn’t about overhauling your life overnight. It’s about small, everyday choices that support your physical, emotional, and social well-being.

Why Wellness Matters

Taking care of your well-being can improve your mood, boost your energy, reduce stress, and help prevent chronic illness. Wellness helps us feel more connected, more focused, and more capable of handling life’s ups and downs. And while self-care may look different for everyone, the impact is universal.

For example:

• A 10-minute walk can lift your mood and help clear your mind.

• Drinking more water can improve your focus and reduce fatigue.

• Deep breathing or quiet time can calm your nervous system.

• Spending time with others can reduce loneliness and build community.

These small actions, repeated over time, create meaningful change.

Wellness and Adults with Developmental Disabilities

For adults with developmental disabilities, wellness is not only important — it’s vital. Many face extra challenges when it comes to accessing healthcare, navigating mental health resources, or finding inclusive opportunities for movement and connection. Prioritizing wellness helps reduce these gaps and supports greater independence, dignity, and quality of life.

Wellness can:

• Encourage healthy routines and independence in daily life

• Reduce preventable health conditions and increase energy

• Provide structure, which can lower anxiety and stress

• Foster confidence through achievable personal goals

• Build stronger connections with peers, caregivers, and community members

Making wellness accessible and personal is key — whether that means a group walk, a fun hydration goal, trying a new hobby, or creating space for relaxation.

How You Can Celebrate Wellness Month

Here are a few simple ways to honor National Wellness Month:

• Move in a way that feels good to you — stretch, walk, dance, or follow along with a video

• Drink more water — try infusing it with fruit or setting small daily goals

• Try a new healthy habit — go to bed earlier, pack a nourishing lunch, or limit screen time before bed

• Check in with yourself — pause for a moment of breathing, journaling, or quiet reflection

• Reach out to others — a quick conversation or shared activity can brighten your day

Remember: There’s no one-size-fits-all version of wellness. It’s about doing what supports you, consistently and with compassion.

Volunteer With Us at Taste of Madison!

Looking for a fun way to connect and give back during Wellness Month? Join CSN at Taste of Madison and help support our work in the community!

Taste of Madison – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

📅 Saturday, August 30

🕑 Shifts available between 2:00 PM – 9:00 PM (3.5 hours max)

📍 Beverage Stand at the corner of King St. & S. Pinckney St. (Downtown Madison)

We’re excited to return as volunteers at this amazing event—and we’d love to have you with us!

👉 Sign up here

Be sure to indicate that you're volunteering with Community Support Network when signing up.

This is a great chance to support a fun community event, meet new people, and help raise funds for a good cause. Whether it’s your first time or you’re a returning volunteer, your time and energy make a difference!

Here’s to a month of care, connection, and community.

SUMMER 2025 NEWSLETTER

Important Dates

Exploring Madison, One Adventure at a Time

Celebrating Disability Pride Month

Welcome, Caitlin

Exploring Creativity, Curiosity, and Community at CSN

Supported Employment Spotlight

Fostering Connection During Social Wellness Month

Upcoming Events

Summer Recipes

Make a Difference

Important Dates and Upcoming Events

CSN Closed 

Friday, July 4

Monday, September 1

Events

Virtual Silent Auction: July 9 - 10

Taste of Madison: August 30

Learn more about these Upcoming Events Below, at VisitCSN.org/events or follow us on Facebook & Instagram

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Exploring Madison, One Adventure at a Time

CSN’s Inclusive Adventures Program Takes Off with First Two Field Trips to Olbrich Botanical Gardens

Community Support Network (CSN) is thrilled to announce the launch of our Inclusive Adventures Project - a new initiative designed to create fun, educational, and enriching field trip experiences for adults with developmental disabilities. These outings aim to improve mental and physical health, promote inclusion, and encourage social connection through thoughtfully planned adventures in the Madison area.

