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.
This class offers a great first step on a new journey to overcome life’s challenges. You will learn to reflect on experiences and reframe their impact on your future. Participants will reconnect with core strengths and values, gain confidence, and find a new sense of belonging.
The winter/spring class runs for five weeks: Mondays & Wednesdays, February 6-March 8 from 2:00 –4:00 pm
This class will help you move forward in your journey to make positive changes in your life, with a focus on community-building, reflection, and practical exercises. You will find renewed energy to keep reaching for and achieving your life goals and success.
The winter/spring class runs for six weeks: Mondays & Wednesdays, March 27 – May 3 from 10:00 am-12:00 pm
This course provides a safe, peaceful space for growing and learning about topics such as strength, hope, peace, gratitude, and celebration. Each session brings with it a challenge and invitation to practice the new skills between meetings.?Participants are encouraged to trust and respect the group dynamic to nurture individuals’ and the group’s wellbeing.
This winter class runs for six weeks: Wednesdays, Feb. 1 – March 8 from 10:00 am -11:30 am
Learn alternative self-care healing tools you can practice on yourself at home to help you release stress and tension from your body and mind, recharge yourself, gain clarity or new perspective, and allow you to respond to challenges in supportive, life-affirming ways.
This class runs for six weeks: Wednesdays, March 29 – May 3 from 12:30 –1:30 pm
Meet Guest Instructor Naomi Mitsuda: Naomi is a holistic energy coach whose focus is on validating and nurturing your inner being, truth and freedom. She offers transformational classes that empower you with self-care tools and practices. Naomi is also a graduate of our Small Business Start Up Class.
Join us for this engaging support group for men and male-identified persons.?Learn from each other as you explore your circumstances, your experiences, and your goals.?This program will grow your skills in building supportive relationships with other men as you challenge and sustain each other, work through personal goals and life transitions, and learn how to show up for yourself and others. Regular attendance is expected for ongoing participation in this group.
Schedule: Mondays, 1:30 – 2:30 pm from February 13 – June 5 (with breaks decided by instructor & group members)
Michael Hechmer, Men Moving Forward Facilitator:
Michael is a retired interfaith chaplain with lots of experience working with men and leading groups. For ten years he led monthly groups on conflict resolution at Washington Prison in New York and for four years lead a meditation group at NWCC in Swanton. He facilitated this program for five years before the COVID-19 interruption. He co-founded the Wisdom Community at Rock Point and continues in a leadership role.
Registration open through February 24 (email Raquel Aronhime if interested: raronhime@mercyconnections.org)
Make an action plan to get ahead with the life you want to lead. With participant input, classes will bring in resources and guest presenters from community partners on topics such as mental and physical health, financial services and budgeting skills, news and access to technology and more. Participants will learn about SMART goals and be supported as they take steps to implement their plans and develop new skills.
Schedule: Wednesdays, 5:00 -6:30 pm from April 12 – June 7
Instructor: Heather Gilbert
Location: Mercy Connections/hybrid
Want to make a difference in your community? This program will provide you with leadership skills to help with this. Our one-of-a-kind leadership and civic experience combines exciting community-based projects with leadership and self-awareness activities for all abilities. As you participate, you will gain confidence and find your voice about the issues affecting you and your family.
Schedule: *The current class is under way. To learn more, contact Raquel Aronhime: raronhime@mercyconnections.org
Circle is a supportive experience where people 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.?This program requires you to register, but you may drop in even if you cannot attend each week.
Schedule: Thursdays, 11:00 am – 12:00 pm from January 26 – June 8
Location: Mercy Connections
Sr. Ann Duhaime, R.S.M., Circle Facilitator:
Sr. Ann, a Sister of Mercy, has a ministry of Spiritual Direction and Retreats. She is a Healing Touch Practitioner and also has experience as a Hospital/Hospice Chaplain. She has worked for many years at a holistic center of renewal for Sisters in Minnesota and welcomes all to Circle of Support program at Mercy Connections.
To register or learn more, contact Raquel Aronhime: raronhime@mercyconnections.org
We shape who we are by the stories we tell from our past. These stories enable us to share our lives with other people and clarify who we are. In this 6-week class we will explore how to select a story we want to tell, and then shape it for performance. Storytelling aloud is different from writing a story. We will learn techniques for creating and performing our own stories. We will also practice strategies for dealing with the anxiety that often arises when we perform for others. The last class will be an informal show, for family and friends. No experience in storytelling is required!
Schedule: Mondays, March 20 - April 24 from 4:00 – 5:00 pm
Guest Instructor Bio: Peter Burns
Peter Burns has been a professional storyteller for more than 40 years. His work has been featured on National Public Radio and New Hampshire Public Radio. He is an active participant in the autobiographical storytelling scene in Burlington. He blogs about bike riding and walking for Local Motion and has been a scholar with the Vermont Humanities Council since 1989. This class is offered in partnership with Vermont Humanities Council.
Students in session I will be reading Our Missing Hearts, by Celeste Ng. The themes we will discuss include the power of art to create change, racism and bias against Asian-Americans, censorship and government voice vs individual freedoms, the meaning of patriotism, family systems and our resilience to survive heartache. Books are provided free of charge from Vermont Humanities Council.
Session I Schedule (10 weeks): January 26 - March 30, Thursdays 1:30 – 4:00 pm - class is full.
Students in session II will be reading Atlas of the Heart, by Brene Brown. Books are provided free of charge from Vermont Humanities Council.
Session II Schedule (8 weeks): April 20 - June 8, Thursdays 1:30 – 4:00 pm - Register today!
Each workshop below meets on two consecutive Wednesdays ?
Instructor:Heather Gilbert, Location: Mercy Connections
Connecting Today to the Future: March 15 & 22 2:00 -4:30 pm Register
In this workshop, you will participate in helpful guided activities to practice connecting more deeply with your goals. Explore your intentions, hopes, and dreams. You will gain insights into how self-control, inspiration, and positivity can support your success.
Inspire Your Life: May 17 & 24 2:00 -4:30 pm Register
Come discover what inspires you & create a motivating vision of your life. In this workshop, you will learn how creativity can expand your potential to adapt, grow and move forward. Participate in group discussions and creative assignments to develop an inspired vision of your life.
“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