A free eight-week class for family members and caregivers of children and adolescents who have brain disorders, including ADD/ADHD, Autism, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, and Tourette’s.  Teachers are trained through NAMI Iowa, the state office.  The course offers an opportunity to share mutual experiences and learn valuable lessons from other participants in a supportive environment.  The class covers a variety of educational material and provides ideas for day-to-day caregiving skills.  Topics include accessing school services, advocacy, coping and communication, IDEA, problem management, self-care, and the recovery cycle.

NAMI Black Hawk County will offer the class every Thursday from September 22 to November 10, 2011.  It will be from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the lower level at the First Congregational Church, 608 West 4^th Street, in Waterloo.

Registration is required for the class.  A stipend of up to $75 per family is available through the state office to help a family who needs to cover the cost of a childcare provider.  If you have questions, need more information, or would like to register, please contact Leslie Cohn at NAMI Black Hawk County, 319-235-5263 or by email at namibh@qwestoffice.net.