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Upcoming Events & Important Dates


CSN Closed Dates 

- Thursday, November 28th

- Friday, November 29th

- Tuesday, December 24th

- Wednesday, December 25th

- Tuesday, December 31st

- Wednesday, January 1st, 2025


For more information about our upcoming events, visit us on social media or at VisitCSN.org/events


 

Sprouting Connections:

How Growing Herbs Brings Us Together


We are thrilled to have our indoor garden back this year! There’s something truly rewarding about getting our hands dirty and watching our small seeds transform into thriving plants.


Gardening offers numerous benefits, including stress reduction, improved mood, and enhanced 

focus and mindfulness. It also fosters a sense of community.


This year, we grew a variety of herbs—cilantro, basil, and parsley—not only for our cooking classes and to take home, but also to share with the community. We tended to these herbs daily until they reached maturity. Once fully grown, we labeled each pot with care instructions to help others harvest their herbs and encourage new growth. We then placed them on a cart outside of CSN—free to our neighbors and community members.


To our surprise, the first time we set out our herbs, they were all gone within just two hours! We hope everyone who brought home a plant has enjoyed it and found new ways to add freshness to their meals.


We strive to connect with our community as much as possible, and it’s a wonderful feeling to know we can share our talents and connect with others.



 

Enrichment


An Explosion of Fun


Our final experiment of the summer ended with an EXPLOSION—of chalk, that is!


We learned how to make liquid chalk and then watched it burst onto the sidewalk, creating a vibrant display of color that reminded us of the fun we had until the rain washed it away.


To make this the best experiment ever, we chose a beautiful summer day to create our liquid chalk in Ziploc bags. We combined vinegar, cornstarch, and food coloring to make our colorful concoction. Once the chalk was ready, we packed baking soda into a tissue, twisting it shut to keep it secure.


Then the real fun began! We went outside to the sidewalk, opened a corner of the Ziploc bags filled with chalk, dropped in the baking soda packets, and zipped them shut. Before our eyes, we watched as each bag bubbled and fizzed, expanding tighter and tighter until—boom! The chalk burst from the bag, leaving a brilliant splash of color on the sidewalk.


The anticipation of watching our bags grow and finally explode filled us with laughter and joy that lasted throughout the day!



Wreaths with a Twist


 

Our recent craft stick wreath project was a wonderful opportunity not only to create a beautiful decoration for our door but also to engage in observations, study color mixing, and practice patience as we completed each step.


We began by dyeing our craft sticks. To do this, we gathered several plastic jars and added drops of primary color food coloring to each—one jar with red, another with yellow, and the last with blue. Next, we filled each jar with about an inch of water and submerged one end of several plain craft sticks in each. As we waited for three hours, we observed how the colors absorbed into the sticks.


After the initial soak, we removed the sticks from the jars, refilled them with fresh food coloring and water, and placed the opposite ends of the sticks into a different color than they had originally been in. After soaking for another three hours, we took them out and set them on towels to dry. We noticed how the colors blended toward the center, creating beautiful secondary shades.


While the craft sticks dried for 24 hours, we cut out the centers of small paper plates. Finally, we were ready to transform our hard work into a wreath. Using hot glue, we attached our craft sticks to the paper plates, adding a second layer to fully cover the base. Voila! We had a stunning, handmade decoration to brighten our door.


 

Vocational


Partner with CSN: Empowering Adults with Developmental Disabilities


At CSN, our mission is to support adults with cognitive delays and other disabilities in actively participating in their communities. One of the key ways we achieve this is by facilitating meaningful employment for our clients. Our approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each individual and employer.


When you hire an individual with diverse abilities, everyone benefits. Our clients gain fulfilling, income-generating jobs, while employers receive motivated and qualified employees.


Partnering with CSN means we will take the time to understand your business needs and work to match you with one of our dedicated candidates. We provide ongoing support, including training assistance and regular check-ins, to ensure that both your needs and those of your employees are met.


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.


 

Wellness


Gratitude and Wellness: Embracing the Holiday Spirit


As the holiday season approaches, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the wonderful things in our lives and express our gratitude.


Gratitude is the quality of being thankful—showing appreciation and returning kindness. It plays a significant role in enhancing our mental and emotional well-being. Research shows that practicing gratitude can reduce stress, improve mood, and lead to greater overall happiness.


Each person, region, and culture may have unique ways of expressing gratitude. Around the world, people celebrate in various ways, including festivals, rituals, and community gatherings; through prayer; acts of service; formal acknowledgments; gifts; storytelling; song; and gratitude journals.


