Respect That Speaks Volumes

DIRECTOR’S CORNER
Respect is Listening With Your Whole Heart

September brings a return to routines. The excitement of summer begins to fade, and for many of our customers, the shift into fall can bring both comfort and challenge.

When we respect a person’s communication style, we do more than meet a need—we affirm their dignity. We say, “You matter. I’m here. I’m listening.” That kind of presence builds trust in ways that words alone never could.

Thank you for being people who speak with kindness, wait with patience, and listen with your whole heart.

Travis Toedtemeier
Founder/Director

SEPTEMBER’S QUOTE
Theme: Treat People With Respect

UPCOMING EVENTS
Autumn is a Wonderful Time for Fun! 

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.

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS
We Love Meeting Our Customers and DSPs at Community Events!

Our Bi-lingual Connection Specialist Eddie recently attended a Spanish family community BBQ hosted by the Arc of Lane County. 

VALUES IN ACTION
Respect in Practice: Communication Strategies That Empower

Respect in Practice: Communication Strategies That Empower

Respect isn’t just about how we feel toward someone—it’s about how we speak, listen, and respond in everyday interactions. For many customers, communication isn’t easy. That’s why small choices—like the words we use, the tone we take, and the space we give—can make a big difference.

This month’s article shares simple, everyday ways DSPs and case managers can support respectful communication that builds trust and confidence.

Support That Feels Respectful

Offering help can be tricky. We want to keep things moving, but we also want the person to feel in control. Respectful support means we pause, offer choices, and adjust our words to fit the moment.

Here are some small changes that go a long way:

• Ask, “Are you ready to go?” instead of saying “Let’s go.”

• Say, “Which one would you like?” instead of “You need to pick.”

• Offer a cue before stepping in—let the person try first.

These kinds of prompts give people room to participate and be heard.

Tone and Body Language Matter Too

Customers often notice things we don’t think about—how fast we speak, if we look distracted, or if we’re standing too close. Respect shows up in the way we carry ourselves, not just in what we say.

Here are a few reminders:

• Try to stay at eye level when possible

• Keep your voice steady, especially in tense moments

• Use pauses and gentle tone when someone is overwhelmed

• Keep your posture open—avoid rushing or hovering

Even when the day is busy, a calm presence helps the person feel more secure.

Hard Moments Can Still Be Respectful

Sometimes we have to redirect behavior, set a boundary, or say no. Those moments can still be handled with respect.

A few quick tips:

• Use clear, calm language

• Offer a positive alternative: “Let’s try this instead”

• Acknowledge frustration without escalating

• Stick with the person through the hard moment if they need space or time

Respect doesn’t fix every hard moment—but it helps us move through them with care.

Everyone communicates differently, and no interaction is perfect. But when we keep respect at the center—through our words, tone, and presence—we help each person feel understood.

SUNSHINE AWARD
Nero

What do you like about your DSPs?
"I like chilling and relaxing for a bit ... They have all been very supportive and great to work with and they just bring all the good with them."

If you could have any pet, what would it be?
“If I had a pet that could talk I would say ...like maybe a female cat name Krypta and she would walk around with me on my shoulder and it would be kinda cool because she jump in and kinda help protect me and help me protect other people in my community.”

What is your favorite dessert?
“I would say I like Cotton Candy Ice Cream but its the Dairy Queen kind, because its got the candy chunks.”

Yes, Nero! The desire to protect people you love is a great thing, and we are happy that you won the Sunshine Award! Keep it up! 🌞

DSP OF THE MONTH
Alison

What do you like about working as a DSP?

"I love that I get to support my customers each week & we really enjoy our outings together. We frequent the library,  the Humane Society, The High Desert Museum & Walking thru ALL THE DIFFERENT PARKS & TRAILS here in Beautiful Bend!”

 Do you collect anything, and if so, what is it?

"I do indeed collect items;. I collect Vinyl Records for about 20+ years now.
I LOVE All kinds of 🎶 🎵!"

 What's your favorite comfort food?

"My Go To Comfort Foods are Thai food & 🍕 PIZZA!!!”

FEATURED NEW HIRE
Joseph

What are you looking forward to most about working at Connections NW? 

“Meeting and working with a wide variety of people and making a difference in their lives.” 

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

“Cheeseburgers.”

Welcome, Joseph! We are glad you joined us. 

QUARTERLY CONTEST
Quarterly Contest: Summer Fun Bingo ☀️

There’s still time to join our Summer Fun Bingo contest before it wraps up! The activities are simple, joyful, and designed for everyone in our community to enjoy—whether it’s drawing, sharing a snack, spending time outdoors, or just having a little fun.

As we move into fall, it’s a great time to reflect on what made summer special. If you haven’t entered yet, here’s how:

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!

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 favorite.

The winner will get a $50 Visa gift card prize, and the winning entry will be featured in our October 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.