Connection and Fun: Summer Sunshine and Smiles

DIRECTOR’S CORNER
June’s Sunny Days Are Perfect for Connection and Fun

Summer is here—and with it comes longer days, brighter skies, and more chances to build meaningful connection through fun. At Connections NW, we believe joy is not just a nice extra—it’s a powerful tool for healing, growth, and inclusion.

Whether it’s a group picnic, a walk in the park, or a shared laugh over popsicles, sunshine and smiles create memories that last.

This month, let’s lean into the warmth of summer and remember: every moment of connection is a moment that matters.

Travis Toedtemeier
Founder/Director

JUNE’S QUOTE
Theme: Connection and Fun

UPCOMING EVENTS
Let Us Help You Cool Off with Ice Cream in the Park! 

Please save the date for an upcoming Klamath County community event on July 10th!

Connections NW would like to invite our customers, DSP's family, and the Klamath County IDD community to join us for an ice cream treat at Upper Moore Park in Klamath Falls from 10am to 11:30am.  We look forward to seeing you there!  RSVP is not necessary. The park is located at 740 Lakeshore Drive in Klamath Falls, OR.

Please save the date for an upcoming Douglas County community event on June 26th!

Connections NW would like to invite our customers, DSP's family, and the Douglas County IDD community to join us for an ice cream treat at Stewart Park in Roseburg from 11am to 1pm.  We look forward to seeing you there!  RSVP is not necessary. The park is located at 1003 - 2058 Stewart Park Drive in Roseburg, OR.

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS
CNW Proud to Sponsor 67 Ballgame Tickets for CNW Customers, DSP’s, and Community Friends

Connections Specialists Josh and Eddie were in Lane County at the Eugene Emeralds Baseball game last month.  Connections NW was proud to sponsor tickets for 67 of our DSP's, customers, and community friends.  We had a wonderful time out at the ballpark and really enjoyed meeting everyone.

CNW Sponsored the Deschutes County Autism Walk, Hosted by the Central Oregon Autism Movement Event on May 24th.

Jennifer and Sam were in Redmond recently for the Deschutes County Autism walk hosted by the Central Oregon Autism Movement. Connections NW was one of the event sponsors. www.centraloregonautismmovement.com 

We had a wonderful time meeting and walking with our DSP's, customers, and friends in support of a cause so close to our hearts. 

VALUES IN ACTION
Sunshine & Smiles: Planning Summer Fun that Builds Connection

In June, as we focus on our value of “Connection and Fun,” it’s a great reminder that social interaction is not only meaningful—it’s essential for the emotional health and well-being of the individuals we serve. For customers with intellectual and developmental disabilities, summer offers opportunities to build friendships, practice communication skills, and enjoy the season in ways that feel safe and supportive.

Connections NW plans several fun events throughout the year like baseball games, BBQs, and ice cream socials—you’ll find these announced right here in this newsletter. While these events offer special moments to connect, meaningful fun can happen anytime—right in your neighborhood or daily routines. Here are practical tips for DSPs and case managers to help customers enjoy a summer filled with sunshine, smiles, and social connection.

1. Plan Simple Outdoor Activities

Tip: Use the season to plan low-pressure outdoor fun that encourages social interaction.

How-to: Organize activities like sidewalk chalk art, nature walks, picnic lunches, or bird watching. These can be done one-on-one or with small groups.

Connection Focus: Outdoor settings provide a relaxed environment for building relationships and practicing communication, while also supporting physical health and emotional regulation.

2. Encourage Shared Interests

Tip: Find out what activities spark joy for your customers—and build around them.

How-to: Does your customer love music? Host a backyard karaoke session or mini dance party. Into sports? Try a neighborhood game of kickball or bean bag toss. Use these interests as a bridge to connect with others.

Connection Focus: Shared activities create common ground and make it easier to form meaningful social bonds.

3. Support Peer Interaction

Tip: Make space for peer-to-peer connection whenever possible.

How-to: Facilitate introductions at summer events, offer conversation starters, and encourage customers to invite a friend along to activities. Be ready to model or gently prompt appropriate social behaviors as needed.

Connection Focus: Relationships between peers help customers feel more confident, valued, and included.

4. Celebrate Summer with Themed Days

Tip: Bring the spirit of summer indoors or into everyday routines with themed fun.

How-to: Try “Tropical Tuesday” with fruit kabobs and Hawaiian music, or “Water Wednesday” with spray bottles or mini water tables. Adapt activities to each person’s support needs.

Connection Focus: Themed days build anticipation, boost mood, and give everyone something to talk about and enjoy together.

5. Adapt for Sensory and Emotional Needs

Tip: Keep in mind that not all customers enjoy loud or crowded environments.

How-to: Offer quieter options or a sensory-friendly space when planning group events. Allow flexibility and time to transition between activities. Pay attention to each person’s signs of overwhelm and adjust accordingly.

Connection Focus: When customers feel safe and supported, they’re more likely to engage socially and enjoy themselves.

Conclusion

Summer is a time of sunshine and smiles—and with thoughtful planning, it can also be a season full of meaningful connection. Whether it’s at a community BBQ or during a quiet afternoon walk, DSPs and case managers play a key role in helping customers feel included, seen, and joyful. Let’s make this summer one to remember by creating space for both big celebrations and the everyday moments that build lasting bonds.

SUNSHINE AWARD
Abel

Unfortunately, we didn’t have a picture of Abel, so we picked a picture that shows how we feel about him instead. 🙂 Abel makes our heart smile.

What we love so much about Abel:
Abel has done a fantastic job at excelling with his goals and has worked hard to build new connections and engage with his peers.

Abel always takes others into consideration and ensures that everyone around him is included and feels welcomed. 

Abel, we love your kindness and welcoming attitude! Keep it up! 🌞🌻

DSP OF THE MONTH
Avery

Note from CNW Staff:
Avery is our very first DSP to win DSP of the month TWICE! Avery has gone above and beyond for his customers and has been available for them when they have needed some extra support.

Avery has done a fantastic job ensuring that his customers not just meet but excel at their goals all while having a smile on his face and a can do attitude. 

QUARTERLY CONTEST
Creativity is Fun!

Hurry and get your submissions in! The quarterly contest ends on June 30.

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 pics and choosing her favorite.

The winner will get a $50 Visa gift card prize, and the winning pic will be featured in our July newsletter!

^{*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.