Personal Growth
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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.
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+.
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.
Description: Participants sign up for three to six one-on-one sessions with the Personal Growth Coordinator to prepare for or build upon the concepts taught within personal growth programming.
Concepts include life skills such as time and money management, goal setting, communication skills and building positive relationships. Participants will create specific goals and set up a plan for self-assessment with their instructor.
Date: Mondays or Thursdays, by appointment
July 08 - August 08
Time:
Tuesdays between 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Thursdays between 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Heather Gilbert
How to Register: Email Heather Gilbert or call 802-846-7294
Registration Deadline: July 01
Limited spots available. A waitlist will be maintained if needed. To register after the deadline please contact Heather.
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 semester.
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 themself and others.
Date: Mondays
July 08 - August 08
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Facilitator: Jacob Cribbs
How to Register: Register online by clicking the button below or contact Jacob 802-846-7390
Registration Deadline: July 01
Description: Circle is a supportive experience where people can take time to reflect on peace, hope and healing. Participants find renewal and gain strength as they listen to and talk about experiences. This is a special time to feel part of a nurturing community and imagine new possibilities.
This program does require registration, but participants are not required to attend every session.
This Monday session is held online ONLY. There is an in-person option on Thursdays that you can sign up for in the list of classes below.
Date: Mondays, July 08 - August 05
Time: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Where: via Zoom
Facilitator: Heather Gilbert
Registration Deadline: Registration required before each session
How to Register: Click the button below to register online, or contact Heather Gilbert at 802-846-7294Register Here
Description: Find inspiration and great discussion at this drop-in community building program. Participants will watch a brief TED Talk or other thought-provoking videos, and then engage in a facilitated discussion of the ideas presented.
Date: Tuesdays, July 09 - August 06
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Heather Gilbert
How to Register: Sign up online by clicking the button below or contact Heather Gilbert 802-846-7294
Registration Deadline: Register once to attend one or more weeks this summer. First session registration deadline is July 02.
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.
Date: Wednesdays, July 10 - August 07
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Heather Gilbert
How to Register: Sign up online by clicking the button below or contact Heather at 802-846-7294
Registration Deadline: July 03
To register after the deadline, please contact Heather
Description: Participants will read and discuss "The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet" by acclaimed author John Green. In this memoirist collection of essays, Green reviews facets of the human experience that include diverse topics such as the penguins of Madagascar, Halley's Comet, Canadian geese, and hot dogs.
Each week, participants will have a reading assignment and will be expected to produce one piece of writing.
In class, they will discuss the reading and share their writings. Participants will 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 an advanced level of spoken and written English. There is a Pens & Pages option for ELL students under the classes listed for English Language Learning for those who do not yet possess advanced-level English.
Books are provided free, thanks to the generosity of Vermont Humanities.
Date: Thursdays, July 11 - August 15
Time: 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructors: Melissa Lang & Peter Burns
How to Register: Sign up online by clicking the button below or email/call Melissa at 802-846-7084
Registration Deadline: July 01
Description: Circle is a supportive experience where people can take time to reflect on peace, hope and healing. Participants find renewal and gain strength as they listen to and talk about experiences. This is a special time to feel part of a nurturing community and imagine new possibilities.
This program does require registration, but participants are not required to attend every session.
This is an in-person ONLY option for Thursdays. There is an online option on Mondays that you can sign up for in the list of classes above.
Date: Thursdays, July 11 - August 08
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Facilitator: Joanne Nelson
Registration Deadline: Registration required before each session
How to Register: Click the button below to register online, or contact Heather Gilbert at 802-846-7294Register Here
“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