Free workshops offer much-needed guidance
By Kate Jonuska

At your local library, helpful information isn’t only found in the stacks, on a shelf or between book covers. Valuable guidance can also be found in person, specifically in the persons of Cari Pemberton and Linda Reinberger, certified Family Manager Coaches who provide free organizational workshops for the community at local libraries.

“This really is a service to hurting families,” says Pemberton, who was recently named Director of National Outreach for Family Manager Coaching and has been a professional organizer since 1992. “By dealing with these issues in a free, convenient way, family managers — typically moms, but not always — can take home strategies which can be implemented right away for the benefit of the whole family.”

At a recent meeting at the Briargate Library covering tax preparation and battling paper clutter, participant Jennifer Bell admitted relief that she’d found such help.

“I think I can feel confident that I’m not by myself in this mess and I can find a good jumping off point,” says Bell, who has recommended the free workshops to friends and family. “Yes, there may be piles of paper everywhere, but you can get back on track. It can be done.”

Topics of past organizational workshops, which are usually conducted monthly, include “The Busy Mom’s Guide to a Happy, Organized Home” and “Preparing for an A+ School Year” as well as guidance with holiday-season preparations, organization products, staging your home for sale and more.

Pemberton has conducted adult education programs at the Briargate Library since the branch opened, and Reinberger has expanded the workshops to the Rockrimmon Library, as well. Both believe that sharing their wealth of professional knowledge with families is a genuine public service, especially in trying economic times.

CLICK HERE to view the full text of this article, which published in the March 6, 2009 Woodmen Edition.