We kicked off our first two Inclusive Adventures with visits to the beautiful Olbrich Botanical Gardens, where two different groups of clients, staff, and volunteers had the chance to explore nature together. Despite a little rain during our second outing, spirits remained high as participants ventured into the tropical Bolz Conservatory. From listening to birds and waterfalls to searching for leaves larger than life, everyone had the chance to experience wonder, curiosity, and joy in a peaceful, sensory-rich setting.

These trips are more than just a day out - they are powerful opportunities for community engagement, self-expression, and learning. By offering accessible and inclusive experiences, Inclusive Adventures helps fulfill our mission of ensuring that all individuals have the chance to connect with the world around them in meaningful ways.

We are deeply grateful to the generous donors who have helped bring this program to life. Thanks to the support of the MGE Foundation, Sonnentag American Foundation, TASC, Summit Credit Union, Antioch Foundation, Townsend Foundation, Costco, and Gainwell Cares, we are able to provide reliable transportation and cover essential fees for many of these outings. Your investment helps ensure that transportation barriers and program costs do not stand in the way of inclusion and participation.

We can’t wait to see where our next adventure takes us - and we’re so thankful to have you along for the journey.

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Celebrating Disability Pride Month

Honoring Identity, Embracing Inclusion

July is Disability Pride Month - a time to celebrate people with disabilities, recognize disability as a natural part of life, and take pride in who we are.

It’s also the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which was signed into law on July 26, 1990. The ADA was a major milestone in the disability rights movement. It made it illegal to discriminate against people with disabilities in jobs, schools, transportation, and public places. While there is still work to be done, the ADA helped open more doors - literally and figuratively - for millions of people.

Disability Pride Month reminds us that disability is not something to hide or “overcome.” It’s part of what makes people unique. Being proud means recognizing your value and knowing that your voice, your choices, and your experiences matter.

At CSN, we are guided by the lived experiences of the people we support. Every day, our clients share their creativity, humor, insight, and kindness - not despite their disabilities, but as whole people with unique perspectives and talents. Their voices shape our programs, and their pride strengthens our community.

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Welcome, Caitlin!

Please join us in giving a warm welcome to Caitlin, CSN’s summer/fall intern!

Caitlin is entering her senior year at UW–Madison, where she is pursuing a double major in Psychology and Health Promotion & Health Equity, with a focus on disability rights and services. Her passion for inclusive support systems is clear, and we’re thrilled to have her as part of the CSN team.

From day one, Caitlin jumped right in - getting to know CSN clients and staff with ease. She brings a patient, thoughtful, and engaged presence to every interaction. We were excited to have her join us on our second Inclusive Adventure trip to Olbrich Botanical Gardens, where she explored and learned right alongside us all.

This summer, Caitlin will be leading activities designed to help keep us active, creative, and connected. We’re so grateful for the energy and care she brings to CSN, and we’re excited for all the meaningful experiences ahead!

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Exploring Creativity, Curiosity, and Community at CSN

This season at CSN, our enrichment activities have continued to foster creativity, learning, and connection - with each project offering opportunities to build skills and express individuality in new ways.

Community Plant Project: Growing Together

We’ve been back at it with our beloved community plant project! This year, we started by planting basil seeds indoors under grow lights. With care and patience, our plants have been growing like crazy - and so has our excitement to eventually share our harvest with our neighbors on Madison’s North Side. Gardening offers powerful health and wellness benefits, from reducing stress to promoting sensory engagement and motor skills. We love nurturing these plants from seed to sprout and watching them thrive.

Creative Problem Solving

We’re always finding new ways to solve problems - and recently, we practiced this through a fun and interactive math worksheet. Using hands-on tools like colored pegs and peg boards, we explored visual patterns, worked through math riddles, and strengthened number recognition. These creative approaches help make learning accessible and engaging for everyone. We know that learning doesn’t look the same for each person, and building flexibility in how we approach challenges is a powerful life skill.

