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Personal Growth
Programs to Inspire Confidence and Balance
Participants find their core strengths and make positive changes that can transform their lives.
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+.
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.
See below for class descriptions and further information and sign up today. All classes are held in person at Mercy Connections unless otherwise noted. Classes are listed in date order according to when they begin.
Session 1
Date: Mondays, January 27 - March 03
Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Heather Gilbert
Description: This program aims to equip participants with confidence and basic organizational tools for managing time and money. It will also support the exploration of more in-depth personal finance programs available in the community.
Participants will meet as a group once a week for six weeks to learn about and practice with various planning tools and resources.
Registration: Select the button below to register online, or contact Heather Gilbert by email, or call 802-846-7294
Registration Deadline: January 20
Session 2
Date: Mondays, April 07 - June 02
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Heather Gilbert
Description: This course facilitates the process of self discovery and is a perfect introduction to Personal Growth education at Mercy Connections. Participants will build on their life experiences and reframe the impact of their future through guided activities.
The program aims to connect participants to their inner strengths, gain confidence and find a new sense of belonging and community.
Registration: Select the button below to register online, or contact Heather Gilbert by email, or call 802-846-7294
Registration Deadline: April 01
Session 1
Date: Mondays, January 27 - March 24
Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Session 2
Date: Mondays, April 07 - June 02
Time: 1:00 - 2:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Michael Hechmer
Description: An engaging support group for men and male-identifying persons. Participants will learn from one another as they explore circumstances, experiences and goals over the course of the session.
This program is intended for participants to grow skills in building supportive relationships with other men to challenge and sustain one another, work through personal goals and life transitions, and learn how to show up consistently for themselves and others.
Registration: Select the button below to register online, or Raquel Aronhime by email or phone at 802-846-7162
Registration Deadline: Session 1 by February 03, Session 2 by April 06
Date: Tuesdays, January 21 - May 6
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Heather Gilbert
Description: This one-of-a-kind leadership and civic experience program combines exciting self-designed community-based projects, field trips, and presentations from diverse leaders, as well as leadership and self-awareness activities for all abilities.
Through participation, students will gain confidence, develop a personal leadership style and find a voice in relation to the issues affecting themselves and their community.
*Note: This program is considered an advanced-level Personal Growth program, and therefore has the below listed requirements to apply.
Registration Requirements:
Registration: Contact Heather Gilbert by email, or call 802-846-7294 to complete a required application.
Registration Deadline: January 17
Session 1
Date: Wednesdays, January 22 - March 26
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Session 2
Date: Wednesdays, April 09 - June 11
Time: 1:00 - 3:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Heather Gilbert
Description: In this class, participants will practice public speaking skills in a safe and supporting setting among peers.
Participants will learn about basic concepts and tools to help address nerves, organize a talk, and more. Participants will also be expected to prepare brief presentations and apply what they learn.
Registration: Select the button below to register online, or contact Heather Gilbert by email, or call 802-846-7294
Registration Deadline: Session 1 by January 17, Session 2 by April 07
Session 1
Date: Thursdays, January 23 - March 27
Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 am
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Heather Gilbert
Description: Crafters and makers are supported in a co-working environment to develop and create products to sell at craft and art fairs, including Mercy Connections' Mercy Marketplace fair that takes place in November 2025.
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.
How to Register: Select the button below to register online, or contact Heather Gilbert by email, or call 802-846-7294
Registration Deadline: Ongoing
Date: Thursdays, January 23 - June 05
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Ann Duhaime, RSM
Description: Circle is a supportive experience where people can take time to reflect on hope, peace and healing. Participants may find renewal and gain strength as they listen and talk about experiences. This is a special time to feel part of a nurturing community and imagine new possibilities. Participants are welcome to stay after and join us for our weekly Community Lunch program to enjoy a hot meal together.
*Note: This program does require registration, but participants are not required to attend every session.
Registration: Select the button below to register online, or contact Heather Gilbert by email or call 802-846-7294
Registration Deadline: This is a drop-in program. You may register ahead online, or attend the day of and/or multiple days.
Session 1
Date: Mondays, March 10, 17 and 24
Time: 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Heather Gilbert
Description: Participants will discover what their own growth mindset is, and how to incorporate it into their lives.
Through activities and reflections, participants will explore how to grow towards a desired life balance that includes basic needs, love, power, freedom and fun.
How to Register: Select the button below to register online, or contact Heather Gilbert by email, or call 802-846-7294
Registration Deadline: March 03
Session 1
Date: Thursdays, January 23 - March 27
Time: 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Session 2
Date: Thursdays, April 10 - June 05
Time: 1:30 - 4:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructors: Melissa Lang & Peter Burns
Description: This class is designed for native English readers, writers and speakers, as well as advanced-level English language learning students. Participants will read Life of Pi , by Yann Martel. Life of Pi is a fictional novel about a boy from India who survives a shipwreck and travels 227 days on the Pacific Ocean. He is accompanied by a Bengal tiger and other animals.
Students will read 25-35 pages per week for homework, and in-class discussions will include the role of spirituality in one’s life, resilience, self-reliance and survival. The nature of reality and how stories are told and perceived will also be explored.
Each week, students will be expected to produce one piece of writing chosen from a list of prompts. In class, they will share their writings and provide feedback to peers with a goal of helping one another become stronger writers.
Note: Books are provided free of charge for participants, thanks to the generosity of Vermont Humanities.
Registration: Contact Melissa Lang by email, or call 802-846-7084
Registration Deadlines: Session 1 by January 16, Session 2 by April 03
“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
Your gift to Mercy Connections directly supports the hundreds of students and participants relying on this work to take steps forward in their lives. Invest in your community—support Mercy Connections.