This season, let’s take the time to embrace gratitude and enrich our lives and the lives of those around us.


 

Caregivers Writing Workshop


This free, 6-session expressive writing workshop will span 9 weeks. It will provide family and community caregivers with space and time to express their experiences through writing and experience the power of writing exercises as a tool for self exploration and self compassion.


WHEN

The following Monday's from 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

January 6

February 3

January 13

February 17

January 27

March 3

Spots are limited. Use this link: https://forms.gle/aEQp1XdyrRJXfVhq6 to sign up by

Friday, December 13.


Where

Six Willows Counseling Services

255 N. Sherman Ave.

Madison, WI 53704


Email Ellyn@SixWillows.com with any questions.


Meet Our Facilitators


In 2006, Ellyn Zografi started an 11-year career at Community Support Network (CSN) providing direct services to, and case management for adults with developmental disabilities. In 2013, Ellyn moved into a clinical role as Director of Collaborations, a mental health clinic, housed in CSN, after receiving her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy (LMFT) at Edgewood College. Along with providing therapeutic services to CSN clients, she created spaces and programs for both family and professional caregivers to receive support and resources. In her total 18+ years working as both a social worker and psychotherapist, Ellyn has discovered writing to be a powerful tool. She has conducted writing workshops and provided writing prompts for not only clients, staff and family members at CSN, but also as part of a wilderness therapy program in Southern Utah as well as part of her clinical private practice, Six Willows Counseling Services, Inc. Ellyn is currently working towards a certification in Biblio/Poetry Therapy, an expressive arts therapy in which the main mission is to promote growth and healing through written language, symbol and story.


Donna Anderson has a Bachelor of Music degree, but loves anything to do with writing. At age 42, she earned a Master of Fine Arts degree with a major in English and taught writing classes at two St. Louis colleges, while continuing as an organist and choir director. During this time, she attended four Progoff Journaling Workshops which focused primarily on dialogue-writing. She gave up teaching writing classes when she suddenly became a caregiver for her in-laws who were in their 90’s and moved into the Anderson home for the final three years of their lives. Her mother-in law had severe dementia and her father-in-law suffered from numerous physical ailments. Every night Donna wrote in a journal, venting her frustrations, assessing the day, and solving problems, all of which helped her move onto the next day. She never regretted this caregiving period in her life, even though it was more challenging than any job she ever had.


What Are Past Participants Saying About the Workshop?


A Poem

Two seasoned and compassionate guides

carved out space and time to teach us as the caregiver.


To pick up the pen and speak from our heart,

to reflect by writing with expansive empathy for ourselves

and those we care for.


Whenever I feel hopeless on this consuming and sometimes overwhelming journey,

I will use the tools and my writing to make myself whole again.


Thank you to Donna and Ellyn for being our guides on this path to healing.


 

As a participant, I can only say great things about the opportunity and benefit I experienced through the Writing Therapy. I was able to delve deeper into who I am and explore possible factors as to why I have personal challenges. I was taught a tool that helped me deal with some issues. This program would definitely be therapeutic for all caregivers.


 

Summer of Impact

Highlights from Our Fundraising and Volunteer Events


A few of our fantastic volunteers serving up refreshing beverages at Taste of Madison 2024


This summer has been truly unforgettable for CSN! In July, we took part in “Change It Up Tuesday” at Delta Beer Lab (167 E. Badger Rd, Madison, WI 53713). This new initiative partners with a different local nonprofit each Tuesday to raise awareness and funds. We had a fantastic time connecting with the community, hosting a raffle, and are incredibly grateful to Delta Beer Lab for donating 100% of net taproom proceeds to support our mission. Thank you to everyone who joined us and contributed to this partnership!


At the end of July, we attended the Disability Pride Festival at Warner Park, a wonderful event hosted by Disability Pride Madison that celebrated our community. We had a blast making water bead stress balls and engaging with attendees.


Additionally, we proudly hosted a beverage stand at Taste of Madison over Labor Day Weekend. Our dedicated team of volunteers—comprising board members, staff, parents of CSN clients, regular volunteers, and new faces—did an amazing job keeping event-goers refreshed with water, soda, and lemonade. Since 1983, Taste of Madison has been a beloved community event, celebrating great food, drinks, and entertainment, and we were honored to be part of it this year.


To everyone who supported us at any or all of these events—THANK YOU! Your generosity has made a significant difference for CSN and the individuals with developmental disabilities that we serve. We truly appreciate your support!


