Submitted by San Juan County.

San Juan County and the Northwest Regional Council are offering a free six-week course for unpaid family and friend caregivers on San Juan Island. This course, “Powerful Tools for Caregivers: Taking Care of You,” is an evidence-based, self-care educational program for family caregivers. Classes start Thursday, Oct. 2, at the Mullis Senior Center.

Caring for a family member or friend with a chronic condition can be physically, emotionally and financially draining. “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” is an opportunity to develop a wealth of self-care tools, including reducing personal stress, changing negative self-talk, communicating your needs, dealing with challenging situations, making tough caregiving decisions, solving problems and setting goals.

Classes start Oct. 2 and will be held every Thursday from 1-2:30 p.m. at the Mullis Senior Center (589 Nash St., Friday Harbor, WA 98250). The class dates are Oct. 2, Oct. 9, Oct. 16, Oct. 23, Oct. 30 and Nov. 6.

“There was a common bond,” said a “Powerful Tools for Caregivers” class participant. “We were all dealing with some of the same issues. We shared our stories and learned ways to cope. I learned that it was important to take care of me.”

To sign up for this course or to learn more, please contact Tyler Cornell, Aging and Family case coordinator, at 360-370-7561 or tylerc@sanjuancountywa.gov. Caregivers on Lopez, Orcas or other islands are encouraged to reach out to our staff to join the waitlist for future classes:

Orcas waitlist: Heidi Bruce, Aging and Family case coordinator, 360-370-0591, heidib@sanjuancountywa.gov.

Lopez waitlist: Tyler Cornell, Aging and Family case coordinator, 360-370-7561, tylerc@sanjuancountywa.gov.

This current class series will be taught in English. Spanish language speakers are encouraged to contact Bruce at 360-370-0591 or heidib@sanjuancountywa.gov for multilingual support for unpaid family caregivers.