Small Gestures, Big Impact: Going the Extra Mile in Daily Care

DIRECTOR’S CORNER
The Warmth of Going the Extra Mile

Autumn reminds us that change can be beautiful—but it also takes effort. As the days grow shorter, your consistent care and small daily actions make a world of difference. Going the extra mile shows up in the quietest moments—when you arrive with patience, notice small details, and stay present with those who need you most.

Thank you for bringing warmth, energy, and heart to those you serve. Your dedication creates ripples of hope throughout our community every day.

Travis Toedtemeier
Founder/Director

OCTOBER’S QUOTE
Theme: Go the Extra Mile

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.

VALUES IN ACTION

Beyond the Checklist: Building Emotional Connection in Daily Care

As autumn settles in, it's a fitting time to reflect on what it means to go the extra mile. Going the extra mile isn't always about adding tasks—it's about bringing intention and heart to the work you're already doing. For customers with intellectual and developmental disabilities, emotional wellness grows through small moments of connection during meals, walks, and everyday routines. Here are practical ways DSPs and case managers can turn everyday moments into opportunities for trust and belonging.

1. Turn Mealtimes Into Moments of Connection

Tip: Mealtimes are natural opportunities to slow down and connect, not just complete a task.

How-to: When you can, sit with your customer during meals. Make eye contact, notice what they seem to enjoy, and ask simple questions like "Do you like this?" Let comfortable silence happen—connection doesn't always need conversation. These small gestures of presence make mealtime feel less rushed and more relational.

Sharing mealtime creates a sense of belonging and shows customers they're valued for who they are, not just what needs to get done.

2. Use Transitions as Emotional Check-Ins

Tip: The moments between activities are perfect for noticing how someone is feeling.

How-to: Before moving to the next activity, pause and offer a simple cue: "We're going to [activity] next. How does that sound?" Watch for body language—tension, excitement, or hesitation. A quick reassurance or a moment to celebrate their readiness can ease anxiety and build trust.

These brief pauses help customers feel emotionally supported during moments that can otherwise feel stressful or uncertain.

3. Listen With Your Whole Attention

Tip: Emotional connection grows when you notice not just words, but body language, tone, and what's unsaid.

How-to: Pay attention when a customer leans in, pulls away, lights up, or becomes quiet. Reflect what you see: "You seem excited about this!" or "I notice you're quieter today—everything okay?" You're not trying to fix anything—just showing that you see them and their emotions matter.

When customers feel truly seen and heard, they're more likely to trust you and open up over time.

4. Let Routine Activities Spark Connection

Tip: Walks, car rides, and daily tasks offer natural, low-pressure chances to build trust.

How-to: During a walk, point out something in the environment: "Look at those colorful leaves—do you have a favorite color?" During a car ride, play music they enjoy and notice their response. While doing chores together, work side-by-side and narrate what you're doing. Keep it light and let the conversation flow.

Connection often happens in these unstructured moments when there's no pressure to perform or respond in a certain way.

5. Celebrate the Small Stuff

Tip: Noticing and celebrating small efforts builds confidence and emotional well-being.

How-to: Point out when a customer tries something new, shows patience, or expresses how they're feeling. Say things like "I noticed you really focused on that" or "You made someone smile today—that's special." Snap a photo or jot it down for their Joy Jar so you can remember and celebrate it later.

When you celebrate progress—not perfection—you remind customers that their feelings, efforts, and presence are what matter most.

Conclusion

Going the extra mile often looks like small gestures—a shared moment at lunch, a patient pause during a transition, or celebrating a quiet success. These everyday connections remind customers they're seen and valued.

SUNSHINE AWARD
Hanah

What is your favorite quote?
"Different, not less."

If you could have any pet, what would it be?
“Well, if I had an animal that could be a movie sidekick for my life, it would be a giraffe.”

Yes, Hanah! There is so much wisdom and encouragement packed in your favorite quote, you have already brought sunshine to our day! 🌞

DSP OF THE MONTH
Savannah S.

What do you like about working as a DSP?

"I enjoy being a DSP because I get to advocate for people and help them gain more independence and confidence. Seeing the individuals I support achieve things they once thought were impossible is the best part of the job.”

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

"I don't have a collection, but if I did, it would be fuzzy blankets. I am a firm believer that you can never have too many fuzzy blankets."

 What's your favorite comfort food?

"Carne asada tacos or a big bowl of Ice cream!!!”

What's your favorite emoji?

"I believe some sense of humor during the day or a nice little laugh is always important, so that would be the laughing emoji!” 😆 

FEATURED NEW HIRE
Kiah

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

“Being able to work with great staff and possibly advance in the company and work with people. I just love being able to help people to stay in their homes and continue to be part of our society.” 

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

“Probably soft tacos.”

Welcome, Kiah! We are glad you joined us. 

AND THE SUMMER FUN BINGO WINNER IS…
April Carothers!!

April’s favorite Summer Fun Bingo Activity:
“My favorite activity was going for a walk in the sunshine, which I get to do a lot of with my customer!

Thank you for sharing a fun moment from your Summer Fun Bingo, April!

QUARTERLY CONTEST
Celebrate Gratitude With Joy Jars 🍂 

🏆 Quarterly Contest: The Joy Jar Challenge

This season, we're celebrating joy in everyday moments! The Joy Jar Challenge runs from October through December and is simple and meaningful for everyone. Each week, write down or capture one small thing that made you smile—a funny moment, a calm afternoon, a success in daily life, or just time spent together.

If a customer is nonverbal, DSPs are encouraged to help by writing down or describing some of the customer's favorite moments or things that brought joy.

At the end of December, you'll choose one favorite memory or photo to share with us. Here's how to enter:

1. Optional: Decorate or select a jar or box together with your customer to collect joy moments throughout the season.

2. Each week from October through December, write down moments of joy on small pieces of paper and add them to your jar (or collect photos if you prefer).

3. At the end of December, choose your favorite Joy Jar entry.

4. Send an email to [email protected] by December 31st.

5. Make sure to include your full name and the name of the customer (if applicable).

6. Share your favorite joy moment! You can send: a photo of a joy moment, a short description of what brought joy, or even a picture of the joy jar you made together.

 🎉🎉🎉🎉 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.

Winners will be announced and featured in the January 2026 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.