Feather Art: "Follow Your Dreams"

In one of our recent art sessions, we let our imaginations soar. On cardstock printed with the inspiring phrase “Follow Your Dreams,” we used Cray-Pas oil pastels to draw vibrant circles across each of the three lines. Then, with cotton balls in hand, we gently “feathered” out the colors - transforming each circle into a soft, floating feather. The finished pieces were as unique and beautiful as the individuals who made them, each one a reminder to keep reaching toward our dreams, wherever they may lead.

Whether we’re growing plants, practicing math, or creating art, our enrichment activities help build confidence, independence, and joy. We’re proud of the ways we all continue to learn, grow, and thrive - together.

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Supported Employment Spotlight

Building Inclusive Workplaces, One Job at a Time

At CSN, we believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to work, contribute, and be part of a supportive community. Supported employment helps make that possible by connecting individuals with developmental disabilities to meaningful jobs - and connecting employers with dedicated, reliable team members.

This month, we’re celebrating two incredible examples of supported employment in action. Meet Zach and Peg - two hardworking individuals whose jobs are not only a source of pride, but a reflection of what’s possible when workplaces are inclusive and welcoming.

Zach Thrives at Fastenal

Zach works about 30 hours a week at Fastenal, a company that supplies hardware and industrial products. His primary job is “kitting” - packaging hardware into custom kits based on customer orders.

From the beginning, Zach’s supervisors at Fastenal recognized his value and welcomed his positive energy. They’ve made thoughtful accommodations that help Zach stay focused and feel ownership in his workspace. Thanks to their support, he has become a steady and reliable part of the team.

Zach’s success is a testament to what can happen when businesses embrace supported employment. Fastenal not only benefits from Zach’s hard work - they set an example of how inclusive practices can strengthen a workplace for everyone.

Peg Celebrates 6 Years at Madison Christian Community

Another incredible example of supported employment comes from Madison Christian Community (MCC), where Peg recently celebrated her six-year work anniversary. Peg helps keep the church’s offices and shared spaces clean by taking out the trash and recycling, vacuuming, and dusting each week.

From the moment she walks through the door on Wednesday mornings, Peg brings energy and joy to the building. “She usually comes in whistling the old Disney song ‘Whistle While You Work’,” shared Pastor Nick Utphall. “When 9:00 hits, she dives into her work, often proclaiming how fast she’s going that day and trying to get her tasks all done even before her job coach arrives to check in. It’s been fun because she counts herself a full member of our staff, and she’s also become a member of the congregation (still checking on the tidiness of the building on Sunday mornings). The church gave her enthusiastic and well-deserved applause for her 6th anniversary on our staff. Thank you, Peggy!”

The MCC team has created a supportive and welcoming environment where Peg is not just an employee, but part of the church community. “We feel so lucky to have such a long and meaningful connection with CSN,” added Kaisa, the church’s administrative secretary. “We really appreciate that a job coach comes to check in weekly, even though things with Peggy are always going smoothly!”

Peg’s six years of continued success are a beautiful reminder that supported employment is about more than a paycheck - it’s about connection, belonging, and building spaces where everyone can thrive.

Thank You to Our Community Partners

We’re grateful to Fastenal, Madison Christian Community, and all of our employment partners who create opportunities and champion inclusion. Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected community - one job at a time.

Interested in Hiring Through CSN?

If you’re interested in hiring through CSN, please reach out to us at Info@VisitCSN.org. We’re here to guide you through the process and answer any questions you may have. Let’s work together to create more inclusive and rewarding employment opportunities in our community.

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Fostering Connection During Social Wellness Month

Because Belonging Matters

In addition to Disability Pride Month, July is also Social Wellness Month - a reminder of how important our relationships and social environments are to our overall well-being.

Social wellness is about more than just being around other people. It’s about feeling seen, supported, and connected. Whether through friendships, community involvement, or simply sharing a conversation, our social connections play a powerful role in our emotional and mental health.

