Benjamin Rose

Virtual Second Wednesday with Benjamin Rose
2026-07-08 09:00 - 10:00 (America/New_York) | https://www.benrose.org/event/virtual-second-wednesday-with-benjamin-rose-7/
Join us virtually the second Wednesday of every month from 9 – 10 a.m. to learn more about Benjamin Rose and from President & CEO Orion Bell. Each month we will provide an overview of the programs and services we offer. Second Wednesdays are a great opportunity to network, learn about Benjamin Rose, and discover how you can get involved in our work.

Second Wednesdays are free to attend, and all are welcome! Registration is required.

The Role of Community Health Workers in Comprehensive Dementia Care
2026-07-09 15:00 - 16:00 | https://www.benrose.org/event/the-role-of-community-health-workers-in-comprehensive-dementia-care/
REGISTER

Please join us for a BRI Care Consultation Learning Collaborative, The Role of Community Health Workers in Comprehensive Dementia Care. Community Health Workers are increasingly recognized as valuable members of interdisciplinary care teams, helping improve access to care, strengthen community connections, and support individuals living with dementia and their family and friend caregivers.

Marquita Rockamore, MA, GCDF, C-CHW, Executive Director, Health Industry Solutions Training Academy in the Workforce Innovation at Cuyahoga Community College will provide an overview of the education and training that prepare community health workers for the workforce, as well as an outline of their appropriate scope of practice and the level of supervision and collaboration needed to ensure quality care.

The presentation will also feature Laura Gano, PhD, MPH, Director of Operations, Indiana University School of Medicine’s Geriatrics Division, who will overview the Aging Brain Care (ABC) program, an evidence-based dementia care model that leverages community health workers as care navigators to deliver ongoing care coordination, caregiver support, symptom monitoring, and education under clinical supervision.

Finally, participants will hear firsthand from Kelsie Owen, MPA, Vice President of Nutrition & Population Health at Aging and In-Home Services of Northeast Indiana, an Area Agency on Aging that implements the Aging Brain Care program using community health workers, will share their insights into training and implementation, the program impact, and lessons learned.

Ask the Expert - Rx for Success: Navigating Medication Changes Safely
2026-07-16 12:00 - 13:00 | https://www.benrose.org/event/rx-for-success/
REGISTER

Managing medication can be confusing and overwhelming! Learn how to navigate medications for your aging loved one, as well as tips to simplify their regimen, ensure safety, and promote organization. You will learn to look for certain medications and medication interactions that may be “high risk,” and learn how to discuss these and other general medication concerns with your loved one’s primary care provider.

The Ask the Expert webinar series is an interactive educational experience that allows you to get answers to your most pressing questions about care.

Speaker

Rachel Balentine Ambulatory Care Clinical Pharmacist, University Hospitals
Rachel Balentine is an ambulatory care Clinical Pharmacist with University Hospitals. She works closely with primary care providers to start, stop, and change medications to ensure medication safety and efficacy.

﻿She has a special interest in caring for the geriatric population, and participates in a multidisciplinary Falls Clinic each month to identify and mitigate fall risks. When not working, you can find her horseback riding, watching a movie with friends, or hanging out with her cat, Boots.

Aging in Place: Know Your Housing Options
2026-08-04 14:00 - 15:30 | https://www.benrose.org/event/aging-in-place-aug2026/
REGISTER

Our FREE Aging in Place: Know Your Housing Options course is designed to assess homes for safety, accessibility, and affordability; explore ways to use home equity to stay in the home; and discover housing options.

This course is a three-part series. This registration is for the following days, from 2:00-3:30 PM:

August 4 (Tues)

August 5 (Weds)

August 6 (Thurs)

Guest Speaker

We’re pleased to be joined by a representative from Third Federal for this series, who will share expert insights on aging in place, and will be available to answer your questions!

Agenda

Session One:

Assessing Your Home – Is it Safe? Is it Accessible? Is it Affordable?

