Who We Are | History

Originally named the Self-Help Network (SHN), the WSU Center for Community Support & Research (CCSR) was founded in 1983 by Evelyn Middlestadt, a social worker who dedicated her life to helping people.  Middlestadt understood the importance of connecting people with peers and the value of sharing common experiences and challenges.  Literally from her kitchen table, she started the Self-Help Network, a self-help clearinghouse designed to provide access to self-help groups.

Working closely with Evelyn and with the guidance of Dr. Cramer Reed, Dr. Greg Meissen moved the Self-Help Network to the Psychology Department at Wichita State University (WSU) in 1985.  As part of WSU, the Self-Help Network thrived with the help of volunteers, staff, and students.  In 1989, SHN became a statewide network with the support of the Kansas Health Foundation and became the premier self-help group clearinghouse and research center, nationally and internationally.

Recognizing that many of the skills and techniques used in assisting self-help and support groups could be used with non-profit organizations, community coalitions, and faith-based organizations, the “Network” started purposefully working more closely with these programs and organizations.  In 1999, SHN officially expanded its vision and mission and added Center for Community Support & Research to its name to better represent its community based work.  With the continuing growth of the organization, the decision was made in 2007 to shorten its name to Center for Community Support & Research.

Today CCSR employs over 40 full-time staff, graduate assistants, and part-time students who work everyday to strengthen Kansas organizations and communities.