At CSN, we build programs that foster real connection. Whether it’s working on group projects, sharing stories, or supporting one another during challenging times, we create spaces where people can be their authentic selves and grow together.

Social wellness isn’t just nice to have - it’s essential. When people feel they belong, they’re more likely to thrive. That’s why we continue to invest in meaningful relationships, strong communication, and inclusive community-building every day.

This July, we invite you to check in with your connections, reach out to someone new, and celebrate the joy of belonging.

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Upcoming Events

Get Ready to Bid for a Cause

CSN’s Virtual Silent Auction is Almost Here!

CSN is excited to invite you to our Virtual Silent Auction, happening July 9–10, 2025! This fun and meaningful online event supports individuals with developmental disabilities right here in

Madison - and you can take part from anywhere.

What’s up for bid?

You’ll find an incredible mix of items donated by local businesses and generous community members, including:

• Tickets to shows and sporting events

• Gift cards to local restaurants and shops

• Unique experiences

• Jewelry, memorabilia, and so much more!

When: Wednesday, July 9 – Thursday, July 10 

Where: Virtual - participate from anywhere!

Preview Items & Register to Bid: givebutter.com/c/csnauction/auction

Stay updated by following us on social media and checking our website!

Every bid you place helps support CSN’s mission to empower individuals with disabilities through connection, creativity, and community.

Mark your calendar, tell a friend, and get ready to bid for a great cause. We can’t wait to see you online - thank you for being part of the CSN family!

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Taste of Madison

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! 

CSN is excited to volunteer again this year at Taste of Madison. Join us for another unforgettable

event!

When: Saturday, August 30 2:00 PM - 9:00 PM 

Where: Beverage Stand Corner of King St. & S. Pinckney St. Downtown Madison

Sign up here: Volunteer Sign Up Form 

Please be sure to indicate that you are volunteering with Community Support Network when signing up. 

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Summer Recipes

Strawberry Salad

Ingredients

• 6 oz Spring Mix Lettuce

• 2 C Strawberries, Chopped

• 1 C Blueberries

• ¼ C Red Onion, Chopped

• 1 Medium Cucumber, Chopped

• ⅓ C Goat Cheese

• ½ C Pecans

  
  

Dressing

• 1 C Fresh Strawberries

• 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice

• 1-2 tsp Lemon Zest

• 2 Tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar

• ¼ C Sugar

• 2 Tbsp Olive Oil

• 1 tsp Poppy Seeds

  
  

Instructions

1. Add dressing ingredients to a blender and mix until thin and liquid.

2. Put spring mix into a large bowl.

3. Add toppings, then fold and mix.

4. Drizzle with homemade dressing.

5. Enjoy!

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Cucumber Sandwiches

Ingredients

• 8 oz Cream Cheese (Softened)

• 3 Tbsp Mayonnaise

• 2 tsp Dill

• 1 tsp Chives

• ¼ tsp Garlic Powder

• Pinch of Salt

• Pinch of Pepper

• 1 English Cucumber

• 1 Loaf Sliced White Bread

  
  

Instructions

1. With a hand mixer, mix cream cheese, mayonnaise, and spices until smooth.

2. Remove crust from bread.

3. Spread cream cheese mixture on bread.

4. Thinly slice cucumber and lay over half of the bread slices.

5. Top with remaining bread slices.

6. Leave whole or cut into triangles.

7. Enjoy!

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Creamy Banana Tiramisu

Ingredients

• 1 ½ C Milk

• 2 Tbsp Instant Coffee Crystals

• 1 - 8 oz Package Cream Cheese, Softened

• ¼ C Sugar

• 1 Package Instant Vanilla Pudding (4 C Serving)

• 2 C Frozen Non-Dairy Whipped Topping, Thawed

• 12 Lady Fingers

• 3 Medium Ripe Bananas

• Additional Whipped Topping, For Garnish

• ¼ C Semisweet Mini Chocolate Chips, For Garnish

  
  

