Community Education Opportunities

Waukesha County Public Health & Community Education

At Waukesha County Public Health, we’re dedicated to helping people of all ages live healthier, happier lives. Through partnerships with community organizations, libraries, schools, businesses, and the Aging & Disability Resource Center (ADRC), we offer a variety of free or low-cost educational classes and health events that empower you with knowledge, tools, and support.

What We Offer: Lifelong Learning for Better Health

Whether you’re planning for the future, managing a health condition, or simply curious about wellness, our classes are designed to meet you where you are.

Flexible & Community-Driven

Most of our classes and presentations are designed to meet people where they are. We’re happy to bring educational sessions right to your:

  • School, business, or workplace

  • Neighborhood organization or non-profit

  • Senior center or community space

  • Library or local meeting room

Just submit our Public Health Event Interest Form if you want something brought to your group!

💡 Ready to Learn More?

Want to stay updated on upcoming classes and workshops?

  • Check our online events calendar (below) — new sessions are added regularly.

  • Sign up for the CHIP Report newsletter to learn how Waukesha County’s Community Health Improvement Plan may connect you to helpful resources and opportunities in our community.

Public Health Event Interest Form

Upcoming Events

  • Strong Bodies Class (Waukesha) February 09, 2026

    StrongBodies ongoing workshop. Brought to you by the ADRC of Waukesha County. Registration required!

    When: Mondays and Wednesdays 9:15—10:30am
    Where: Salem United Methodist Church, 541 WI-59, Waukesha (on the WI-59 bypass just south of E. Broadway)

    StrongBodies is a progressive strength training class. The benefits of strength training include increased strength, muscle mass, bone density, and the ability to do activities of daily living. Strength training can reduce the risk for chronic diseases and can reduce your risk of falling injury.

    To register email cklepp@waukeshacounty.gov or call Courtney at 262-444-9102

     

  • Strong Bodies Class (Pewaukee) February 09, 2026

    StrongBodies ongoing workshop. Brought to you by the ADRC of Waukesha County. Registration required!

    When: Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30—10:45am
    Where: Gethsemane United Methodist Church 642 Main St. Pewaukee

    StrongBodies is a progressive strength training class. The benefits of strength training include increased strength, muscle mass, bone density, and the ability to do activities of daily living. Strength training can reduce the risk for chronic diseases and can reduce your risk of falling injury.

    To register email cklepp@waukeshacounty.gov or call Courtney at 262-444-9102

     

  • Wee Wonders (Retzer) February 10, 2026

    WEE WONDERS

    Discover nature in a fun, hands-on way! Wee Wonders is a monthly program for kids (ages 2-4) to explore, learn, and get curious about the world around them.


    DATES/TIMES: Second Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of the month • 9:30-10:30 a.m.* (all days) • 1-2 p.m. (Tuesday only)

    *April 2026 program falls on third Wednesday and Thursday


    LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)


    COST: $6 per child per date (ages 2-4)


    REGISTRATION: Required; register online by noon the day before. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows; call ahead and arrive by 9:15 a.m.


    Same program offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

    FEBRUARY 10, 11, or 12 — Awesome Owls: Observe and learn about these wonderful birds and hear about a “little owl's night.”
    MARCH 10, 11, or 12 — Life in a Shell: We will find out how many different things in our world have shells, plus see and feel some things up close!
    APRIL 14, 15, or 16 — Baby Animals: Find out how different animals start their lives, challenges they may overcome, and watch them grow.

    May through August programs will be available on February 15.


    NOTE: Each child must be accompanied by an adult; adult is free. Dress for the weather, as program includes an outdoor component. In poor weather, full program may move indoors.

    For any questions, please contact ParksInfo@waukeshacounty.gov.

  • Strong Bodies Class (Waukesha) February 11, 2026

    StrongBodies ongoing workshop. Brought to you by the ADRC of Waukesha County. Registration required!

    When: Mondays and Wednesdays 9:15—10:30am
    Where: Salem United Methodist Church, 541 WI-59, Waukesha (on the WI-59 bypass just south of E. Broadway)

    StrongBodies is a progressive strength training class. The benefits of strength training include increased strength, muscle mass, bone density, and the ability to do activities of daily living. Strength training can reduce the risk for chronic diseases and can reduce your risk of falling injury.

    To register email cklepp@waukeshacounty.gov or call Courtney at 262-444-9102

     

  • Wee Wonders (Retzer) February 11, 2026

    WEE WONDERS

    Discover nature in a fun, hands-on way! Wee Wonders is a monthly program for kids (ages 2-4) to explore, learn, and get curious about the world around them.


    DATES/TIMES: Second Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday of the month • 9:30-10:30 a.m.* (all days) • 1-2 p.m. (Tuesday only)

    *April 2026 program falls on third Wednesday and Thursday


    LOCATION: Retzer Nature Center (S14W28167 Madison St, Waukesha, WI)


    COST: $6 per child per date (ages 2-4)


    REGISTRATION: Required; register online by noon the day before. Walk-ins are welcome if space allows; call ahead and arrive by 9:15 a.m.


    Same program offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.

    FEBRUARY 10, 11, or 12 — Awesome Owls: Observe and learn about these wonderful birds and hear about a “little owl's night.”
    MARCH 10, 11, or 12 — Life in a Shell: We will find out how many different things in our world have shells, plus see and feel some things up close!
    APRIL 14, 15, or 16 — Baby Animals: Find out how different animals start their lives, challenges they may overcome, and watch them grow.

    May through August programs will be available on February 15.


    NOTE: Each child must be accompanied by an adult; adult is free. Dress for the weather, as program includes an outdoor component. In poor weather, full program may move indoors.

    For any questions, please contact ParksInfo@waukeshacounty.gov.

