Keeping Customers First in the Summer Heat

FOUNDER’S CORNER
Putting Customers First When the Heat is On

Summer heat changes everything. In a heatwave like what we are experiencing lately, energy dips. Comfort becomes harder to find. For our customers, those changes aren't always easy to express. When we care for the comfort of someone who can't always ask for it, we say: you matter.

This July as temperatures rise, I’m grateful for how you put customers first, even when the heat is on.

Travis Toedtemeier
Founder

JULY’S QUOTE
Theme: Customer First

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!

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS
Friends and Fun are Made for Each Other!

Jennifer loves seeing all the customers, DSP’s, and the entire IDD community when she is out and about at our events! Even our little Highland Cow is having fun.

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
Customer First: Adapting to a Summer Heatwave

With a heatwave sweeping our area, the challenges of summer feel especially close to home right now. Bright days and outdoor fun come with rising temperatures, and for the customers we support, the heat can affect comfort, mood, and health in ways that aren't always easy to spot.

Our customers may not always be able to tell us when they are too warm, so let's put them first and be on the lookout for when we can make adjustments to keep them comfortable. Here's what DSPs and case managers can do when the temperatures climb.

1. Watch for Signs of Discomfort

Tip: Customers may feel too hot without being able to say so.

How-to: You might notice flushed skin, sweating, tiredness, irritability, or a change in energy or posture. Keep an eye out during outdoor time and after activity, and gently offer a break, a drink, or a cooler spot when you see these signs.

Reading these cues shows customers that their comfort matters, even when they can't put it into words.

2. Adjust Routines for the Heat

Tip: A small change in timing can make a warm day much more comfortable.

How-to: Move walks, errands, and outdoor activities to the cooler parts of the day, like early morning or evening. Save the hottest hours for calm, indoor plans, and stay flexible if a customer seems worn out by the heat.

Shaping the day around the weather puts each customer's well-being ahead of the schedule.

3. Offer Cool Drinks and Snacks

Tip: Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to help customers feel their best.

How-to: Offer water often throughout the day, and keep cool treats on hand like fruit, popsicles, or a cold drink they enjoy. Some customers may not ask for a drink on their own, so check in with them regularly.

Hydration is a quiet, everyday part of caring for the whole person.

4. Create Cool, Comfortable Spaces

Tip: A comfortable environment helps customers relax and enjoy their day.

How-to: Use fans, air conditioning, and shade to keep spaces pleasant. Close blinds during the hottest hours, set up a cool spot to rest, and offer lighter clothing options when it helps someone feel more at ease.

A comfortable space tells customers that their surroundings were set up with them in mind.

5. Check In More Often

Tip: Heat can affect how customers feel, both physically and emotionally.

How-to: Build in more frequent check-ins on warm days. Ask how someone is feeling, offer water or a break, and stay tuned to shifts in mood or energy. A few extra moments of connection can help you catch a need before it grows.

Regular check-ins keep each customer's comfort at the center of the day.

When we notice discomfort, adjust our plans, and keep customers cool and hydrated, we show that their needs come first, especially when the weather makes things harder. Thank you for the care you bring to every warm day and for helping our customers enjoy the season in comfort.

SUNSHINE AWARD
Pat H.

Pat wanted us to include a photo of his favorite wood to use when woodworking: Juniper!

What do you like about your DSP?

“They are wonderful, on time, and always supporting me.”

What is your favorite treat?

“Sugar-free chocolate or candy."

Thank you, Pat. Your shop must be a wonderful place, because Juniper smells amazing! 🌞🪵 

DSP OF THE MONTH
Eunice B.

What do you like about working as a DSP?

"What I enjoy most about being a DSP is helping my clients become more independent and part of their community. I love seeing their progress over time. I really enjoy spending time with them—they’re kind, authentic, and it’s very rewarding to support them and build relationships. I also enjoy being out in the community with them, like going on walks and hiking local trails.”

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

"My favorite comfort food is Mediterranean food—fresh veggies, hummus, grains, olive oil, herbs, and lemon. Simple, fresh, and comforting.”

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

“If I could instantly master one skill, it would be being fluent in multiple languages. I already speak English and Spanish, and I’d love to learn more so I can connect with even more people.” 

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 WINNER
And the Winner Is...Anonymous! 

🏆🌸 This is a submission from someone who wanted to stay anonymous. He took this picture of a Hollyhock flower in a garden near his work.

He said, “I love gardens because there is always something interesting, and something to explore. Gardens make me feel relaxed. I took this picture because it reminds me of my Mom. Hollyhocks are one of her favorite flowers. As a kid, she used to stack their blossoms to make dancing ladies.”

Thank you for sharing your garden fun with us!

QUARTERLY CONTEST
Summer Fun Bingo is Back! 

1. Complete any 5 activities in a row (up, down, diagonal or across).

2. Then send an email to [email protected] by September 25th.

3. Make sure to include your full name, and tell us what your favorite Summer Summer Fun Bingo activity was.

4. Optional: Send a picture of you enjoying one of the the activities. We love seeing all the fun you are having!

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.