Pointers for life tailored from classes in the SkillBuilders series

1. Be your own best advocate for healthcare decisions.
2. Take the time to educate yourself on how to navigate turbulent economic times.
3. Get organized at home and in life.
4. Take the responsibility of personal security into your own hands.
5. Continually prepare for an uncertain future while enjoying every moment of life as it is presented to you.

Imagine for years, maybe even decades, never having the responsibility of car maintenance and then one day, bam, your car's radiator goes out and you don't know what to do.

If it sounds like an unlikely story, tell that to the instructors of Midland Care's SkillBuilders classes who say even those who feel prepared for all situations may be surprised at how attending these classes can help them, said Midland Care Community Liaison Lucas Houk.

"It could very well be at this point in your life you feel prepared for anything, but what these classes offer is an opportunity to instruct others and to be a go-to person for others in need of support, and we all know someone like that," he said.

For years SkillBuilders has fulfilled this need in Lawrence and Kansas City, and now, the SkillBuilders series is coming to the Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library. Many of the students are widows or widowers.

"Unfortunately many of us find ourselves in a situation where we are forced to make decisions about topics we may not feel comfortable with because of the death or sudden illness of a loved one," said Stephanie Hall, the library's Red Carpet/Talking Books Manager. "SkillBuilders is a great way to reach these people and offer them some assistance and guidance.

Midland Care has partnered with the library to offer this 12-week series, which begins in June. Houk says the series offers an opportunity to be proactive with education and decision-making.

"There's a need, for older folks, especially, to get practical information, not necessarily to move on, but to learn to live life for one," Houk said. "What we are finding is that people who attend one 12-week series come back for another 12-week series. It offers kind of a sense of community and connectedness for people traveling through certain stages in life."

Topics include on cooking for one, managing your money, feeling secure in your home and maintaining your car. Scroll down for a complete schedule of SkillBuilders programs at your library.

Thu Jun 4 | 10:00 am-12:00 pm | Hughes Room 205
Explore ideas and techniques to manage your money in today's economy. VSR Financial Service's Steve Hamilton speaks about money management in this educational program.

Thu Jun 11 | 10:00 am-12:00 pm | Hughes Room 205
Lisa Mitchell, RN Personal Nurse Case Manager, helps you learn the right questions to ask your doctor to get the answers you need in this educational program.

Thu Jun 18 | 10:00 am-12:00 pm | Hughes Room 205
Enjoy those special days without those awkward moments. Midland Care Connections' Gwen McClain explains how you can avoid the pressures of holidays and special occasions in this education program.

Thu Jun 25 | 10:00am-12:00 pm | Hughes Room 205
Attorney Terry Iles speaks about preparing your estate and will to avoid probate. SkillBuilders is an educational program.

Thu Jul 2 | 10:00-12:00 pm | Hughes Room 205
Blackburn Nursery's Pat Hennessey helps bring out your green thumb and explains how you can plant for your future in this educational program.

Thu Jul 16 | 10:00 am-12:00 pm | Hughes Room 205
Kansas Highway Patrol Officer Karen Tyrell explains how feeling secure in your home begins with personal safety.

Thu Jul 23 | 10:00 am-12:00 pm | Hughes Room
The Lube Stop's Randy Waterman explains how you can save much more than money with proper auto maintenance in this educational program.

Thu Jul 30 | 10:00 am-12:00 pm | Hughes Room 205
Midland Care Connections' Dreux Doty teaches the tips and techniques of home computer care.

Thu Aug 6 | 10:00 am–12:00 pm | Hughes Room 205
Enjoy cooking and eating for one or more with tips and techniques from Gregg Fox, RowHouse

Thu Aug 13 | 10:00 am–12:00 pm | Highes Room 205
Get organized in your Home with helpful suggestions from Naomi Frantzen of Beautiful Spaces

Thu Aug 20 | 10:00 am–12:00 pm | Hughes Room 205
Let's celebrate! Moving Forward
A potluck celebration and graduation ceremony to be held at Midland's Campus.