November 17th, 2011
November 2, 2011
Film Screening and Discussion at Salem State University to Address Issues of Compulsive Hoarding and the Impact on Friends and Families
Salem, MA – My Mother’s Garden, www.mymothersgardenmovie.com, a film by Cynthia Lester, tells the very personal story of her mother, Eugenia Lester’s severe hoarding disorder and the impact on their family. The film documents how one family comes together to cope with their mother’s disorder and rebuild a lost sense of family. Hosted by Salem State University School of Social Work, the film and follow up discussion will take place on Saturday November 19th at 2:30 pm in Marsh Hall Theatre, 352 Lafayette Street, Salem. The 70 minute film will be followed by a Q & A and discussion of how hoarding affects loved ones and families. Light refreshments will be provided. A suggested donation of $5.00 is requested.
“Hoarding is especially stressful for family members. Until recently most of the research on hoarding and the media focus has been on the hoarder themselves and hasn’t looked holistically at the impact on family members. We saw a need in the community to get the word out that there are resources for loved ones, and that they too need support”, states Laurie Grant, Licensed Clinical Social Worker.
For further information and to RSVP, please contact either Laurie Grant, 617-548-8927, laurie@reachingaforkintheroad.com, or Liz Vago, 978-744-3442, lizvago@aol.com
July 5th, 2011
A Year in Review
What an amazing first year I have had building Reaching a Fork in the Road. I have spent some time reviewing and reflecting on the year and wanted to share some of my favorite accomplishments (in no particular order):
- As a consultant for Mass Housing I have helped Norwood, Barnstable, Mashpee, Cambridge, Middleborough, and Brockton plan and develop hoarding task forces.
- I taught Social Work 101 at Salem State University
- I ran 2 Clear the Clutter from Your Life, six week support groups , the members are still meeting once a month for on-going support
- I have had the pleasure and honor of working with clients and witnessing some real change and accomplishment!
- I have continued my education in motivational interviewing, value based coaching, mindfulness, and cognitive behavior therapy.
- I have met with Dr. Christiana Bratiotis, at Boston University, for consulation and continued growth in the area of working with individuals who hoard
- Panelist at Department of Mental Health Conference, Hoarding and Risk Management
- Presented a workshop at the MA Association for Advancement of Group Work Conference “Older Adults and groups”
- Committee member for SWRI Initiative, NASW – speaker at high schools to encourage young adults to consider social work as a career
- Member of Home Based Business Women’s Network
I am amazed at how much I have been able to squeeze into the first year of my business. I feel energized and excited at the prospect of what is to come as I embark on year 2! I would like to thank my colleques and friends for your support, and referrals.
Starting Year 2
My goal for year 2 is to bring more of a focus to the work I am doing by clearly defining what it is I do and who is a potential client …. I know what I do, but do you?
I love coaching, but I will also be testing for my LICSW at some point during year 2. I will be finding a way to use both coaching and social work practices to best meet the needs of older adults.
I am also ready to hire or partner with someone to grow the business.
Here we go – Cheers to year 2!
November 28th, 2010
The last few months have been amazing. The Fall is by far my favorite time of year, I love the crisp air, pumpkins and the yellow and reds of the trees in my neighborhood. This year I had a little more time to enjoy the change in season and the chance to watch my growing toddler play in the leaves (I am smiling right now as I write this). It does not surprise me that I have not updated my blog, any down time was spent outside you will all be happy to know. It is cold out there today, so here I am typing away!
Reaching a Fork in the Road had a busy Fall, it started out by hitting the road and traveling to the towns of Barnstable, Mashpee, Middleborough, and Norwood to present and help the groups plan and build there Hoarding Task Forces. Each town was unique, but at the same time they are all trying their best to address the issue of hoarding at the community level. Today more than ever it is important for agencies to collaborate in an effort of sharing resources and time.
I have had the privilege of working with a number of clients privately. Some of the subjects we have addressed have been simplifying, downsizing a large home, and starting a business. Thank you so much for welcoming me into your lives, it really has been fun to see each of you make changes and find increased happiness.
I spoke at the Beverly Sen-net meeting on September 22nd to an audience of close to a 100! The topic: Hoarding and how a Community Responds. I spoke about the work I am doing at Greater Lynn Senior Services as the Hoarding Outreach Specialist. We are providing in home support to individuals who hoard and have started a community group called Greater Lynn HOPE (Hoarding Outreach Partnership Effort). I also attended and spoke at the State Wide Hoarding Steering Committee held at MassHousing in October. MassHousing has led the way in educating housing and other professionals on the subject of hoarding.
