The Right Thing Isn't Always Loud

DIRECTOR’S CORNER
The Quiet Moments to Do What’s Right

As summer winds down, it’s easy to feel stretched thin. But integrity shows up even in our tired moments. For the people we support, doing the right thing isn’t always about the big decisions. Sometimes, it means noticing the customer who hasn’t spoken up all day, or gently adjusting a routine because someone’s body language says they’re overwhelmed. It means advocating behind the scenes, honoring preferences that aren’t always voiced, and remembering that silence doesn't mean everything’s okay.

Thank you for being people who look beyond the surface. Your quiet integrity, gentle advocacy, and everyday consistency are what make our community feel safe, seen, and supported.

Travis Toedtemeier
Founder/Director

AUGUST’S QUOTE
Theme: Do the Right Thing

FUN AUGUST EVENTS
Mark Your Calendars…So Much Fun Ahead! 

VALUES IN ACTION
Protecting Quiet Needs: Doing What’s Right for the Customers Who Don’t Speak Up

Doing the right thing isn’t always loud. Sometimes it looks like paying attention to what isn’t being said. Many of the customers we serve struggle to express discomfort, confusion, or stress with words—and that makes quiet needs easier to overlook. But just because someone isn’t asking for help doesn’t mean they don’t need it.

In fact, it’s often the individuals who say the least that require the most careful attention. This month’s article is about listening with more than just our ears—and doing right by the people whose needs aren’t always obvious.

Look for What’s Unspoken

Some customers express stress or discomfort in ways that are subtle. Instead of words, they may show withdrawal, hesitation, or changes in behavior. A person who usually engages may suddenly isolate. A customer who normally enjoys a routine might resist or shut down. These shifts are often a clue that something doesn’t feel right.

DSPs and case managers can support quiet needs by:

• Noticing patterns: What’s different today?

• Checking in with others on the team who’ve observed recent changes

• Trusting your gut when something feels “off”

• Documenting behavior changes that seem out of character

Being proactive in these moments is a quiet act of advocacy—and it’s one of the most respectful things we can do.

Advocate Behind the Scenes

Doing the right thing sometimes means stepping in quietly. If a customer is overwhelmed by their environment, unable to express discomfort, or stuck in a routine that no longer fits, they may need someone to speak up on their behalf.

That could look like:

• Requesting a schedule adjustment that better matches their energy levels

• Asking if noise, crowding, or heat could be affecting behavior

• Offering sensory supports without waiting to be asked

• Bringing suggestions to the team in care plan meetings

Behind-the-scenes advocacy ensures that even the quietest needs are honored with the same care as the loud ones.

Make People Feel Seen—Not Just Supported

Sometimes, the most important thing we do is help someone feel seen. It’s easy to unintentionally “manage” a quiet person—keeping them safe and busy—without ever asking what they need, want, or feel.

Doing the right thing means:

• Including them in decisions, even if it takes extra time

• Offering meaningful choices, not just routines

• Noticing and celebrating moments of self-expression—however small

Every person deserves to be more than just cared for. They deserve to be understood, respected, and truly known.

SUNSHINE AWARD
Gavin

What do you like about your DSP?
"I liked it when my DSP taught me how to be a better fisherman and how to use a chainsaw to cut wood."

What is your favorite dessert?
"Rocky Road ice cream."

Who is your best friend?
"My dog, Doug, who is also my fishing partner."

We love your adventurous spirit, Gavin! We wish you many great days fishing with Doug this Summer! 🌞

DSP OF THE MONTH
Erik

Here are a few words about Erik from the CNW staff:

"Erik has been a constant support for his customer, remaining calm and patient when tensions are high. He is a rock! He puts the customer first and meets the family where they are at, consistently."

We asked Erik a few questions…

What do you like about working as a DSP?

"I enjoy a lot of aspects of working with my customer. I take pride in being a reliable and safe presence in his life, I enjoy connecting with him, I enjoy teaching him new things but mostly I like to see how he sees the world in different situations."

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

"I like to collect hats. I have many hats."

FEATURED NEW HIRE
Chris

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

“Building relationships with the customers we serve!” 

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

“Ramen.”

Welcome, Chris! We are glad you joined us. 

QUARTERLY CONTEST
Quarterly Contest: Summer Fun Bingo ☀️

Ready for some sunshine and smiles? This quarter’s contest is all about fun, friendship, and feel-good moments!

We’ve created a Summer Fun Bingo card filled with simple, joyful activities anyone can enjoy—like sharing a favorite snack, drawing something summery, listening to music, or taking a silly photo.

We are inviting all customers and their family members, DSP’s, and anyone in the IDD community to enter this contest.

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.