Community Support Advocates

09/02/2026

Through our stories we learn. What a powerful message of what it's like for families advocating for what their children with disabilities need.

08/31/2026

Last Call: Works of Growth Submissions

Today is the final day to submit your artwork for the Works of Growth & Recovery Juried art exhibition.

We're seeing a wide variety of mediums and lots of amazing pieces have been submitted!

If you'd like your chance at being part of this wonderful show, today is the final day to get your entries in!

As a reminder artworks will be juried by Seso Marentes and will debut at Olson-Larsen galleries before spending a few weeks at the Des Moines Public library gallery, and finally coming to Momentums' gallery space for a final showcase at Mainframe's first friday.

This is great chance for additional exposure.

It's free to submit and is open to central Iowa artists who have a mental health condition or disability.

Please submit at: https://form.jotform.com/261934364934061

And if you didn't quite make the deadline, please know this is an annual exhibition. Mark your calendars for July of 2027 for details on the 23rd annual Works of Growth & Recovery exhibition.

Please click the link to complete this form.

08/31/2026

Meet Jaelynn!

Jaelynn Palmer is a disability service navigator with CSA. She has worked in the mental health field since 2019. Jaelynn grew up in Des Moines with her family. She identifies as a biracial woman. Her dog, Pepper, is her absolute world! Jaelynn hopes that by sharing her story more people understand they can struggle with mental illness and still thrive.

Learn more and register: https://teamcsa.org/event/open-books-inside-youth-mental-health-services/

08/28/2026

Meet Daveontaye:

Daveontaye Green is a friend, a brother, and someone who has firsthand experience working with the CSA staff. Daveontaye is a farm assistant at the YSS rooftop garden and a graduate of the Secondary Transition Employment Program (STEP) at Des Moines Public Schools. Daveontaye enjoys listening to music in his free time. His favorite artist is Michael Jackson.

He will be sharing his story with CSA youth services at our upcoming open books event: Inside Youth Mental Health Services.

Learn more and register: https://teamcsa.org/event/open-books-inside-youth-mental-health-services/

08/27/2026

Thank you Fidelity Bank Iowa for your generous support of our Works of Growth & Recovery sponsorship!

These sponsorships help carry forward the work of our Momentum Arts studio, ensuring the studio remains free to our artists who find community and support.

We're super excited for an additional stop for this year's exhibition- stay tuned for additional details!

Learn more and make plans to attend at: https://teamcsa.org/event/22nd-annual-works-of-growth-recovery-juried-art-exhibition/

08/26/2026

Celebrating National Women's Equality Day! At Community Support Advocates, we honor the strength, resilience, and achievements of women everywhere.

08/25/2026

Meet our Speakers

We have a wonderful evening of storytelling lined up and we hope you'll join us as we share the compelling stories of Kelly Simmons, Jaelynn Palmer, and Daveontaye Green at our next open books session: Inside Youth Mental Health Services.

Learn more about this 4-part series at: https://teamcsa.org/open-books/

08/24/2026

Join our Team!

We're looking for an energetic and highly organized PT events and volunteer coordinator to help plan and execute CSA events and manage our growing volunteer program.

To apply please send a resume and brief statement of interest to [email protected].

The full job description and requirements can be viewed at: https://teamcsa.org/careers/

08/23/2026

Final Week!

Be sure to get your submission in for this year's 22nd annual Works of Growth & Recovery juried art exhibition!

Open to any central Iowan artists who self-identify as having a mental health condition or disability.

Works should centered around the theme of growth & recovery.

This year's juror is Seso Marentes.

Selected artworks will be displayed at the gallery opening on October 1st at Olson-Larsen galleries, then will be part of a traveling exhibit at the Des Moines Public Library for the remainder of October, then at our Momentum Gallery at Mainframe Studios for First Friday on November 6.

Whether you're a seasoned artist looking for additional exposure for your work, or this is your first time entering a juried exhibition, this is a great opportunity to expand your network, receive feedback on your work, and be a part of a growing community of artists supporting artists.

There is no entry fee to participate, simply fill out the form before 5pm on August 31st: https://form.jotform.com/261934364934061

08/22/2026

We have a new artist on display at our Momentum West Gallery!

Amenda Tate is a socially engaged artist and designer with a background in human-computer interaction, integrated visual art, and mechanical engineering. Through experimental practices, Amenda explores new ways to build connection and empathy through movement.

You can learn more about Amenda's body of work at: https://www.amendatate.com/

This exhibition will be up for approximately the next 3 months. Be sure to swing by and view this amazing artwork!