At Mercy Connections, every person, regardless of life circumstances, experiences dignity, compassion, and the opportunity to pursue personal aspirations within a supportive community. Our programs change lives.
Volunteers are critical pieces of Mercy Connections, interwoven into people's lives and success stories, making our whole community a better place. We can’t do this work without you.
Primarily funded by donors and private foundations, your investment in Mercy Connections makes a meaningful difference right here in Vermont. Please help support this mission.
As an educational and social justice organization, Mercy Connections empowers people to make significant life changes. It is a place to learn, grow, heal, and build community. Everyone—participants, volunteers, donors, and sponsors, alike—is a critical piece of our symbiotic mix. When all the pieces come together, we can all be the best we can be.
37 businesses launched and expanded
This year, 37 new businesses were launched and expanded in Vermont.
1,661 meals and essentials provided
Healthy and fresh food are offered to participants, along with other essentials, each week.
14,280 hours of service
136 volunteers dedicated more 14,280 volunteer hours in the past year.
116 programs delivered
We continued to meet community needs with a variety of programs. This reflects a 135% growth in the number of programs delivered since 2022.
100% gained connection
Every one of our program participants reported increased feelings of hope, connection or belonging.
98% made progress
Participants made progress toward their academic and life goals.
At Mercy Connections, we bring people together to nurture connections and build networks which offer participants, volunteers, and other partners a rewarding opportunity for personal growth. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.
Programs are FREE for all adults. Register today!
Classes kick off in September and run through December.
Head to each program section of our website for further information, or download the program guide by clicking below. We hope to see you!
STORY
Read stories from our participants that describe the impact of Mercy Connections.
U.S. Citizenship Participant
Jidapa has been a student at Mercy Connections since 2022, enrolled in the U.S. Citizenship Preparation Tutoring program. After a year and a half of studying, she took and passed the U.S. Citizenship Test in 2024.
Becoming a Leader
"I cannot wait to start helping others like they have helped me. Mercy Connections has been such a positive support system in my life and to my sobriety."
Opening doors for entrepreneurs
"Mercy Connections, to me, was an open door to the Burlington and Vermont community. I want to be an inspiration to those who face difficulties in life. No matter what YOU are going through, you can use your story to inspire others."
I became my own best advocate through Mercy Connections
"I’ve been going to Mercy Connections for six years, and there I have a loving supporting community. There’s the family you are born into and the family you make."