August 4

Learn what it means to age in place

Assess your current home based on your current needs

Create a continuum of care plan based on health, supports, and both current and future needs

Review safety and accessibility in the home through safety checklists

Learn about fall prevention

Explore home affordability and the importance of budgeting

Session two:

Using Your Home Equity to Keep Your Home

August 5

Learn the definition of home equity and why it matters

Explore different ways to use home equity to age in place:

Single purpose loans and grants

Home equity loans

Home equity line of credit

Reverse mortgages

Session three:

Exploring Housing Options for Older Adults

August 6

Medicaid Waiver

Learn about activities of daily living (ADLs)

Explore different housing options for older adults:

Senior Apartments

Independent Living

Assisted Living

Skilled Nursing & Rehab Facilities

Co-Housing & Shared Housing

Learn about potential ways to pay for housing:

Veteran benefits

Long-term care insurance

Financial Education Workshops
2026-08-07 11:00 - 12:30 | https://www.benrose.org/event/financial-education-aug7/
REGISTER

Benjamin Rose, a HUD-approved housing and financial counseling agency, provides a variety of free workshops and counseling services.

Our financial workshops are a four-part series. This registration is for the following Fridays, from 11:00 AM -12:30 PM:

August 7

August 14

August 21

August 28

Our series covers the following topics

Recognizing & avoiding elder financial abuse, scams & fraud

Preparing for the future

Budgeting, goal setting and saving

Taking control of credit and debt

Benefitting from benefits

Triumph: Benjamin Rose Celebrates You!
2026-08-07 11:30 - 16:00 | Benjamin Rose Headquarters, 11890 Fairhill Road, Cleveland, OH, 44120, United States
Tickets to the luncheon are sold out! To be added to the waitlist, please contact Jen Cosma at jcosma@benrose.org.

Please join us for a day of inspiration and celebration at Triumph: Benjamin Rose Celebrates You! Enjoy lunch, moving client testimonials, awards and an inspiring Keynote Address for Sharon Sobol Jordan, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Cleveland.

The Triumph luncheon runs from 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m., with doors opening to the buffet at 10:30 a.m. Tickets to the luncheon are $75 each, with tables accommodating up to ten people.

Triumph Community FairAfter lunch, please join us at our community fair from 1:30 – 4 p.m. We’ll have activities, information from many of our local partners and live music and dancing. Everyone is welcome to enjoy this FREE event and connect with invaluable resources.

The Triumph Community Fair takes place outdoors in the Benjamin Rose parking lot. In case of inclement weather, the fair will be held indoors at Benjamin Rose headquarters.

Proceeds from the event support Benjamin Rose services within our four programming pillars: Home & Community Based Services, Housing & Homeownership, Financial Wellness and Research, Education & Advocacy.

Award Recipients

Inez Tillman Killingsworth Community Leadership AwardMarianne Crosley

Community Partnership Award

Golden Achievement Award FinalistsSusan PriceAfi ScruggsJudy Stull

Sponsor Triumph!

Help support the important work of Benjamin Rose by purchasing a sponsorship, ad or vendor table. By sponsoring Triumph, your organization will not only be in front of the 150 attendees at the luncheon, but it will also be represented at the afternoon community fair which is open to all. To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, download the prospectus.

Online sponsor payments can be made here.

Triumph Community FairVendor tables for the Triumph community fair are currently sold out! Because the community fair is held outdoors, indoor space is limited; however, if the weather forecast looks favorable, we will be able to open additional vendor tables. To join the waitlist for a vendor table, please email Jen Cosma at jcosma@benrose.org.

Sponsorship opportunities are still available at the Learner level and above.

There will be a vendor passport for attendees to fill out and be entered into a raffle. For an opportunity for extra exposure, consider donating a gift card, basket or other item to the raffle ($25 value) and you can give a brief company pitch when we draw the winner.

Please note that the community fair is held outdoors, so please plan accordingly. Vendors are provided with one five-foot table and two chairs. We are not able to provide access to electricity.

Speaker

Sharon Sobol Jordan President & CEO of United Way of Greater Cleveland
Sharon Sobol Jordan is President & CEO of United Way of Greater Cleveland. United Way of Greater Cleveland is the bridge from crisis to possibility for hardworking Greater Clevelanders, providing support when it is needed most and partnering on solutions that help more people move forward. As President & CEO, Sharon is leading the modernization of one of the region’s most trusted and essential social impact institutions, using technology, real-time data, and partnerships to expand opportunity for upward economic mobility across the region.

