Celebrating Care, Connection, and Community This November

At Community Support Network (CSN), November is a month to reflect on gratitude — for the people who give, care, and contribute every day to make our community stronger. This month, we’re celebrating both Family Caregivers Month and the incredible individuals featured in our Abilities in Action series.

Though their paths look different, caregivers and employees alike share a common thread: each brings compassion, effort, and heart to everything they do. Their stories remind us that care and contribution take many forms — and every act of dedication, big or small, helps build a more inclusive and connected community.

Abilities in Action: Strength in Inclusion

Through our Abilities in Action series, we’ve been honored to showcase individuals supported by CSN who are making meaningful contributions at their jobs across Dane County. These are people who take pride in their work, support their teams, and help their workplaces thrive.

At Mendota Mental Health Institute, Nathan keeps supplies organized so staff across campus have what they need to care for patients. At Union South, Mark helps keep the kitchen clean and efficient so delicious meals can be served to students and visitors. Rita brings warmth and reliability to her role at Marshalls, greeting customers and keeping fitting rooms running smoothly.

Several of our clients work at Vita Plus, including Jimmy, Tyler, and Clayton, who each help keep the warehouse and facilities clean and safe for everyone. Robert, at Integrative Sport and Physiotherapy, takes pride in keeping locker rooms and equipment ready for use and enjoys chatting with members throughout his day.

We’ve also highlighted people like Andrew, a gentle and patient dog bather at Serenity Pet Spa; Kristina, who balances two jobs with enthusiasm and determination; and Megan, who now works at the same early childhood program she once attended as a child. Zach brings organization and steady focus to his work at Fastenal, while Piya keeps things running smoothly at Walgreens, helping customers find what they need.

At Metcalfe’s, Dana helps bag groceries and restock shelves; Peg keeps Madison Christian Community clean and inviting while connecting with others; and Miranda independently drives her scooter to work at the Waunakee Library, helping keep books in order for everyone to enjoy.

Each of these stories reflects the core of what CSN stands for — empowering adults with developmental disabilities to contribute their talents in meaningful ways. Supported employment provides individuals with independence, pride, and community connection, while giving employers dedicated, detail-oriented, and reliable team members who make a real difference.

At CSN, our vocational support staff partner closely with both employees and businesses to create successful job matches, provide on-the-job training, and ensure continued support. The result? Stronger workplaces, happier teams, and a more inclusive Madison community.

Honoring Family Caregivers Month

November is also Family Caregivers Month, a time to recognize the compassion and dedication of those who care for loved ones. Caregiving can be deeply rewarding, but it can also be emotionally and physically demanding. That’s why CSN is proud to support caregivers through opportunities for reflection and renewal — like our upcoming Winter 2026 Caregivers Expressive Writing Workshop.

This free, six-session workshop offers a gentle, supportive space for family and community caregivers to process experiences through writing, connect with others, and discover new ways to care for themselves. No previous writing experience is required — just an open heart and a willingness to explore.

🗓 Workshop Dates: February 9, 16, March 2, 9, 23, and 30

🕙Time: 10:00–11:30 a.m.

📍Location: Six Willows Counseling Services, 255 N. Sherman Ave., Madison, WI

🔗Sign up: VisitCSN.org/events 

Secure your spot by January 26!

Here’s what one past participant 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.”

Facilitators Ellyn Zografi and Donna Anderson bring decades of experience in psychotherapy, expressive writing, and caregiving. Together, they create a welcoming space where caregivers can find strength through story and connection.

Giving Tuesday: Your Support Makes a Difference

As Giving Tuesday approaches, we’re reminded of how deeply your generosity fuels the work we do. Your support helps CSN continue providing vocational programs, job coaching, and other essential services that empower adults with developmental disabilities to live, work, and thrive.

Every donation strengthens our programs, sustains our partnerships, and ensures that our community remains a place where everyone can contribute and belong.

Thank you for being part of the story — for celebrating abilities, honoring caregivers, and helping us build a community grounded in care, inclusion, and opportunity. 

Learn more, donate, or sign up for the caregiver workshop at VisitCSN.org