 

Fall Recipes



Whipped Ricotta Prosciutto Bites

Ingredients

  • 7 oz Ricotta Cheese

  • 2 Tbsp Minced Garlic

  • 1 1/2 tsp Olive Oil

  • 3 oz Prosciutto

  • 1 Box Ritz Crackers

  • Salt & Pepper to Taste

  • Honey, for Drizzling

  • Chives, Chopped


Directions

  1. In a small mixing bowl, whip together ricotta cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt & pepper.

  2. Cut Prosciutto into small triangles.

  3. Spread ricotta mixture onto crackers, making sure not to make the layers too thick.

  4. Roll Prosciutto triangles into cone like shapes and place on ricotta covered crackers.

  5. Drizzle honey over crackers and sprinkle with chives.

  6. Enjoy!


Turkey Spinach Pinwheels

Ingredients

  • 8 oz Garden Vegetable Cream Cheese

  • 8 Flour Tortillas

  • 4 C Fresh Baby Spinach

  • 1 lb Sliced Deli Turkey


Directions

  1. Spread cream cheese over tortillas.

  2. Top cream cheese with spinach and turkey.

  3. Roll up tortillas tightly.

  4. Cut pinwheels in half at an angle.

  5. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate.

  6. Enjoy!



Apple Crumble Sundae

Ingredients

  • 1/2 C Rolled Oats

  • 2 Tbsp Flour

  • 2 Tbsp Chopped Walnuts or Pecans

  • 2 tsp Butter

  • 2 tsp Cinnamon

  • 2 tsp Milk

  • 2 Tbsp Maple Syrup, Divided

  • 1 Medium Apple, Cubed

  • Vanilla Ice Cream


Directions

  1. Add rolled oats, flour, walnuts/pecans, butter, cinnamon, milk, and 1 Tbsp maple syrup to a microwave safe bowl.

  2. Stir to combine.

  3. Microwave mixture for 1 minute, stirring every 15 seconds.

  4. Add ice cream to two bowls.

  5. Divide crumble mixture and use it to top the ice cream.

  6. Top crumble mixture with cubed apples.

  7. Drizzle each sundae with the remaining maple syrup.

  8. Enjoy!


 

Make a Difference


Join Our Board of Directors

​Are you passionate about supporting individuals with developmental disabilities? We're searching for dedicated individuals to join our Board of Directors at Community Support Network (CSN).  As a board member, you'll attend one-hour monthly meetings, typically held on the second Tuesday of each month, virtually or in person. Your role will involve active participation in discussions, guiding strategic planning and program monitoring, overseeing financial matters, and serving as an ambassador for our organization in the community. Directors and Officers Liability Insurance coverage is provided to protect board members. If you're committed to our mission and eager to make a difference, we'd love to hear from you. Please contact Caroline Bowers for more information at caroline.bowers@visitcsn.org. Your involvement as a board member will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our organization and making a meaningful impact in the lives of those we serve.


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.

  • Recyclables - Drop off your used markers, pens, glue sticks, mechanical pencils, highlighters, and watercolor containers to CSN. We’ll collect them and recycle them.


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.



View Past Newsletters and our 2023 Annual Report






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Upcoming Events & Important Dates


Upcoming Events

- Change It Up Tuesday at Delta Beer Lab

- Volunteer at Taste of Madison


CSN Closed Dates 

- Thursday, July 4th

- Monday, September 2nd


For more information about our upcoming events, visit us on social media or at VisitCSN.org/events


 

CELEBRATE!

Disability Pride Month


July is Disability Pride Month! This month, we honor the history of the disability community, its achievements, its experiences, and its struggles. 


On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disabilities Act was signed into law. This act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in employment, transportation, and access to services and was the first of its kind in the world!


There are many ways to celebrate Disability Pride Month. Individuals with disabilities can reflect on their stories - their accomplishments, challenges, and goals for the future - and share these stories with their community. We can continue to share shortcomings in our community and brainstorm solutions on how to make all aspects of community life accessible to individuals of all ability levels. We can also hang the disability pride flag and attend a Disability Pride Festival.


This year, Disability Pride Madison will be hosting their Disability Pride Festival on Saturday, July 27th from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Warner Park (2930 N. Sherman Ave, Madison, WI 53704). This is a wonderful event full of activists and friends celebrating together. CSN will be hosting a table, so if you attend, be sure to stop by and say hi!