Her work spans the public, private, nonprofit, and technology sectors, where she has led efforts to modernize systems, strengthen organizations, and get results for the people and communities they serve. Before joining United Way, Sharon led a series of innovation-focused organizations, serving as Interim CEO of DigitalC, Founder & CEO of OpenSpace Solutions, and President of Unify Labs, where she leveraged data, technology, and new approaches to solve complex community challenges.

Sharon previously served as Chief of Staff for Cuyahoga County, where she led major strategic initiatives to expand economic opportunity and growth, including workforce systems transformation, early childhood education expansion, and the creation of the County’s first Innovation Office. Before that, she joined The Centers for Families and Children, ultimately serving as President & CEO. Under her leadership, the organization tripled in size and reach, serving more than 25,000 people annually.

Earlier in her career, Sharon served as Director of Law and Special Counsel to the Mayor of the City of Cleveland, where she played a key role in addressing some of the city’s most significant legal, economic development, and public policy challenges. Prior to that, she became a partner with the Cleveland law firm now known as Schneider Smeltz Spieth Bell.

Sharon serves on several nonprofit and civic boards and is a Leader-in-Residence at Cleveland State University College of Law. She has received numerous honors for her leadership and community impact. She holds a J.D. and M.B.A. from The Ohio State University and a B.S. in Public Administration and Management from Indiana University.

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Thank you to our sponsors!

Champions

Motivators

Achievers

Orion Bell

Learners

Homebuyer Education
2026-08-10 18:00 - 20:00 | https://www.benrose.org/event/hbe-aug10/
REGISTER

Are you interested in buying a home but not sure where to start?

Our FREE HUD-approved homebuyer education class can teach you the important basics of the home buying process. We will provide you with the knowledge you’ll need to secure an affordable mortgage and buy the right house for you.

This course is a four-part series. This registration is for the following days, from 6-8 PM:

August 10

August 11

August 12

August 13

We’re pleased to partner with Elyse Robinson, Insurance Broker and owner of Unquoting Insurance Company to provide helpful guidance about homeowner’s insurance for first-time homebuyers.

The August 13th session will also be co-facilitated by Chase Bank, who will share information about the role banks play in the homebuying process.

Session One: Budget & Credit

August 10

Examine your money profile

Learn how to better manage your money through spending plans, tracking income & expenses, goal setting and building your savings

Explore the importance of credit and learn tips to establish and improve your credit

Review how to avoid and handle identity theft

Session Two: Obtaining a Mortgage Loan & Your Consumer Rights

August 11

Learn how to qualify and get pre-approved for a mortgage loan

Review affordability and how to determine how much money to spend on buying a home

Learn your rights as a loan consumer

Session Three: Shopping for a Home & the Importance of a Home Inspection

August 12

Learn how to shop for a home, from finding the right neighborhood to considering which type of home is right for you

Explore tips on how to work with an agent

Learn about the purchase, sale, escrow, and closing processes

Review the professional home inspection process and why it’s so important

Session Four: Home Insurance & Maintaining Your Home

August 13

Learn how to protect your home through insurance, liability protection and home safety measures

Explore different ways to maintain your home

Embrace your neighborhood and learn ways to explore your community, be a good neighbor and invest in your area’s success

To register, click the above button and fill out our registration form.

Virtual Second Wednesday with Benjamin Rose
2026-08-12 09:00 - 10:00 | https://www.benrose.org/event/virtual-second-wednesday-with-benjamin-rose-8/

Ask the Expert: Decoding Disability Benefits
2026-08-20 12:00 - 13:00 | https://www.benrose.org/event/ask-the-expert-decoding-disability-benefits/
REGISTER

Applying for disability benefits can be a challenging experience. The more you know when you’re applying for benefits, the better your chances of avoiding costly errors that result in delays or even denials.

“Join us for “Decoding Disability Benefits,” presented by Michael Liner, founder of Liner Legal. In this session, attendees will gain a clear understanding of eligibility requirements, common mistakes that can delay or deny claims, and practical strategies to strengthen your application.