Community Health Education Classes

Waukesha County Public Health offers a wide range of community education classes designed to support your health, well-being, and everyday life. Whether you’re looking to plan ahead, build healthy habits, manage stress, learn about disease prevention, or simply connect with others in a welcoming environment, these sessions provide practical, evidence-based information you can use right away. Our classes are interactive, approachable, and open to community members of all backgrounds — no prior experience or expertise required. Each topic is led by knowledgeable professionals who aim to create a supportive space for learning, reflection, and conversation.

This session helps individuals understand the importance of advance care planning and how to communicate healthcare wishes before a crisis occurs. Participants will learn about healthcare decision-making, advance directives, and how to start meaningful conversations with loved ones and providers so their values and preferences are respected.

  • Understand your future options.
  • Think about and discuss your healthcare goals.
  • Work on an advance care plan to share with family and doctors.

Learn practical, everyday strategies to support brain health and cognitive well-being at any age. This class explores how lifestyle factors such as physical activity, nutrition, sleep, stress management, and social connection can help maintain memory and reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

  • Dementia isn’t a normal part of aging.
  • Learn how to keep your brain healthy and lower your risk.

Quality sleep plays a critical role in physical and mental health. This class explores common sleep challenges, the impact of sleep on overall well-being, and simple habits that can help improve sleep quality, energy levels, and daily functioning.

  • 1 in 3 adults don't get enough sleep.
  • Learn what stops you from sleeping well and how to fix it.

This educational session focuses on breast health awareness, including understanding breast changes, screening recommendations, and risk factors. Participants will learn how early detection and preventive care support long-term health and when to talk with a healthcare provider.

  • Learn about factors linked to breast cancer.
  • Find out how to reduce your risk.
  • Get screening recommendations and tips for advocating for your care.

Journaling can be a powerful tool for managing stress and processing emotions. This interactive class introduces guided journaling techniques that promote reflection, emotional awareness, and stress relief. No writing experience is needed — just a willingness to explore self-expression.

  • Learn about stress and its effects on your health.
  • Try journaling to help manage stress.

This class provides an overview of gynecological cancers, including common types, risk factors, warning signs, and screening recommendations. Participants will gain knowledge to support informed conversations with healthcare providers and understand the importance of early detection.

  • Learn about the five main types of gynecologic cancers.
  • Discover risk factors and warning signs.
  • Understand how to protect yourself and others.

Strong bones are essential for mobility and independence. This class covers bone health across the lifespan, including osteoporosis prevention, nutrition, physical activity, and fall prevention strategies that help protect bone strength and reduce fracture risk.

  •  

    Discover why good bone health is important.
  • Learn about osteoporosis and how to reduce your risk.

Heart disease and stroke are leading causes of illness, yet many risk factors are preventable. This session explores warning signs, lifestyle habits, and prevention strategies that support heart health, including nutrition, physical activity, stress management, and regular health screenings.

  • Learn about the risks of heart disease and stroke.
  • Make small lifestyle changes to protect your heart.

Laughter truly can be good medicine. This light-hearted session explores how laughter and positive emotions can support physical health, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being — while offering participants a chance to relax, connect, and enjoy the moment.

  • Learn how laughter can reduce stress and improve health.
  • Discover fun ways to add more laughter to your life.

Laughter Yoga combines intentional laughter with gentle movement and breathing exercises to promote relaxation and stress relief. No yoga mats or flexibility required — just an open mind and a willingness to laugh together in a supportive, welcoming space.

  • Learn about the benefits of laughter yoga.
  • Try laughing exercises to boost your health and have fun.

This class encourages open conversation about mental health and helps reduce stigma. Participants will learn about common mental health challenges, signs of distress, and ways to support themselves and others — emphasizing that mental health is an essential part of overall health.

  • Talk about mental health to remove stigma.
  • Learn why mental health is key to overall wellness.

This session provides practical nutrition guidance to support overall health and disease prevention. Topics may include balanced eating, understanding food labels, portion sizes, and making realistic, sustainable choices that fit everyday life.

  • Understand what healthy eating means.
  • Learn about portion control, reading labels, and balanced diets.

This class raises awareness about prescription and over-the-counter medications and the risk of opioid misuse. Participants will learn how to safely store, use, and dispose of medications, recognize warning signs, and understand how prevention protects individuals, families, and communities.

  • Learn how opioids affect the body.
  • Discover ways to prevent misuse and stay safe.

Learn how lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of developing type 2 diabetes. This class focuses on healthy eating, physical activity, weight management, and understanding risk factors — offering realistic steps that support long-term health.

  • Learn about prediabetes and its risks.
  • Take steps to prevent type 2 diabetes.

(Grapevine & Beyond the Roll Series Options)
This reflective class explores self-care beyond simple tips, encouraging participants to recognize stress, acknowledge personal needs, and take meaningful action. Through discussion and guided activities, participants learn practical ways to build resilience and emotional well-being.

  • Discover the importance of self-care for good health.
  • Learn practical tips for physical, mental, and spiritual health.

QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) training teaches participants how to recognize the warning signs of suicide, ask direct questions, offer support, and connect someone to help. This evidence-based training empowers individuals to act confidently and compassionately in moments that matter.

  • QPR stands for Question, Persuade, Refer.
  • Learn how to help someone in crisis and potentially save a life.
  • Understand the signs of a crisis and how to respond.

Using a fun and engaging theme, this preparedness class teaches real-world emergency readiness skills. Participants learn how to plan for disasters, build emergency kits, and stay informed — turning a playful concept into practical preparedness for everyday emergencies.

  • Are you Ready for a Zombie Apocalypse?
  • Learn the skills you need to survive any disaster (Including a Zombie Pandemic)