Each year, steps are taken to make our world more accessible and welcoming to all individuals. As we celebrate Disability Pride Month this July, we continue our efforts to educate those around us about the talents, achievements, and challenges that individuals with disabilities face every day. Through these efforts, we will continue to make change until each individual, no matter their ability level, has access to fully participate in the community.


“We’ve been labeled disabled, you decide!”


 

Enrichment:

Our Indoor Garden


In March, we planted a variety of plants, vegetables, and herbs - including marigolds, aster, sunflowers, lettuce, basil, and cilantro - from seed. It’s always such a wonder to watch them sprout and grow. Under our watchful eyes, with watering as needed, they continue to thrive. 


The benefits of gardening are endless. It’s very special to take something as small as a seed and follow it through the various stages of its growth. Our daily observations allow us to determine what each individual plant needs. Is the soil to wet? Is the soil dry? Are our plants wilting or dull in color? By paying close attention to these things, we can take action to give each flower, vegetable, and herb what they need to fully grow. The care we put into gardening can help us to reduce stress and provides us with healthy meal options that we can be proud of because we grew them right here on our own.


We look forward to watching everything grow, and who knows, we may even feature some of our freshly grown herbs and vegetables in an upcoming cooking class!




Exploring New Tools for Creating Art


Our volunteers never cease to amaze us with their creativity and dedication to our programming! Over the last few months, our volunteers have brought us various activities to help explore the use of everyday objects as painting tools. 


For one of these activities, we created collaborative circle art. The tools we utilized for this included: clementine oranges, lids of various sized containers, vases, and more! It was amazing to see how the use of these items provided such unique results. The collaboration of everyone coming together to stamp on the canvas was so special and created a beautiful work of art.


Another day, our “paintbrush” was a bouquet of flowers. With an array of different flowers and paint colors, we each created artwork that was unique and special to each of us. It was amazing to explore various techniques to transfer the paint from our flower to the page. By stamping, twirling, and dragging our flowers across the page, we were able to create dynamic art that was magical to explore.


Are you or someone you know looking for a volunteer or internship opportunity? Contact us to learn more! Info@VisitCSN.org




 

Vocational:

New Employer Alert!


Here at CSN, we strive daily to work towards our mission to provide comprehensive day-time services to individuals with developmental disabilities. It wouldn’t be possible for us to accomplish these goals without the wonderful employers that we partner with here in Dane County to employ our clients. 


UCP of Greater Dane County offers services to families, adults, and children with varying disabilities and delays in south central Wisconsin. They believe in understanding disabilities, creating opportunities, and promoting community. 


Earlier this year, UCP of Greater Dane County hired Kristina, a CSN client, as a Respite Provider. Kristina works closely with her supervisors to form meaningful relationships with individuals who utilize the services that UCP of Greater Dane County provides. It has been wonderful to hear how Kristina has come to love this new position and the opportunity to further connect with individuals in the community.


This has been an amazing partnership so far and we look forward to continuing it for years to come.


 

Wellness:

Spreading Kindness


Kindness is the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate. It means wishing that everyone experiences happiness.


Spreading kindness to others can have a huge impact on the lives of the people we interact with, even if we can’t see it. When we’re having a stressful day or things aren’t going our way, it can be difficult to make kindness our main focus, which is why it's extremely important for us to remember to first show kindness to ourselves. 


It’s vital to take a little time for yourself each day. Even if you only have 10 free minutes in the day, take those minutes to read, go for a walk, watch part of your favorite show, or sit in silence - whatever you find calming and relaxing. 


By taking this first step, you can be more prepared for everything the day has in store for you and spread that kindness you showed yourself to others. 


 

World's Largest Brat Fest


Another Brat Fest has come and gone. This year, the weather was unpredictable, leading the organizers, volunteers, performers, and everyone else involved, to get creative. With storms moving through the area all day Friday, organizers needed to make the difficult decision to close the festival for the night. That setback didn’t stop everyone involved from pivoting to make this Brat Fest a success!


Rain or shine, the work didn’t stop and the community continued pouring in to enjoy the weekend and this amazing event! Brat Fest sold a whopping 80,000 brats this year with the help of their volunteers. 

From set up the week before, to cooking brats & working the cash registers, to clean up, the work to be done was plentiful. This year, CSN was a benefiting charity at the World’s Largest Brat Fest. We had a total of 7 volunteers work for an amazing 32.25 hours of donated time to help Brat Fest run smoothly and successfully. Pictured above is Nicole Frank, CSN Board President, of Dave Jones, Inc. volunteering in the rain at Brat Fest. 