The goal is to empower caregivers and professionals with the knowledge they need to navigate disability benefits confidently.

The Ask the Expert webinar series is an interactive educational experience that allows you to get answers to your most pressing questions about care.

Speaker

Michael Liner Founder, Liner Legal LLC
Michael Liner is not your typical lawyer in a suit. He is a nationally recognized disability attorney, speaker, content creator, and thought leader redefining legal advocacy. As the founder of Liner Legal, Michael combines personal lived experience with professional expertise to fight for individuals navigating the complex Social Security Disability (SSD), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and Long-Term Disability (LTD) systems. Michael was born with disabilities himself, and this experience powers his mission: to help others not just survive the system but thrive within it. Whether he’s speaking on stage, mentoring young advocates, or educating tens of thousands through his social channels, Michael leads with authenticity, empathy, and impact.

Rose on the Go: Good Mood Food
2026-08-21 14:30 | Greater Cleveland Food Bank Resource Center, 15500 S Waterloo Rd, Cleveland, Ohio, 44110, United States
REGISTER

Join Rose on the Go for GOOD MOOD FOOD, a fun and inspiring workshop exploring how the foods we eat can support brain health and overall mental well-being. Chefs from the Greater Cleveland Food Bank will lead a cooking demonstration featuring delicious, mood-boosting foods. Then, put your creativity to work with a hands-on floral arrangement workshop led by professionals from local Cleveland florists Urban Orchid!

This community event is proudly sponsored by Aetna. Come learn, cook, create, and discover simple ways to nourish both body and mind!

Can’t make it on this date? We also have dates on:

August 25th

August 27th

Thank you to all who make this event possible!

Sponsors and Partners

Rose on the Go: Cooking With Heart
2026-08-25 11:00 - 12:30 | Dave’s Market & Eatery Midtown, 1929 E 61st St, Cleveland, Ohio, 44103, United States
REGISTER

Join Rose on the Go for COOKING WITH HEART, a fun and educational workshop exploring delicious foods and simple cooking techniques that can support heart health. Chefs from the Greater Cleveland Food Bank will lead a cooking demonstration featuring heart-healthy ingredients and recipes. Following the demonstration, learn about the benefits and uses of fresh herbs with Judi Strauss from The Charmed Kitchen, and create your own flavorful herb-infused vinegar to take home!

This community event is proudly sponsored by Aetna. Come learn, cook, create, and discover simple ways to nourish both body and mind!

Can’t make it on this date, or want to attend additional cooking workshops. Check out our additional dates:

August 21st

August 27th

Thank you to all who make this event possible!

Sponsors u0026 Partners

Rose on the Go: Good Gut Grub
2026-08-27 11:00 - 12:30 | Dave’s Market & Eatery Midtown, 1929 E 61st St, Cleveland, Ohio, 44103, United States
REGISTER

Join Rose on the Go for GOOD GUT GRUB, a fun and educational workshop exploring delicious foods that support healthy digestion. Chefs from the Greater Cleveland Food Bank will lead a cooking demonstration featuring gut-friendly ingredients and recipes. Following the demonstration, Judi Strauss from The Charmed Kitchen will lead a hands-on pickling workshop where participants will learn different pickling methods and create their own pickled vegetables to take home.

This community event is proudly sponsored by Aetna. Come learn, cook, create, and discover simple ways to nourish both body and mind!

Can’t make it on this date, or want to attend additional cooking workshops. Check out our additional dates:

August 21st

August 25th

Thank you to all who make this event possible!

Sponsors and Partners

Rose on the Go: Immune Boosters & Busters
2026-09-04 11:00 - 12:30 | Dave’s Market & Eatery Midtown, 1929 E 61st St, Cleveland, Ohio, 44103, United States
REGISTER

Join Rose on the Go for IMMUNE BOOSTERS & BUSTERS, a fun and educational workshop exploring delicious foods that support a healthy immune system. Chefs from the Greater Cleveland Food Bank will lead a cooking demonstration featuring immune-supporting ingredients and recipes. After the demonstration, Susan Cady, M.M., C.T.C.I., will lead participants through a gentle Tai Chi session designed to release aches and pains, promote relaxation, and leave you feeling refreshed.

