Slowing Down to Show Up: Respect in Daily Care

DIRECTOR’S CORNER
Treat People With Respect: Respect in Daily Moments

January has a different rhythm than the rest of the year. The holidays are behind us, and there's space to breathe. For our customers, that slower pace can be a gift. When we take our time, we show them they're worth it.

Patience isn't just waiting; it's a form of respect. It says: I see you, and I'm here. This month, let's lean into that unhurried energy and bring a little more stillness into our interactions. Thank you for the calm, steady care you provide.

Travis Toedtemeier
Founder/Director

JANUARY’S QUOTE
Theme: Treat People With Respect

NEWS AND HAPPENINGS
Carnival Fun with Friends

UPCOMING EVENTS
Come Have Some 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.

VALUES IN ACTION

Taking our Time: Respect in Unrushed Moments

There is something about January that invites us to slow down. The rush of the holidays is over, and the days are quieter. For the customers we serve, that slower energy can make a real difference. When we are unhurried and fully present, we send a message without saying a word: you matter, and I am here. For adults with intellectual disabilities, that kind of presence builds trust and dignity over time. Here are some practical ways DSPs (Direct Support Professionals) and case managers can bring more of that unhurried attention into daily interactions.

1. Give Your Full Attention

Tip: Customers notice when we are distracted, and they notice when we are fully present.

How-to: During conversations or activities, set your phone out of sight and turn away from screens. Face the customer, make eye contact, and let them see that your attention is on them. If you need to check something, let them know you will be right back rather than splitting your focus.

Respect in Action: When customers have your undivided attention, they feel that what they have to say matters. That feeling builds trust over time.

2. Let Your Words Match Your Pace

Tip: The way we speak can either calm or rush the people around us.

How-to: Swap phrases like "come on" or "let's hurry" for "take your time" or "there's no rush." Speak a little slower than usual and leave pauses for the customer to respond or process. Watch your body language too. Relaxed shoulders and an unhurried posture reinforce the message.

Respect in Action: Customers pick up on tone and body language quickly. When everything about your presence says "we have time," they feel safer and more at ease.

3. Give Space Before Stepping In

Tip: Jumping in too quickly to help can send the message that we do not believe someone can do it themselves.

How-to: When a customer is working on a task, offer encouragement and then step back. Give them at least ten to fifteen seconds before offering assistance. If they are struggling, ask "Would you like some help?" rather than taking over. When they complete the task, acknowledge their effort.

Respect in Action: Giving customers the chance to try, and sometimes struggle, shows confidence in their abilities. That trust is one of the most respectful things we can offer.

4. Stay Calm When Things Go Sideways

Tip: Setbacks happen, and how we respond in those moments matters more than we might realize.

How-to: If a customer becomes frustrated or a task does not go as planned, keep your voice steady and your tone warm. Say something like "That's okay, let's try again" or "No problem, we can figure this out together." Avoid sighing or showing visible frustration, even if you feel it.

Respect in Action: When we stay steady during difficult moments, customers learn that setbacks are not failures and that our support does not disappear when things get hard.

This January, the quieter pace after the holidays is a good reminder to slow down with the people we serve. Patience shows up in small moments: giving someone your full attention, letting them work at their own speed, and staying calm when things do not go as planned. These moments add up. Over time, they build the kind of trust and connection that makes customers feel truly respected and valued.

SUNSHINE AWARD
Sisters Amy and Becky

What is the best part about working with your DSP?

Becky: “I like doing stuff with Alison. She is very nice and I like walking with her around town.”

Amy: “I like that she takes me swimming.”

Do you have pets, and if so, what are their names?

Becky: “Yes, we have a Schnauzer dog, and her name is Heidi.”
Amy: “We both wish Heidi could talk.”

What is your favorite comfort food?

Becky: “Cake batter ice cream.”
Amy: “Strawberry sherbet.”

Amy and Becky, may you have many wonderful days sharing your sunshine!🌞

DSP OF THE MONTH
Liwanag

What do you like about working as a DSP?

"What I love about KF is the joy on his face whenever I come and pick him up. With CT, I love seeing his accomplishments working on his verbal prompts.”

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

"I want to master being always able to make a difference in my customer’s lives."

 Do you collect anything?

"I collect decorative plates from every country I go to.”

QUARTERLY CONTEST
Stir up Something Good: Our Winter Recipe Contest 

🏆 Quarterly Contest: Simple Recipe Contest

Sometimes the simplest recipes bring the most comfort. A warm drink on a cold day, a quick snack that always hits the spot, or a family favorite that's been passed down for years—we want to hear about yours!

Share your favorite simple recipe with us. It doesn't have to be fancy.

For example, one of our favorites is a London Fog: steep a bag of Earl Grey tea, add a little cream or milk, and stir it with a leftover candy cane from the holidays. Simple, cozy, and delicious.

Email your recipe to [email protected] by March 25. Include your full name and tell us what makes this recipe special to you. Winners will be featured in the April newsletter!

 🎉🎉🎉🎉 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.