Advocacy In Action: Doing the Right Thing Every Day

DIRECTOR’S CORNER
When Doing the Right Thing Means Speaking Up

Doing the right thing isn't always public. Sometimes it happens in a quiet conversation, a difficult meeting, or a moment when you choose to speak up instead of staying silent.

For our customers, that kind of behind-the-scenes advocacy can change everything. Spring reminds us that growth requires protection, and our customers need people who will tend to their well-being, even when no one is watching. This March, let's honor that responsibility. Thank you for being advocates, every single day.

Travis Toedtemeier
Founder/Director

MARCH’S QUOTE
Theme: Do the Right Thing

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS
Pizza is Better with Friends at the River

UPCOMING EVENTS
Spring Fun is Right Around the Corner!

Join Connections NW in Jackson and Klamath counties in April as we attend these local IDD Support and Services community events. Our Business Developer Jennifer will attend each event and looks forward to meeting you.

Please join us as we walk, talk, and make new friends. Our Lane County walking group will meet monthly beginning on Monday, September 22nd. Location may vary. Please RSVP to [email protected] or 971-266-2866. All abilities are welcome to join the fun.

VALUES IN ACTION
The Courage to Advocate: Doing the Right Thing for the People We Serve

Spring doesn't arrive without disruption. Warmer days push through cold ones, and growth happens because something protected it. The same is true for our customers. Doing the right thing sometimes means having a conversation that feels uncomfortable, whether with a family member, in a care meeting, or on a customer's behalf when they can't find the words themselves. Advocacy isn't always loud or dramatic. Often, it happens quietly, in the spaces where our customers need us most. Here's what DSPs and case managers can do to advocate effectively, even when it's hard.

1. Bring Observations, Not Conclusions, to Family Members

Tip: When you notice something that a family member may have missed, share what you've seen and not what you've decided it means.

How-to: Use specific, nonjudgmental language: "I've noticed that Marcus seems less engaged during meals this week. He's usually pretty talkative, so I wanted to mention it." This opens a conversation without putting anyone on the defensive. Stick to observable behaviors and invite the family's perspective rather than leading with a diagnosis or concern already framed as a problem.

Do the Right Thing Focus: Families want to know their loved one is being watched over. A calm, factual observation builds trust and keeps the customer's well-being at the center.

2. Speak Up in Care Meetings, Even When It's Uncomfortable

Tip: If something in a care plan doesn't seem right for your customer, say so respectfully and specifically.

How-to: Come prepared. Write down your observation before the meeting so you don't lose it in the moment: "I'd like to share something I've been noticing about how the current schedule affects Jamie." Use "I've observed" language rather than "I think they should." If you're unsure how to frame it, ask a supervisor beforehand so you feel ready when it counts.

Do the Right Thing Focus: Care meetings exist to serve the customer. Your direct experience with them is valuable information and leaving it unsaid doesn't serve anyone.

3. Give Customers a Way to Express Their Own Preferences

Tip: Advocacy doesn't always mean speaking for someone. Sometimes it means creating the space for them to speak for themselves.

How-to: Before a meeting or conversation where a customer's preferences will be discussed, check in with them. Ask what they like, what they don't, and what they want people to know. Use simple yes/no questions or visual supports if needed. Then, in the meeting, reference their input directly: "When I asked David about this, he said he prefers mornings for this activity."

Do the Right Thing Focus: Customers with IDD have preferences, opinions, and the right to be heard. Helping them participate in their own care, even in small ways, honors that.

4. Follow Up When a Concern Gets Lost

Tip: If you've raised a concern and nothing seems to have changed, it's okay to follow up.

How-to: Keep a brief note of what you shared, when, and to whom. If a week or two passes with no update, check back in: "I wanted to follow up on what I mentioned about Elena's sleeping pattern. Has there been any feedback from her care team?" A simple, professional follow-up keeps important information from falling through the cracks.

Do the Right Thing Focus: Advocacy doesn't end when the conversation does. Following up shows that your concern was genuine, and that you're committed to seeing it through.

Spring is a season that asks us to tend to things carefully. The customers we support need people who will notice, speak up, and follow through, even when it takes courage. That's what doing the right thing looks like in this work. And we do it every day.

SUNSHINE AWARD
William

What is the best part about working with your DSP?

“My DSP is awesome. She is funny and likes to be a goober with me. She's crazy just like me."

What is your favorite dessert?

“My favorite ice cream is Umpqua Chocolate Brownie Thunder.”

Thank you, William, for sharing your bright sunshine-smile with us!🌞

DSP OF THE MONTH
Anna

What do you like about working as a DSP?

"What I love about working as a DSP with [my customer] is seeing how strong, joyful and resilient he is. I love helping him see what he is capable of and watching him grow and work toward accomplishing goals. He reminds me to find joy in the little things and to never stop trying, even when things are really hard.”   

What is your favorite comfort food?

“Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Pretzel Bark Thins.”

FEATURED NEW HIRE
Beth

What are you looking forward to about working with us?

"I'm looking forward to bringing peace of mind to my customers through knowing they can count on consistent care and more positive social connection in the community.”

If you had to eat only one kind of food for a month, what would it be?

"Tacos would be my preferred food for a month!"

QUARTERLY CONTEST
Stir up Something Good: Our Winter Recipe Contest 

🏆 Quarterly Contest: Simple Recipe Contest

There's still time to share your favorite simple recipe with us! A warm drink on a cold day, a quick snack that always hits the spot, or a family favorite that's been passed down for years — we want to hear about yours. It doesn't have to be fancy. One of our favorites is a London Fog: steep a bag of Earl Grey tea, add a little cream or milk, and stir it with a leftover candy cane from the holidays. Simple, cozy, and delicious.

Email your recipe to: [email protected] by March 25. Include your full name and tell us what makes this recipe special to you.

 🎉🎉🎉🎉 You could win a $50 Visa gift card! 🎉🎉🎉🎉

Katie, our Referral Specialist, loves crocheting or listening to audiobooks with her dog curled up on her lap. She's going to have so much fun looking at your entries and choosing her favorites.

No purchase necessary to win.

WHAT DO YOU THINK?
We Want to Hear From You

GET PAID TO CARE FOR YOUR LOVED ONE
We Are Hiring!

Get Paid to Care For Your Loved One
At Connections NW, we believe the best care comes from those who know and love your loved one best—family members or trusted friends who truly understand their needs and routines.

With our Bring Your Own Caregiver program, family members or trusted friends can be paid to provide care. Our DSPs (caregivers) start at $24 per hour, with annual raises up to $26, plus full benefits and overtime.

Join the Bring Your Own Caregiver program and start now!

Become a DSP Today
If you have a passion for serving your community, Connections NW is looking for Direct Support Professionals. All our DSPs start at $24 per hour with raises each year up to $26.

Go to: https://connections-nw.org/careers to apply.