This community event is proudly sponsored by Aetna.

Thank you to all who make this event possible!

Sponsors and Partners

Virtual Second Wednesday with Benjamin Rose
2026-09-09 09:00 - 10:00 | https://www.benrose.org/event/virtual-second-wednesday-with-benjamin-rose-9/

Homebuyer Education
2026-09-09 18:00 - 20:00 | https://www.benrose.org/event/hbe-sept9/
REGISTER

Are you interested in buying a home but not sure where to start?

Our FREE HUD-approved homebuyer education class can teach you the important basics of the home buying process. We will provide you with the knowledge you’ll need to secure an affordable mortgage and buy the right house for you.

This course is a four-part series. This registration is for the following days, from 6-8 PM:

September 9

September 14

September 21

September 28

Guest Speaker

We’re pleased to be joined by a representative from First Federal Lakewood for this series, who will share expert insights on the homebuying process, and will be available to answer your questions!

Session One: Budget & Credit

September 9

Examine your money profile

Learn how to better manage your money through spending plans, tracking income & expenses, goal setting and building your savings

Explore the importance of credit and learn tips to establish and improve your credit

Review how to avoid and handle identity theft

Session Two: Obtaining a Mortgage Loan & Your Consumer Rights

September 14

Learn how to qualify and get pre-approved for a mortgage loan

Review affordability and how to determine how much money to spend on buying a home

Learn your rights as a loan consumer

Session Three: Shopping for a Home & the Importance of a Home Inspection

September 21

Learn how to shop for a home, from finding the right neighborhood to considering which type of home is right for you

Explore tips on how to work with an agent

Learn about the purchase, sale, escrow, and closing processes

Review the professional home inspection process and why it’s so important

Session Four: Home Insurance & Maintaining Your Home

September 28

Learn how to protect your home through insurance, liability protection and home safety measures

Explore different ways to maintain your home

Embrace your neighborhood and learn ways to explore your community, be a good neighbor and invest in your area’s success

To register, click the above button and fill out our registration form.

Homebuyer Education
2026-09-10 18:00 - 20:00 | Benjamin Rose Headquarters, 11890 Fairhill Road, Cleveland, OH, 44120, United States
REGISTER

Are you interested in buying a home but not sure where to start?

Our FREE HUD-approved homebuyer education class can teach you the important basics of the home buying process. We will provide you with the knowledge you’ll need to secure an affordable mortgage and buy the right house for you.

This course is a four-part series. This registration is for the following days, from 6-8 PM:

September 10

September 17

September 24

September 30

Session One: Budget & Credit

September 10

Examine your money profile

Learn how to better manage your money through spending plans, tracking income & expenses, goal setting and building your savings

Explore the importance of credit and learn tips to establish and improve your credit

Review how to avoid and handle identity theft

Session Two: Obtaining a Mortgage Loan & Your Consumer Rights

September 17

Learn how to qualify and get pre-approved for a mortgage loan

Review affordability and how to determine how much money to spend on buying a home

Learn your rights as a loan consumer

Session Three: Shopping for a Home & the Importance of a Home Inspection

September 24

Learn how to shop for a home, from finding the right neighborhood to considering which type of home is right for you

Explore tips on how to work with an agent

Learn about the purchase, sale, escrow, and closing processes

Review the professional home inspection process and why it’s so important

Session Four: Home Insurance & Maintaining Your Home

September 30

Learn how to protect your home through insurance, liability protection and home safety measures

Explore different ways to maintain your home

Embrace your neighborhood and learn ways to explore your community, be a good neighbor and invest in your area’s success

To register, click the above button and fill out our registration form.

Financial Education Workshops
2026-09-14 15:00 - 16:30 | https://www.benrose.org/event/financial-education-2026/
REGISTER

Benjamin Rose, a HUD-approved housing and financial counseling agency, provides a variety of free workshops and counseling services.

