Respect in Action: Empowering Fresh Starts for 2025

DIRECTOR’S CORNER
The Power of Respect: A Fresh Start For Growth

January marks a new chapter, and with it comes the opportunity focus on one of our core values: treating people with respect.

Respect builds trust, creates safety, and shows our customers they're valued, especially when facing challenges. This month, we focus on practical strategies for DSPs and case managers to embody respect in every interaction. From understanding root causes to creating calm environments and practicing active listening, these approaches honor the dignity of those we serve.

Together, let's make 2025 a year of compassionate, effective support that truly empowers individuals and fosters positive change.

Travis Toedtemeier
Founder/Director

JANUARY’S QUOTE
Theme: Treating People With Respect

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS
Connections NW in Lane County for the “Building Unity” Event

Connections NW's Business Developer Jennifer participated in a community resource fair in Lane county this month and shared information about the DSP services we offer to customers of all ages throughout the community.

Connecting with Cats and Wonderful People at the Eugene Springfield Cat Lounge

Connections NW's Business Developer Jennifer visited the Eugene Springfield Cat Lounge on January 16 and 17 to share about the DSP support and services we offer. We love their motto: “The purrrfect place to relax, slow down and connect.” We loved connecting with you and the cats! 🙂 

UPCOMING EVENTS
Connections NW to Sponsor the Respite Room at Camp Harlow’s “A Night to Shine”

On February 7th look for Connections NW at the “A Night To Shine” event at Camp Harlow in Eugene, OR.  We will be onsite and proudly sponsoring the family respite room.  Pre Registration is required to attend.

See https://campharlow.com/night-to-shine-event for details and registration.

VALUES IN ACTION
Key Strategies for Respectful Behavioral Health Support

Respect in Action

As we embrace the new year, it's a time to reflect on fresh starts—not just for ourselves but for the individuals we serve. One of the most meaningful ways DSPs (Direct Support Professionals) and case managers can embody respect is by approaching behavioral health issues with empathy, patience, and evidence-based strategies.

1. Understand the Root Cause

Tip: Respect begins with understanding. Behavioral challenges often stem from unmet needs, emotional distress, or environmental triggers.

How-to:

• Use functional behavior assessments (FBAs) to identify patterns

• Observe the customer's environment, interactions, and routines

• Gain insights into potential contributors to their distress

• Recognize unique individual challenges

Respect Focus: Taking the time to understand someone's behavior shows that you value them as an individual.

2. Create a Calm, Predictable Environment

Tip: Structure and consistency can reduce anxiety and prevent escalations.

How-to:

• Design a daily routine with clear expectations

• Provide visual schedules or reminders

• Minimize overstimulation (reduce noise, adjust lighting)

• Address physical discomforts like temperature or seating

• Create a consistent, predictable daily framework

Respect Focus: Providing a supportive and calming space shows that you care about their comfort and well-being.

3. Teach and Reinforce Positive Behaviors

Tip: Respect involves empowering individuals to succeed by focusing on what they do well.

How-to:

• Use positive reinforcement to encourage desired behaviors

• Praise customers for using effective coping strategies

• Model appropriate behaviors

• Provide gentle coaching to build self-regulation skills

• Celebrate small victories and progress

Respect Focus: Celebrating successes and building skills helps individuals feel capable and valued.

4. Practice Active Listening and Empathy

Tip: Respect means ensuring the individual feels heard and understood.

How-to:

• Approach distressing behaviors calmly

• Ask open-ended questions about feelings and needs

• Use reflective listening techniques

• Validate emotions without judgment

• Demonstrate genuine interest in understanding their perspective

Respect Focus: Listening without judgment communicates that their emotions are valid and that you're there to support them.

Conclusion

Starting 2025 with a focus on respect sets the tone for positive and meaningful interactions. Managing behavioral health issues isn't just about addressing challenges—it's about seeing the whole person, treating them with dignity, and empowering them to thrive.

SUNSHINE AWARD
Buck

Here are a few questions we asked Buck:

What do you like about your DSP?
“I like that she is caring." 

What is your favorite ice cream? 
“Cookie dough.”

Buck, you look like a man who is determined to spread sunshine. 🙂 P.S. That shirt is epic!

DSP OF THE MONTH
Kaneena

Here are a few fun questions we asked Kaneena:

What I like about working as a DSP:
"Taking care of people and making sure that they are okay.."

Do you collect anything?
"Yes, kitchen gadgets."

If you could instantly master a new skill, what would it be?
"Empathy."

FEATURED NEW HIRE
Erin - DSP 

Here are a few questions we asked Erin.

What are you looking forward to about working with us?
“Support, advocacy, inclusion, adaptability/adaptive services, diversity, EQUITY for under-serviced, under-represented, under "fill in the blank" communities especially within the individuals with complex medical, intellectually disabled, physically disabled, neurodivergent spaces..”

If you could only eat one type of food for a month, what would it be?
"Korean."

Welcome, Erin! We’re happy you joined us.

QUARTERLY CONTEST
…And the winner is…Jia!

What a sweet little doggo! 😄 

Congratulations, Jia! I hope your owner spoils you with some doggie treats with the prize money.

Submit Your Photos for the Next Quarterly Contest!

Valentine’s Day is coming up next month, and we think family pets deserve a little love and some time in the spotlight! Email us your favorite picture of your pet! Make sure to include your full name, and the name of your pet. If you don’t have a pet, you can still enter the contest. Enter a photo of a friend’s pet, or even your favorite animal at the zoo. If you win, the picture you entered will be featured in our newsletter!

Email your pictures to: [email protected] by March 27th.

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 April 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.