Instructions

1. Stir together milk and coffee crystals until coffee is almost dissolved.

2. With a hand mixer, beat together the cream cheese and sugar in a large bowl until smooth and blended.

3. Add pudding mix to the cream cheese mixture, then gradually beat in the coffee mixture until smooth & blended.

4. Gently stir whipped topping into the coffee/cream cheese/pudding mixture.

5. Place 1 lady finger into each small dessert cup, then top with pudding mixture.

6. Place 4-5 slices of banana on top of the pudding mixture.

7. Top with whipped topping and garnish with a sprinkle of mini chocolate chips.

8. Enjoy!

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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.

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Safety Is Empowerment

Recognizing National Safety Month & Deafblind Awareness Week

June is National Safety Month - a time to reflect on how we keep ourselves and those around us safe in everyday life. Safety is more than a checklist or emergency drill - it’s about creating environments that support independence, reduce risk, and help everyone thrive.

For individuals with developmental disabilities, these safety considerations are especially important. Consistent routines, accessible information, and clear communication can help ensure that safety practices are not only in place - but actually work for each individual.

Home Safety: Building Daily Confidence

A safe home supports physical and emotional well-being. For anyone, key safety practices at home might include:

• Keeping emergency contact information easy to find

• Practicing fire drills or evacuation plans

• Using reminders or timers for cooking and medication

• Organizing spaces to reduce hazards and support daily routines

  
  

For individuals with developmental disabilities, these strategies can also support independence and reduce anxiety by making daily life more predictable and manageable.

Community Safety: Navigating Public Spaces

Whether going to work, running errands, or attending social events, public spaces can present both opportunities and challenges. To stay safe in the community, it helps to:

• Plan routes ahead of time and know alternate options

• Carry identification and key health or emergency information

• Be aware of surroundings and know how to ask for help if needed

• Use tools like mobile apps or visual schedules for added support

  
  

For those with developmental disabilities, practicing these skills in familiar settings can help build confidence and prepare for real-world situations.

Workplace Safety: Supporting Inclusion and Understanding

Workplace safety benefits everyone, and it’s more than just physical safety—it includes clear communication, respectful environments, and knowing your rights. Key practices include:

• Learning job expectations and how to safely complete tasks

• Participating in training on emergency procedures

• Understanding how to report concerns or unsafe conditions

• Having support when navigating workplace relationships or challenges

  
  

For individuals with developmental disabilities, tailored supports - like extra training time, visual cues, or job coaching - can make a major difference in creating a safe and productive work experience.

Inclusive Safety: Deafblind Awareness Week (June 22 - 28)

As part of National Safety Month, we also recognize Deafblind Awareness Week. Safety must be accessible to everyone, including individuals with combined hearing and vision loss.

Inclusive safety may involve:

• Vibrating or tactile alerts

• Clearly marked physical pathways

• Consistent, individualized communication tools

  
  

These adaptations aren’t extras—they’re essential for ensuring safety systems are usable and effective for all.

Safety at CSN: Supporting Growth with Security

At Community Support Network (CSN), safety is a core part of our mission. We are deeply committed to creating safe environments where adults with developmental disabilities can learn, work, and build community.

We focus on:

• Community safety by helping individuals develop real-life skills for appropriate social interactions and managing unpredictable situations

• Workplace safety through job coaching, advocacy, and ongoing support tailored to each person’s needs

• Daily program safety by maintaining consistent routines, respectful environments, and staff trained to support each individual’s strengths and needs

  
  

Creating a safe space allows people to focus on what really matters: growing their skills, connecting with others, and participating fully in daily life.

Safety is ongoing. It’s personal. And it’s something we all help build—together. 

This June, we come together to strengthen our commitment to creating a respectful, inclusive environment where everyone feels safe.