Our financial workshops are part of a series. This registration is for the following days, from 3:00 PM – 4:30 PM:

September 14

September 28

October 21

October 26

November 9

November 30

December 14

Our series covers the following topics

Recognizing & avoiding elder financial abuse, scams & fraud

Preparing for the future

Budgeting, goal setting and saving

Taking control of credit and debt

Benefitting from benefits

What the Midterms Mean for Older Adults
2026-09-15 12:00 - 13:00 | https://www.benrose.org/event/what-the-midterms-mean-for-older-adults/
REGISTER

Join nationally recognized aging policy leader Bob Blancato for a nonpartisan conversation about how the 2026 midterm elections may shape policies affecting older adults and caregivers. From healthcare and long-term care to federal funding and aging services, this session will help you understand the issues, opportunities, and challenges ahead.

Speaker

Robert “Bob” Blancato President, Matz, Blancato and Associates; National Coordinator of the Elder Justice Coalition
Robert Blancato Robert “Bob” Blancato is the National Coordinator of the bipartisan 3000-member Elder Justice Coalition. He is also President of Matz, Blancato and Associates, the Executive Director of the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, and the National Coordinator of the Defeat Malnutrition Today coalition.

Bob has long been recognized as a national advocate with policy expertise on behalf of older adults. He has testified numerous times before House and Senate Committees, most recently in 2022 before the House Appropriations Labor-HHS-Education Subcommittee.

Bob’s prior work history includes 17 years as a staffer in Congress and an appointment by President Clinton to be the Executive Director of the 1995 White House Conference on Aging, one of four he has participated in. He is a member of the Senior Executive Service.

As a volunteer, he currently serves as second vice chair of the AARP board and is also on the AARP Foundation, and the board of the National Hispanic Council on Aging. From 2019 to 2023, Bob served on the National Advisory Committee on Rural Health and Human Services, appointed by HHS Secretary Azar.

Ask the Expert - Nutrition and Caregiving
2026-09-17 12:00 - 13:00 | https://www.benrose.org/event/nutrition-and-caregiving/
REGISTER

Join Registered Dietitian Nutritionist Laura Borth for an interactive Ask the Expert session that will cover the biggest nutrition challenges that older adults face.

Participants will learn about important warning signs to watch for that could indicate a health issue, and the facts behind common nutrition myths and misconceptions. You’ll also receive some helpful nutrition resources to learn more.

Bring your questions and leave with practical tips you can use every day!

The Ask the Expert webinar series is an interactive educational experience that allows you to get answers to your most pressing questions about care.

Laura Borth Policy Director at the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs
Laura Borth is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist with over a decade of experience in nutrition, including clinical practice, research, and policy.

As the Policy Director at the National Association of Nutrition and Aging Services Programs, she focuses on strengthening nutrition and aging services at the national level.

﻿She also supports policy and advocacy for the Elder Justice Coalition, and Defeat Malnutrition Today Coalition.

Bingo Night Fundraiser
2026-10-16 18:00 - 20:00 | Benjamin Rose Conference Center, 11890 Fairhill Road, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
Join us on Friday, October 16 from 6 – 8 p.m. for food, drinks and bingo! Presented by the Benjamin Rose Young Professional Council.

Tickets:

Regular Ticket: $30 in advance ($35 day of). Receive a special early bird price of $25 per ticket if purchased before September 3!

Regular Ticket includes Cilantro Taqueria taco bar + 2 drink tickets. Bingo boards sold separately.

Child Ticket: $20 in advance ($25 day of)

Child Ticket includes Cilantro Taqueria taco bar + 1 non-alcoholic drink ticket. Bingo boards sold separately. For ages 12 and under only.

VIP Ticket: $50

Enjoy the full event experience! VIP Ticket includes Cilantro Taqueria taco bar + open bar + 1 regular bingo board + digital recognition at the event.

Please note that tickets are nonrefundable.

Bingo Boards:

Grab a pack of 5 at the event for just $5! More boards = more chances to WIN!

Every round is a chance to win prizes AND every ticket supports the mission of Benjamin Rose.

Become a sponsor of the Bingo Night Fundraiser!

Gain visibility for your business while supporting the programs and services of Benjamin Rose. For more information on bingo sponsorship opportunities, contact Jen Cosma at (216) 373-1688 or sponsorships@benrose.org.

