Monthly Memo

The Long-Awaited Update Arrives

Hello, Master Trainers and Class Leaders!

We are quickly approaching the end of 2025 and hopefully this will jumpstart a strong end-of-the-year for all of us.

After months of writing, editing, formatting, reformatting...the works...the new Powerful Tools for Caregivers workbook has arrived to the Extension Store and will be available for purchase beginning Monday, October 27.

There are a few things to note, so please take the time to read the points below. Yes, it's a bit longer, but it's extremely important you read these points:

The class series materials (scripts, PowerPoints, etc.) are still in the process of being updated to match the new workbook. The examples in the current scripts and materials are slightly different from the new Powerful Tools for Caregivers workbook. Because of this, we strongly recommend you continue printing the handouts in your Class Leader Materials and use printed handouts instead of using the worksheets in the workbook to minimize participant confusion. Once the updated materials are released, you will no longer have to print the handouts!
Be sure to plan extra time for shipping and processing. Recent experiences with shipping indicate you will want to plan for at least a two-week delivery timeframe, including within the United States. All shipping rates are set by UPS.
The price will remain the same at $30. We are no longer able to offer cases, so there will only be one listing on the Extension Store site for the workbook.
Only active, certified Class Leaders and Master Trainers will be able to purchase the Powerful Tools for Caregivers Workbook. The workbook ties very closely to the class curriculum, including the in-class activities, so it will no longer be available for purchase to the general public. We know that many of you have admins or coordinators who purchase books on your behalf – if this is the case, please have them email ptcaregivers@iastate.edu immediately so we can ensure they are on our list of administrators and coordinators who will be able to create an account with the Extension Store and purchase books for their organization.
Please take the time to review the Powerful Tools for Caregivers workbook before using it for the first time in your class series. Familiarize yourself with the changes – the first six “chapters” align with the six classes and there are two additional addendums to cover additional caregiving experiences.
We are aiming to have the class series materials released by the end of the year. When this happens, the eBook will no longer be available for purchase. If you/your organization still have stock of physical books or eBooks, you can use The Caregiver Helpbook through June 2026 to deplete your stock. Beginning July 1, 2026, everyone must be using the Powerful Tools for Caregivers Workbook and the new materials.

Thank you for your patience as we completed the book and for your continued patience as we complete the materials. We are so excited for you to have the Powerful Tools for Caregivers workbook in your hands and cannot wait for you to see the updated materials, too.

If you have any questions or concerns about the above, don’t hesitate to reach out to me (ptcaregivers@iastate.edu) and I’ll do everything I can to support you. Please send me the names of your admins/coordinators

Thank you for all you do!

Humbly,

Dr. Katie Anthony

Program Coordinator

November 2025 Class Leader Training

Do you have a friend, family member, or colleague looking to be trained as a Class Leader? Right now, we only have one publicly available Class Leader Training left for all of 2025.

Join Master Trainers Barb Dunn-Swanson and Malisa Radar virtually from 9 a.m.-12 p.m. CT beginning Monday, November 17 through Friday, November 21 to become a certified Class Leader for Powerful Tools for Caregivers. Learn ways to help others take care of themselves, reduce stress, improve caregiving confidence, and establish balance in their lives as they care for others.

Cost to attend is $340 per participant, which includes the materials and the Class Leader license fee.

If you know someone looking to become a Class Leader before the end of the year, send them this training information and make sure they save the training times immediately!

Monday, 11/17/25-Friday, 11/21/25; 7 a.m.-10 a.m. PT/9 a.m.-12 p.m. CT/10 a.m.-1 p.m ET. Participants must attend every day

Registration closes on Thursday, November 6. Don't delay and register for this training immediately!

Materials and Resources

Class Leaders

Class Leader Materials can be accessed through the ISU Extension Store (see note below) and the PTC Website.

Review the Class Leader How-To Guide for step-by-step instructions for accessing PTC materials.
Report your class series by using the 'add an upcoming class' or 'add a completed class' forms.
Find additional Class Leader resources on the PTC website, including event promotion and marketing materials
Order eBooks or workbooks for any upcoming caregiver class series through the ISU Extension Store.

Master Trainers

Master Trainer Materials can be accessed through the ISU Extension Store (see note below) and the PTC Website.

Review the Master Trainer How-To Guide for step-by-step instructions for accessing PTC materials.
Report your Class Leader Training using the Class Leader Confirmation Form at least three weeks in advance.
Find additional Master Trainer resources on our website, including event promotion and marketing materials
Order eBooks or workbooks for any upcoming Class Leader Training through the I SU Extension Store.

Note: When you set up your ISU Extension Store account, be sure to use the primary email address that PTC uses to contact you. You must be logged in to your account to access the materials.

Powerful Tools for Caregivers

ptcaregivers@iastate.edu

https://www.powerfultoolsforcaregivers.org