We are so grateful for the abundance of support we have from our community. To those of you who weathered the storms, taking time out of your long Memorial Day Weekend to volunteer in support of CSN, THANK YOU!! You will never know how much your continued support means to each one of us here. You all rock!


Looking for other opportunities to get involved? Learn more about our upcoming events and volunteer opportunities on page 5. Can’t make it to one of these events but want to learn about other ways to volunteer and get involved? Email us! Info@VisitCSN.org


 

JOIN US

We'd love to see you at one or both of these fun, upcoming events!


Change it up Tuesday

with Delta Beer Lab


Come on out and enjoy yourself for a fun evening in support of CSN.


WHERE: 167 East Badger Road

Madison, WI 53713

WHEN: Tuesday, July 9, 2024

2:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Special events including: Information about CSN, Raffle Prizes, & Happy Hour from 4:00 - 8:00


100% of net taproom proceeds will be donated to CSN


 

Taste of Madison

Volunteers Needed


WHERE: Beverage Stand

              Corner of S. Hamilton St. & Main St.

              Downtown Madison

WHEN: Saturday, August 31

              2:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Sign up using the link on our Upcoming Events page at VisitCSN.org/events

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


 

Summer Recipes


Mediterranean Bean Salad

Ingredients

Salad

  • 15 oz can Cannellini Beans

  • 15 oz can Garbanzo Beans

  • 1 C Cherry Tomatoes

  • 2 Mini Seedless Cucumbers

  • ¼ Red Onion

  • 1 C Orange Bell Pepper

  • ½ C Crumbled Feta

Dressing

  • ¼ C Extra Virgin Olive Oil

  • 4 Tbsp White Wine Vinegar

  • 1 tsp Italian Seasoning

  • 1 tsp Minced Garlic

  • ¼ tsp Salt

  • ¼ tsp Pepper

Directions

  1. Whisk together dressing ingredients and set aside.

  2. Rinse cannellini and garbanzo beans and put into a large salad bowl.

  3. Halve cherry tomatoes and add them to the bowl.

  4. Halve and thinly slice mini cucumber and add them to the bowl.

  5. Dice the red onion and orange bell pepper and add them to the bowl.

  6. Top with feta cheese.

  7. Toss salad with the dressing mixture.

  8. Enjoy!



Crockpot Chicken Tacos

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ lbs Chicken Breast

  • 1 Packet Taco Seasoning

  • 16 oz Salsa

  • Tortilla Shells

  • Toppings of your Choice (shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, shredded cheese, sour cream, etc)


Directions

  1. Put the chicken in the bottom of your slow cooker.

  2. Cover with taco seasoning.

  3. Top with a jar of salsa.

  4. Cook on low for 6 - 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.

  5. When you are ready to eat, use 2 forks to shred the chicken.

  6. Stir to evenly distribute the seasoning/salsa throughout the chicken.

  7. Serve with your favorite taco shells/tortillas and toppings.

  8. Enjoy!


Banana Split Parfait

Ingredients

  • 1 - 3.4 oz Box Vanilla Instant Pudding

  • 2 C Milk

  • 1 C Strawberries - Sliced 

  • 2 Bananas - Sliced

  • ½ C Crushed Pineapple - Drained

  • 3 Tbsp Chocolate Syrup

  • 4 oz Frozen Whipped Topping - Thawed

  • 3 Tbsp Chopped Peanuts

  • Maraschino Cherries

Directions

  1. Slice strawberries and bananas.

  2. Drain crushed pineapple well.

  3. Whisk the milk and vanilla pudding for 2 minutes or until completely mixed and beginning to thicken. Set aside.

  4. In the bottom of a parfait cup, place a layer of sliced bananas.

  5. Top the bananas with about 3 Tbsp of pudding.

  6. Add a layer of sliced strawberries and repeat with a layer of pudding.

  7. Over the pudding, spoon about 1 Tbsp of crushed pineapple.

  8. Top with chocolate syrup, whipped topping, nuts, and a cherry.

  9. Enjoy!


 

2023 YEAR IN REVIEW


19,274 hours

of direct client support


31 clients

served


13 local businesses

employed our clients


96% employed

clients who want to work are working in paid jobs


$45,519 funds

raised


 

How Can You Help?

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.

  • Recyclables - Drop off your used markers, pens, glue sticks, mechanical pencils, highlighters, and watercolor containers to CSN. We’ll collect them and recycle them.


Join us for one of our upcoming events!


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.



View Past Newsletters and our 2023 Annual Report




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