To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, download the prospectus.

Online sponsor payments can be made here.

Tickets

Thank you to our sponsors!

Presenting

Gold

Hiti DiFrancesco and Siebold Inc

Silver

VSD Realty

Bronze

Kellie Lockemer

Audra & Matt Bennett

Siyue Xu & Daniel Lausin

Patricia Fruitig

When Safe Is Good Enough: Practical Strategies to Manage Severe Hoarding
2026-11-05 08:15 - 16:30 | Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio, 6393 Oak Tree Blvd, Independence, Ohio, 44131, United States
REGISTER

The risk inherent in many hoarding situations is high not only because the living environment is highly cluttered and often dilapidated but because the individual lacks the physical, psychological, and social capacity to live safely and comfortably in a highly-cluttered environment. This interaction between an unsafe environment and poor functional capacity defines severe hoarding. Severe hoarding is a serious and growing problem that can lead to eviction, homelessness, and death. Those with the problem often have other psychiatric disorders as well as little awareness of the consequences they face living in a hoarding environment.

When Safe Is Good Enough: Practical Strategies to Manage Severe Hoarding is a day-long workshop that focuses on a harm reduction approach that includes skills training to assist clients, family members, and concerned others to manage severe hoarding situations.

The workshop includes a description of the phenomenon, the factors that influence harm potential, methods to assess harm potential and develop an intervention plan, motivational interviewing strategies to engage clients, family members, and concerned others in the harm reduction approach and how to teach clients select cognitive and behavioral skills to manage the problem.

Tickets for the workshop cost $35 for students and $50 for general attendance.

To register a group or receive an invoice, please contact Jen Cosma at jcosma@benrose.org.

The ADAMHS Board is an approved provider through the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board and the Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist Board offering Recognized Clock Hours (RCH) to Chemical Dependency Professionals, as well as Continuing Professional Education hours (CEUs) to Counselors and Social Workers and has awarded 6 CEU/RCHs for this conference. All participants must attend the entire conference and complete an evaluation form with full licensure information to receive CEUs/RCHs. No partial CEUs/RCHs will be provided. Please allow 30 days from date of conference for attendance to be recorded in CE Broker and receipt of certificate. Certificates will be emailed to the email address used at registration.

Speaker

Dr. Michael A. Tompkins Co-Director of the San Francisco Bay Area for Cognitive Therapy
Dr. Michael A. Tompkins is co-director of the San Francisco Bay Area for Cognitive Therapy. He pioneered the application of the harm reduction approach to the problem of hoarding which is highlighted in his two books, “Digging Out: Helping Your Loved One Manage Clutter, Hoarding, and Compulsive Acquiring” (with Tamara L. Hartl) published by New Harbinger Press and “The Clinician’s Guide to Severe Hoarding: A Harm Reduction Approach,” published by Springer Publishing Company. He is the recipient of a Lifetime Achievement Award for his contribution to the understanding of hoarding and cluttering by the San Francisco Mental Health Association.

Agenda

TimeDescription8:15 AM- 8:50 AMRegistration and Breakfast 8:50 AM-9:00 AMWelcome and Introduction of Michael Tompkins Ph.D., Keynote Speaker ●Leshia Yarbrough Franklin Hoarding Connection Co-Chair and ADAMHS Board Cuyahoga County ●Jason Joyce, CEO, ADAMHS Board Cuyahoga County 9:00 AM-10:30 AM●Hoarding Behaviors, Hoarding Disorder and squalor. ●Insight functional capacity and harm potential. Rationale for a harm reduction approach to severe hoarding situations. 10:30 AM-10:45 AMBreak 10:45 AM-12:15 PM●Assess harm potential and identify harm reduction targets●Develop a plan and decide where to begin●Engage and manage pushback with Motivational Interviewing 12:15 PM-1:15 PMLunch 1:15 PM-2:45 PM●Build skill: sort and discard●Build skill: solving problems●Build skill: manage distraction 2:45 PM-3:00 PMBreak 3:00 PM-4:30 PM●Build skill: manage distress●Develop an ongoing plan to monitor harm and keep the door open

Funded by
