Mission Moment: The Power of Choice at our Summer Cookout

Sep 22

Written By Morgan Towle

A large group of people is shown eating under the NW Works pavilion outdoors.

A man stands and is slightly bent over to play a game of croquet. He is holding the mallet with both hands. In the distance are two individuals preparing to play cornhole.

Several people stand around a table that has cups stacked in a pyramid foundation on it. There is a middle aged man trying to knock down the cups from a distance, while a staff member helps him and others watch.

A young man and woman stand in the grass and play a game of croquet.

A man with his back to the camera is shown and a middle aged woman is shown halfway bent down and checking on a row of balls that are all placed in their own laundry basket to hold them.

A woman has her back turned to the camera and a man is shown with his body toward the camera. They are throwing a ball back and forth and catching it with round velcro boards.

A large group of people sits at a table and watches others play yard games which is out of view of the camera. Everyone has a plate and drink in front of them.

NW Works held our Annual Summer Cookout during the last week of August as we wrapped up the warmer months. Our staff, team members and business services employees enjoyed time together outside eating and playing yard games. Like many of our events, the cookout offered a variety of choices ranging from what to eat, where to sit, and who to spend time with. But this year, the way those choices were made showed something different.

For many of the adults with disabilities we serve, decision-making can be challenging. Too many options can cause decision fatigue or feelings of being overwhelmed. In the past, staff often stepped in on a case by case basis to help guide individuals from choosing a meal to finding a seat. This time, however, there was a clear difference. As groups made their way through the serving line, individuals independently told staff what food they wanted, then selected where to sit and which of their peers to sit with.

This event was no different than ones held previously, but the approach to each choice showed a visible difference. What might seem like a simple decision-making process was actually a large step forward for many of the individuals we serve. These everyday choices reflect growing comfort, confidence, and social skills. They’re also stepping stones to bigger decisions, like exploring employment opportunities, developing life skills, and building greater independence.

To top if all off, one of NW Works’ Business Services Employees, Arman, was able to follow a passion of his and take photos of the event. Providing opportunities like this not only allows individuals to showcase their talents, but also helps them continue developing skills they love.

Thanks to the dedication of our staff and the growth mindset of the individuals we serve, moments like these remind us how meaningful progress can start with something as simple as the power of choice.

Morgan Towle

Mission Moment: The Power of Choice at our Summer Cookout

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