Personal Growth
Personal Growth
Programs to inspire confidence & balance
Participants find their core strengths and make positive changes that can transform their lives.
Supportive classes in a healing environment
All of our personal growth programs give people a sense of belonging and validation. Participants are always treated with respect and kindness so that they may learn, cultivate inner strengths, and find purpose.
All programs are free and are open to any student, aged 18+, all genders unless otherwise noted.
Questions? Call us at (802) 846-7063 and we’ll tell you more. We can help you find the right class that meets your needs right now.
Our Fall session starts very soon! See below for class descriptions and further information and sign up today. All classes are held in person at Mercy Connections unless otherwise noted.
Description: Draw lessons from the journey of two principal characters in the book "Two Old Women", by Velma Wallis.
Based on an Athabascan legend passed along from mother to daughter for many generations on the upper Yukon River in Alaska, the story is about two older Indigenous women who are left in the wilderness to survive. Class participants will identify parallels and find strengths in their own lives to find ways of living, problem solving and building community.
Date: Wednesdays
November 01-December 13
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Heather Gilbert
How to Register: Sign up online by pressing the button below or call Heather at 802-846-7294
Registration Deadline: November 01
To register after the deadline please contact Heather
Description: Circle is a supportive experience for people to reflect on peace, hope and healing. Participants find renewal and gain strength as they listen to and talk about experiences.
Enjoy this special time to feel part of a nurturing community and imagine new possibilities.
Date: Thursdays
September 21 - December 14
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Facilitator: Sr. Ann Duhaime, RSM
How to Register: Register online by clicking the button below or call Raquel at 802-846-7162
Note: This is our only Personal Growth drop-in program. Register anytime during the session to join once or multiple times.
Description: Students will read "The Most Costly Journey", which is a s a
compilation of stories about the challenges of Latinx migrants and immigrant economic workers living in Vermont.
Students will read approximately 20-pages for homework each week and will be expected to write one piece of writing based on prompts. In class, they will discuss the reading and share writings. Participants provide feedback to peers with the goal of helping one another become stronger writers.
This class is designed for native English: readers, writers and speakers. English Language Learners are welcome, but need to possess and advanced level of written English. Books are provided free of charge by Vermont Humanities.
Date: Thursdays
September 21 - December 14
Time: 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructors: Melissa Lang and Peter Burns
Registration Deadline: September 13
How to Register: Contact Melissa Lang at 802-846-7084
Description: Join us for this engaging support group for men and male-identifying persons. Learn from one other as participants explore their circumstances, experiences and goals over the course of a semester.
This program will grow skills in building supportive relationships with other men, how to challenge and sustain one another, work through personal goals and life transitions and learn how to show up consistently for both self
and others.
Date: Mondays
September 18 - December 11
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Michael Hechmer
How to Register: Sign up online by clicking the button below or call Raquel at 802-846-7162
Registration Deadline: September 13
Description: Make an action plan to get ahead with the life you want to lead. Based on participants’ goals and interests, classes will bring in resources and guest presenters from community partners on topics such as mental and physical health, financial tools and technology.
Participants will learn how to create SMART goals and form a community of support as they take steps to implement their plans.
Date: Mondays
November 06 - December 11
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections and online
Instructor: Heather Gilbert
How to Register: Sign up online by clicking the button below or call Heather at 802-846-7294
Registration Deadline: November 06
To register after the deadline, please contact Heather
Description: This course is for artists and/or crafters who have dreamed of selling their work. In this 13-week vendor training course, participants will apply project management skills to explore how to sell products to the public.
Students will learn how to assess the market for products and what makes their work unique. They will also learn how to create a budget, price products, how to work with customers and handle money.
Date: Tuesdays, September 19 - December 12
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructors: Heather Gilbert & Victoria Tamas
How to Register: Sign up online by clicking the button below or contact Heather at 802-846-7294
Registration Deadline: September 19
Description: In this class, makers and crafters are supported in a co-working environment to develop and create products to sell at craft and art fairs, as well as Mercy Connections’ own “Mercy Marketplace” fair in December.
Participants work one-on-one with instructors to design and create products, hone time and project management skills and set sales goals for vending opportunities that they wish to pursue.
Date: Thursdays, September 21 - December 14
Time: 9:00 am - 10:30 am
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Heather Gilbert
Registration: Sign up online by clicking the button below or contact Heather at 802-846-7294
Registration Deadline: September 21
To register after this date please contact Heather
Description: This six-hour workshop over three days focuses on helping participants discover their strengths, open up to joy and move towards balance in their life.
Through activities and reflections, participants will focus on their authentic self as well as learn and practice core life skills that promote connection to others and personal growth.
Date: Wednesdays, October 04, 11, and 18
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections and online
Instructor: Heather Gilbert
How to Register: Sign up online by clicking the button below or call Heather at 802-846-7294 To register after the deadline, please contact Heather
Description: Participants will discover what inspires them and create a motivating vision of their life. This workshop series will encourage participants to learn how creativity can expand one's potential to adapt, grow and move forward.
Group discussions and creative assignments will encourage students to develop an inspired vision of their life.
Date: Wednesdays, November 01, 08 and 15
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections and online
Instructor: Heather Gilbert
How to Register: Sign up online by clicking the button below or call Heather at 802-846-7294 To register after the deadline, please contact Heather
Description: In this program, participants will learn how to welcome new possibilities by setting their mind toward growth and change. Additionally, they will develop meaningful goals and strategize how to navigate obstacles.
Through group discussions and creative activities, participants will develop a vision and plan for making progress in 2024.
When: Wednesdays, November 29, December 06 and 13
Time: 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections and online
Instructor: Heather Gilbert
How to Register: Sign up online by clicking the button below or call Heather at 802-846-7294
Registration Deadline: November 29
To register after the deadline, please contact Heather
“I received so much positive, encouraging support. I gained a vision of what’s important to me and what I want to bring into and have in my life.”
- ‘Developing Self’ class participant