Heart to Serve: Acts of Service This Thanksgiving

DIRECTOR’S CORNER
Gratitude and the Heart to Serve

This Thanksgiving, I am profoundly grateful for each of you who goes above and beyond to serve with care, easing stress and bringing comfort. Your commitment to our core value of 'heart to serve' makes all the difference.

Travis Toedtemeier
Founder/Director

NOVEMBER’S QUOTE
Theme: Heart to Serve

VALUES IN ACTION
From the Heart: Practical Tips for Supporting Customers Through Stress

Coping Strategies For Stress and Anxiety

In November, as we reflect on the theme “heart to serve,” it’s essential to remember that serving customers with intellectual disabilities goes beyond meeting basic needs. It’s about nurturing their emotional well-being and helping them thrive, especially when stress and anxiety arise. And for some, the Holidays can be a stressful time. Equipping customers with practical strategies to cope with stress is one of the most impactful ways DSPs (Direct Support Professionals) and case managers can serve from the heart. Here’s a guide to help you support your customers with effective stress management techniques.

1. Teach Simple Relaxation Techniques

• Tip: Guide customers through basic relaxation exercises such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation to help them manage anxiety.

• How-to: Introduce deep breathing by having customers inhale deeply for four counts, hold for four counts, and exhale slowly for four counts. Repeat this cycle a few times until they feel more relaxed.

• Serving Focus: Demonstrating these exercises with empathy and patience shows a genuine commitment to their emotional well-being.

2. Create Structured, Predictable Environments

• Tip: Consistency can reduce feelings of anxiety in adults with intellectual disabilities by creating a safe and predictable environment.

• How-to: Develop a daily schedule that includes time for activities, meals, and relaxation. Share the schedule visually through charts or simple lists that customers can easily follow.

• Serving Focus: Taking the time to create and maintain structured routines shows that you’re committed to providing a stable foundation for your customers. It’s an act of care that speaks volumes about your dedication to their comfort and security.

3. Encourage Physical Movement

• Tip: Physical activity is a proven way to reduce stress and promote mental well-being. Even light movement can help customers manage anxiety more effectively.

• How-to: Incorporate activities like stretching, short walks, or dance sessions into the day. Tailor these activities to the customer’s preferences and abilities to keep them engaged.

• Serving Focus: Participating in these activities with customers, even for a few minutes, shows that you’re invested in their emotional health and share in their journey to wellness.

4. Offer a Safe Space for Communication

• Tip: Ensure that customers know they have a safe space to express their worries or fears. Active listening is key to making them feel heard and valued.

• How-to: Schedule regular check-ins where customers can share how they feel. Use simple, open-ended questions like, “How are you feeling today?” and practice reflective listening by repeating back what you hear to show understanding.

• Serving Focus: Providing a listening ear with patience and compassion demonstrates that you’re not just a professional but an ally who’s there to support them through stressful times.

By incorporating these stress-coping strategies, DSPs and case managers can offer more than just service—they can provide genuine support that reflects a heart dedicated to care. The act of teaching customers to manage their anxiety and stress is one of the most meaningful ways to serve. This November, let’s focus on serving not only with skill but with heart, ensuring that customers feel secure, heard, and empowered in their journey toward emotional well-being.

SUNSHINE AWARD
Nina

“We’re excited to celebrate a special milestone at Connections NW this month—it’s been exactly two years since we began serving Nina. We feel truly fortunate to work with such a remarkable person, and we’re grateful for her dedicated DSP and natural supports who work tirelessly every day to ensure she receives the care she deserves. It’s our pleasure to announce that she is this month’s recipient of the Sunshine Award, and we’re thrilled to have the opportunity to honor and celebrate her!

Here are a few fun facts about Nina:

Who is your best friend?
“Austin from high school.”

What is your favorite dessert? 
“Chocolate brownies.”

DSP OF THE MONTH
Christie

Who doesn’t love a person that bakes apple pies! 🙂 Here are a few fun questions we asked Christie:

What I like about working as a DSP:
"Where do I start? There are so many reasons that I couldn't explain it all, even in a single paragraph. The true reason: This is my will and purpose in life…giving of myself to people who need me.”

What is your favorite dessert:
"Around the Holidays I like to make several different pies, especially apple pie."

FEATURED NEW HIRE
Garrett Naber - DSP

What are you looking forward to about working with us?
“Helping people reach their goals."

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

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

QUARTERLY CONTEST
We Want Your Funny Hat Pics

Now that Thanksgiving hat could win a contest! 😄 

Email your favorite picture of yourself, your DSP, a family member, or even your pet…just make sure you have a funny hat on! Halloween hats are amazing, but Christmas or Thanksgiving hats are fantastic as well.

Email your pictures to: [email protected] by December 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 January 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.