Finding Connection and Fun Side by Side

FOUNDER’S CORNER
Connection and Fun in Summer

What happens when we stop doing things for our customers and start doing things with them? Connection grows. Fun follows. The summer sun invites us into that kind of togetherness. It's not about big plans or perfect outings. It's about being side by side.

This June, let's look for those moments of shared joy and let them strengthen the bonds we're building. Thank you for creating connection and fun, one moment at a time.

Travis Toedtemeier
Founder

JUNE’S QUOTE
Theme: Connection and Fun

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS
We Expanded to Portland!

Connections NW is proud to announce our official launch into the Portland Metro area, expanding our mission to support individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities and their families right here in the community!

UPCOMING EVENTS
Summer Sun with Friends!

Connections NW is looking forward to hosting summer events all over Oregon. Come see us out in Lane, Linn, Marion, and Yamhill County for our upcoming summer social events. We are looking forward to meeting our customers, DSPs, and community friends. Our community events are open to everyone. You do not have to be a customer or DSP with Connections NW to attend.

VALUES IN ACTION
Creating Connection and Fun in the Summer Sun

Creating Connection and Fun in the Summer Sun

Summer has a way of slowing things down and opening things up. The days stretch longer, the weather invites us outside, and there is more room for the kind of unhurried time that brings people together. This month's value, Connection and Fun, reminds us that shared experiences are where real bonds grow. For the customers we support, those moments of togetherness can mean friendship, belonging, and joy. Here are a few simple ways we, as DSPs (Direct Support Professionals) and case managers, can create connection and fun alongside the people we serve this summer.

1. Do Things With, Not For

Tip: Some of the best moments come when we step into an activity rather than running it from the sidelines.

How-to: Instead of setting up a game and watching, join in. Pull up a chair at the craft table, take a turn tossing the ball, or sing along during a music afternoon. Let customers see you having fun too.

When we take part right alongside someone, the relationship grows into something shared rather than something delivered.

2. Offer Choices and Let Them Decide

Tip: Fun feels different when it is chosen rather than assigned.

How-to: Offer a couple of options and let the customer pick. You might ask whether they would rather walk to the park or sit outside with popsicles, or which of two games sounds better today. Keep the choices simple and real.

An activity someone chose for themselves is one they are far more likely to enjoy.

3. Keep It Simple

Tip: Connection does not require a big plan or a special outing.

How-to: Look for the fun already within reach. A walk around the block, a shared snack outside, blowing bubbles, or watching the clouds can be plenty. Save your energy for being present rather than perfecting the plan.

Some of the most meaningful moments come from the smallest ones.

4. Be Fully Present

Tip: Being there in body is not the same as being there in attention.

How-to: Put the phone away, set the to-do list aside for a few minutes, and give the moment your focus. Make eye contact, follow the conversation wherever it goes, and let the customer feel they have your full attention.

People can tell when they have someone's whole attention, and that feeling of being seen is its own kind of connection.

5. Let Laughter Happen

Tip: The best laughter usually cannot be planned, but we can make room for it.

How-to: Stay open to the silly and the unexpected. Laugh at the mishaps, play along with a joke, and do not rush past a lighthearted moment. A relaxed, easygoing mood gives joy somewhere to land.

Shared laughter is one of the quickest ways to feel close to someone.

Conclusion

Connection and fun grow when we show up, share the moment, and let joy lead. This summer offers plenty of chances to do exactly that, whether through a planned outing or a quiet afternoon in the sun. The people we support feel the difference when we are truly with them. Thank you for creating those moments of togetherness all summer long.

SUNSHINE AWARD
Kira K.

What do you like about your DSP?

“Jodi is very patient, understanding, and upbeat . She is very flexible with her time.”

If you had a pet that could talk, what would you name it?

“I don't have any pets, but I would want a goat. I have a little whale figurine, and I named it Baluga Burp.”

Thank you, Kira. You’re right, goats are so cute! The name Baluga Burp is awesome! 🐳 🌞

DSP OF THE MONTH
Mike H.

What do you like about working as a DSP?

"I think what I like best about working with my client and other staff members is that we are in a unique one of a kind situation. We are all from a wide variety of backgrounds coming together to help support enhance and better the life of one amazing human being, and in doing so, better ourselves and our lives as well.”

What comfort food would you eat every day for a month?

"My go to comfort food is loco moco from the islands.”

If you could instantly master one skill, what would it be?

“One skill I would love to master is multiple foreign languages.” 

FEATURED NEW HIRE
Olivia Ware

What are you looking for the most about working with Connections NW?

"What I'm looking forward to most while working with Connections NW is helping people and learning new skills to will help me to grow as a DSP and as a person.”

What comfort food would you eat every day for a month?

"If I could only eat one food for a month, it would have to be jambalaya because it's delicious and you can make various variations with different veggies and proteins.”

Welcome, Olivia! We’re glad you joined us!

QUARTERLY CONTEST
Contest Theme: Gardening 

🏆 Quarterly Contest: Garden Theme Contest 🌸 

It's time to celebrate spring! We want to see how you connect with gardens. There are three ways to enter…just pick one!

1. Draw a garden (real or imagined)

2. Visit a garden and tell us your favorite part

3. Share photos of what you're planting or photos of your favorite plant

Get creative and have fun with it!

Email your entry to [email protected] by June 25. Include your full name.

 🎉🎉🎉🎉 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.