Personal Growth
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+ and 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.
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 Facilitator 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
January 22 - May 28
Time: 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: January 22
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
January 22 - June 03
Time: 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Facilitator: Michael Hechmer
How to Register: Register online by clicking the button below or call Raquel at 802-846-7162
Registration Deadline: January 15. To register after the deadline, please contact Raquel.
Description: This program is aimed for those who are looking to gain leadership skills to make a difference in their community. This one-of-a-kind leadership and civic experience program combines exciting 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 families.
Date: Tuesdays, January 23 - May 28
Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructors: Heather Gilbert & Vicky Tamas
Registration Deadline: January 23
How to Register: Click the button below to register online, or contact Heather Gilbert at 802-846-7294Register Here
Description: Participants will read the historical fictional novel entitled “The Book Thief,” by Markus Zusak. Set in Germany during World War II, this story is about a young girl whose family protects a young Jewish man, and how she finds comfort in books.
Participants will explore the themes of love and hate in human culture, acts of genuine kindness to Jews amidst the war, and how antisemitism or hate against any group of people impacts everyone, especially given recent antisemitic and anti-Muslim events.
The class will also consider the power of literacy as a way to gain a sense of control when the world seems chaotic and uncertain. Students will read about 30 pages weekly for homework and discussion, and will have weekly writing assignments, which may be shared. 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. Books are provided free by Vermont Humanities.
Date: Thursdays, January 25 - June 06
Time: 1:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Melissa Lang & Peter Burns
How to Register: Sign up online by clicking the button below or call Melissa at 802-846-7084
Registration Deadline: January 18
Description: This program aims to equip participants with confidence and basic organizational tools for managing time and money. It also will support the exploration of more in-depth personal finance programs available in the community.
Participants will meet as a group once a week for four weeks to learn about and practice with various planning tools and resources. After the four sessions, each participant attends at least one of three follow up-sessions monthly.
Date: Mondays, January 22 - February 19 with follow-up sessions monthly on March 25, April 22 and May 20
Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Heather Gilbert
How to Register: Sign up online by clicking the button below or call Heather at 802-846-7294
Registration Deadline: January 22
To register after the deadline, please contact Heather
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.
Date: Thursdays, January 25 - June 06
Time: 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Facilitator: Sr. Ann Duhaime, R.S.M.
How to Register: Sign up online by clicking the button below or contact Raquel 802-846-7162
Registration Deadline: January 18
Description: Crafters and makers 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 2024.
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, January 25 - June 06
Time: 9:00 am - 11:00 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: January 25 To register after this date please contact Heather
Description: This course facilitates the process of self discovery and is a perfect introduction to Personal Growth programming 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.
Date: Wednesdays, February 21 - April 24
Time: 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
Where: In-person at Mercy Connections
Instructor: Heather Gilbert
How to Register: Sign up online by clicking the button below or contact Heather at 802-846-7294
To register after the deadline, please contact Heather
Description: Participants will learn about their own "growth mindset" and how to incorporate it into their life. Through activities and reflections, participants will explore how to grow towards a desired life balance that includes basic needs, love, power, freedom and fun.
Date: Wednesdays, February 14, 21 and 28
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Where: Online
Instructor: Heather Gilbert
How to Register: Sign up online by clicking the button below or contact Heather at 802-846-7294
To register after the deadline, please contact Heather
Description: Participants will discover what motivates them and create a vision for their life. This workshop series will encourage participants to learn how creativity can expand one's potential to adapt, grow and move forward.
When: Wednesdays, March 13, 20 and 27
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Where: Online
Instructor: Heather Gilbert
How to Register: Sign up online by clicking the button below or contact Heather at 802-846-7294
Registration Deadline: March 13
To register after the deadline, please contact Heather
Description: Participants will analyze where they find inspiration in life through examples of language, arts, people and writing. They will have a chance to reimagine what inspires them and brings joy to their lives. Students will also learn how creativity can expand their potential to adapt, grow and move forward.
Date: Wednesdays, May 15, 22 and 29
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Where: Online
Instructor: Heather Gilbert
How to Register: Sign up online by clicking the button below or contact Heather at 802-846-7294
Registration Deadline: May 15
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