Which brings us to today- the Sunday after Thanksgiving. I like most of the country plan on exercising and eating healthier after the feast a few days ago. Does a walk around the block count as exercise for today? Some exciting things about to happen include an article that will come out soon in Living Right Along a publication of Northeast Senior Health/Beverly Hospital. A Clutter support group that will begin in January in Peabody. Also I will be looking for sites to host a New Beginnings group that will focus on making the most of your “retirement” years. The group will follow the 2young2retire format, but also allow for those who are currently in retirement to participate.
A Thank you if you read this entire post and a Thank you for all of you who have helped and supported my efforts. We all need cheerleaders/champions to encourage and build us up… so we can not only keep going, but do it well.
Laurie
August 3rd, 2010
After a week in California I feel refreshed and ready for… another vacation?! How can that be? How can that always be!! I like work, I like home…the day to day- but there is something truly wonderful about having a set amount of time when you can focus not on what you like but instead on what you love. Leisurely meals, ocean walks, time with family and friends- and the luxury of afternoon naps.
On this trip I had a chance to visit one of my favorite places, Santa Barbara. My college friends and I spent a long weekend renting a house in Goleta, close to the University of California, Santa Barbara. Our trip was as much about reconnecting as it was about eating and eating we did- we indulged, as we spent time remembering our college days. So much has changed with our group of friends, yet we are still able to connect and create new memories. I am so thankful that everyone took time out of their busy schedules to set aside this weekend to enjoy and celebrate our lasting friendships. I love you girls!!!
August will be a busy month for Reaching a Fork in the Road. I am working with Mass Housing to assist in the creation of hoarding task forces throughout the state of Massachusetts. In the next week I will be traveling to Barnstable and Norwood. I am also putting the finishing touches on a brochure and creating new business cards. I am scheduling groups/workshops for the Fall/Winter. Putting proposals together today.
OH vacation I miss you-Laurie 
June 30th, 2010
Well yes it is a new day… let’s see what has happened in the past two weeks (after 9 months of soul searching and planning)
1) Left my job at the Beverly Council on Aging
2) Started a new job .. part-time at Greater Lynn Senior Services
3) Really working with clients and enjoying every minute of it
4) More time at home with my family
5) And I have even managed to work out regularly, so I feel better physically and mentally
Things are looking up for me…. Who’s next?
I look forward to hearing from you.
Laurie
May 3rd, 2010
Last week I was honored with an award for Significant Contributions to Field Studies from Salem State College. I was attending brunch with two of my social work interns and completely unaware that I was about to receive an award. The presenter started reading a speech highlighting the accomplishments of the recipient. I remember thinking to myself, that is so nice and how great that her students have said those nice things about her … then the speech got a little more specific and I said out loud,”really.. me?” By the middle of the speech there was no denying the fact that I was receiving the award. At that point I felt excited, happy and a bit nervous… what was coming next?!
At that point the presenter, also a good friend started to get emotional.. I couldn’t help myself, I walked up on stage and gave her a hug, standing up with her as she finished the speech. I realized later that I was probably suppose to wait until the end, shake hands, take the standard photo and sit back down. I couldn’t. I was in the moment and in the moment the right thing to do was to hug my friend and help her finish her speech.
I am so thankful to be acknowledged for the encouragement and guidance I have given students over the years. It is truly a joy to work with students (young and more “mature”) they are embarking on a new career and see only the possibilities …. through their eyes the field is new and there are people’s lives to help change for the better. I challenge you to think back to how you felt when you were in school or just starting out in your field…and then think about how you feel today. If your day to day isn’t giving you butterflies- maybe it is time to sign up for a class, attend a workshop or update your resume. OR talk to a student …. their enthusiasm might just rub off on you!
April 5th, 2010
It really is amazing how such a simple pleasure as having the sun out today and the ability to walk outside and enjoy some fresh warm air makes such a difference. I notice it not only in my outlook on the day, but also how I feel about my long list of to “do’s” today. I feel ready to tackle the to “do’s” as long as it involves being outside.. lucky for me .. IT DOES! Enjoy the day!
April 3rd, 2010
Today the web-site has officially started… gulp! It feels real now, I really am starting my own business. I am excited, nervous and optimistic that this new adventure will take off. I love helping people figure out how to live their lives to the fullest .. so before I begin to work with others I am making some changes in my own life, it seems like the right place to start!
A big thank you to my wonderful brother, Danny Cantrell for all his help and support. He is a tech genius, although he pretends not to be. You can check out his work at dannycantrell.net and a big thank you to my husband, Brian, for being so patient as I hog the computer 
Cheers … let the adventure begin!
Laurie
