A New Path Forward for Caregivers and Community

2/4/2025 PRESS RELEASE

A New Path Forward for Caregivers and Community Rochester, NY – According to a January 28, 2025, NPR report, doctors are now prescribing socialization to combat an epidemic of loneliness.

As this problem grows, Path Forward Counseling and Creative Wellness and its community are taking action—introducing a groundbreaking model that combines therapeutic support, creative expression, and compassionate, community-driven care to turn loneliness into meaningful connection.

Path Forward Counseling: The COVID-19 pandemic not only intensified an existing mental health crisis but also led to an epidemic of caregiver burnout and social isolation. Charles Coté, LCSW, after 30 years in private practice, witnessed firsthand the overwhelming strain placed on mental health professionals and caregivers. Clinics were overloaded, therapists were burning out, and clients were left struggling to find adequate care. Recognizing this crisis, Coté took action—mentoring young professionals, helping them obtain licensure, and introducing a collective approach to care. Five years later, his vision has evolved into something greater: an integrated model that supports both caregivers and the community, bringing connection and creativity into the healing process. Path Forward Counseling now has a team of eight counselors and two interns, providing a range of services from traditional therapy to play, art, and music therapy. Together, our team brings over 50 years of combined experience, working collaboratively to support healing and growth.

Path Forward Creative Wellness: As a clinical social worker, Coté recognized the transformative power of mindfulness and integrated it into his practice to help others heal. “During the isolating fog of Covid, I saw how deepening my expressive and mindful art practices offered clarity and a renewed sense of purpose during a very chaotic time,” remarks Coté. Connecting with kindred spirits in the community who also found creative ways to cope provided a profound sense of belonging and collective strength, and fueled a desire to cultivate a space where creativity and wellness intertwine, illuminating a path forward.

Coté met with Lindsey Graser in 2020 and was inspired by her ability to build community through art and connecting with nature. “When Covid hit, it felt like musical chairs. The music stopped. And I didn’t have a seat. I realized I could build my own community so I didn’t have to feel so isolated.” Graser took the initiative to start a kayaking group and hosted creative gatherings in her backyard, transforming a turbulent time into a lifeline for healing and mental well-being. 

Together with others in the community, Coté and Graser share a mission: to come alongside with compassion, creativity, collaboration and community to find the best path forward. 

The two agreed there was one word missing in this mission statement… curiosity. Making space for the unknown through active discovery. It was a quest worth exploring, and the two decided to join forces in January 2025 to build something bigger—Path Forward Creative Wellness, LLC.

Connection and Healing Through Creativity

At the heart of this initiative is Charlie’s Place, named in honor of Charlie Coté's son, who passed in 2005. A talented artist loved by all, he inspires the vibrant care-mmunity that is coming to life. It is a place to be curious, to spark new ideas, and to embrace the joy of learning something new. Here, every moment is an opportunity to explore the possibilities within yourself and your community. It’s a space where you can share your story—your journey—without fear, or choose to rewrite it in a way that aligns with your truest self, in a way you feel seen and heard by a supportive community that understands the value of connection, compassion, and growth. With each step forward, you are not just moving through life; you are creating a new narrative full of hope, purpose, and the joy that comes from being authentically you.

A Prescription to End the EpidemicCharlie’s Place may be just what’s needed to combat the loneliness epidemic. “With the community’s help,’ says Graser, CEO of Path Forward Creative Wellness LLC, 'we can ensure that when the music stops, everyone has a seat—a place to turn to, filled with hope, care, and creative inspiration.'

There’s something happening every day at Charlie’s Place, with opportunities to connect and create. Volunteers who contribute just three hours of their time can receive a free monthly community membership (valued at $45), granting access to Open Hours (Tuesday - Friday 10-12 / 1-3) and daily opportunities to connect and create.

These are some of the Classes and Gatherings at Charlie’s Place:

• Making Space for Compassionate Self-Care (Mondays) – A relaxing night of mindful art to enjoy each other’s company. Facilitated by Lindsey Graser.

• Community Wellness (Wednesdays) – Classes led by community members eager to share their passions and skills with others who want to learn something new.

• Community Connections (Fridays) – Coffee & Collaboration, Game Night, First Friday Art Show, and Your Story Night.

• The Kindness Path (Weekends) – Guided Nature Hikes & Community Gardening

Path Forward Creative Wellness offers a new concept—to learn from people who have found a way through life’s challenges in their own unique way, and want to share that with others. These 6-Week Courses are co-facilitated with Path Forward Counseling. 

• Out of the Ashes: Finding meaning in life after loss through a compassionate, healing personal journey. Facilitated by Grief Educator, Deb Matrachisia and Charles Cote, LCSW. 

• Mastering Life’s Challenges: Based on The Tools by Phil Stutz, this transformative program. Facilitated by Julia Khoury and Charles Coté, LCSW.

What’s Next… 

Moving Forward Together: Empowering Organizational Wellness in the Community

The next step in collaboration is moving directly into the community, with Coté leading the effort. Having called this community home for over 30 years, Coté is now focused on giving back by leading Path Forward's organizational initiatives. He is working closely with local leaders, recognizing that those who care for others—whether professionally or personally—often need support themselves.

Through our Care for the Caregiver workshops, Coté provides dedicated spaces for rest, renewal, and connection, allowing caregivers to engage in mindfulness, creative expression, and supportive discussions to navigate burnout. We host two retreats in the beautiful surroundings of KaneBridge Estates, featuring restorative yoga, meditation, and mindful arts – two in the spring and two in the fall. Additionally, we offer tailored wellness programming for teams and organizations aiming to foster a culture of care.

Our Organizational Wellness initiatives include trauma-informed care training, leadership development, and team-building workshops designed to enhance workplace resilience and emotional well-being.

Social Reconnection: Supporting Young Adults in Building Connections

Looking ahead, Path Forward is looking to create an inclusive program from 3-5pm Tuesdays - Fridays for young adults (ages 15-25) who have faced social challenges after the pandemic, including those who may have fallen behind in school or found it hard to build lasting friendships. This initiative will bring together high school students, young adults, community volunteers, and college interns in a welcoming and supportive environment, offering opportunities to connect and enjoy creative, fun experiences. Activities will include Dungeons and Dragons and therapeutic, nature-based art activities. 

A Call to Action: Join the Care-mmunity

Path Forward Creative Wellness is not just a space—it’s a movement. Through collaboration, connection, and compassionate care, it fosters an ecosystem where everyone—caregivers, community members, and professionals—can heal and grow together.

We invite you to learn more about Path Forward Counseling and Path Forward Creative Wellness by visiting explorepathforward.com. 

Open House on Saturday, February 15th, from 11am - 2pm.2480 Browncroft Blvd, Suite 234, Rochester, NY 14625

Information Sessions at Charlie’s Place the 1st & 3rd Wednesdays, 9 AM. Email lindsey@explorepathforward.com to RSVP or to arrange an alternate time.

Media Contacts: Lindsey Graser Co-Founder, CEOPath Forward Creative Wellness,LLC lindsey@explorepathforward.com https://www.explorepathforward.com/lindsey-graser

Charlie Coté Founder, Path Forward Counseling Co-Founder, Path Forward Creative Wellness, LLC charles.cote.lcsw@gmail.com https://www.explorepathforward.com/charles-cote