Exciting times at Mercy Connections

We’re converting challenges and obstacles into opportunities, blessings and results.  Join us!
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2018 McAuley Award receipient: Sara Byers
Sara Byers headshot Photo Credit: Stephen Mease Photography
Photo credit: Stephen Mease Photography
We are pleased to share that Sara Byers, President and Co-Owner of Leonardo’s Pizza, will be this year’s recipient of the Catherine McAuley award. “Walking into Mercy Connections for the first time was like walking into a ray of sunshine; it was warm, beautiful and nurturing,” Byers says. “It conveyed tremendous hope and empowerment.  Leaving the Thursday lunch that day, I was changed.” The award will be bestowed at Mercy Connections Annual May Luncheon on May 3, 2018. Tickets for the event will go on sale in late February.
Vermont Women’s Mentoring Program training in Febraury
Nina and Pam posing together
Mercy Connections continues to partner with the Vermont Department of Corrections to support women making the transition from Vermont’s correctional facilities back into the community. We match mentors and mentees carefully to help ensure their experience will be successful.To become a mentor, join us on February 7, 2018 at 5:30 pm for Orientation. For more information please contact Joanne Nelson, Director of Justice & Mentoring Programs, at (802) 846-7164or jnelson@mercyconnections.org
To learn more about our justice and mentoring initiatives, please email Joanne Nelson, Director of Justice & Mentoring Programs, or call (802) 846-7164.
Meet our new Start Up instructors
Ashley and Claire headshots
We are pleased to introduce Ashley Sandy, of LONDONmiddlebury, and Claire Wheeler, of Re:work, as two new instructors in the 15-week Start Up: Comprehensive Business Planning class.  These skilled entrepreneurs bring relevant experience to the curriculum as they support the launch of new businesses. Ashley teaches the Marketing curriculum, while Claire teaches Business Management and Professional Development.
Contact Carmen Tall to learn more about our WSBP classes, tuition fees and to register for classes. 
Tutoring at Mercy Connections

Tutoring participants and tutors learning together in classroom space

Tuesday and Thursday mornings at Mercy Connections remain active while adult participants attend Tutoring sessions for a wide variety of subjects, including: reading, writing, mathematics, English language learning, and more. Facilitated by Lead Teacher, Melissa Lang, a group of volunteers work with individual and group learners to develop skills in these areas.
If you are interested or know people who could benefit from our classes, please email Cathy Ainsworth, or call (802) 846-7162.
VSECU Members: Vote for Mercy Connections
VSECU logo

Mercy Connections has been identified as one of five organizations to receive funds from We Care 2, a member-directed giving program through VSECU. Funds will be distributed to impact Vermonters’ essential needs in the areas of food, shelter, heat, environment, or financial education. If awarded We Care 2 funds, we will enhance our education and financial literacy efforts. People will acquire skills and access programs that will result in bank ready business plans, reduced debt, increased financial literacy, increased confidence and motivation and a much needed sense of belonging and community. To learn more and vote, visit the We Care 2 webpage.
Mercy Connections awarded $45,000 Mayor’s Prize

Carmen Tall, with Mayor Miro Weinberger and other Mayor's Prize recipients

Mercy Connections is one of four organizations awarded the first Mayor’s Prize, from the Community and Economic Development Office and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, to support entrepreneurship. The funds will support the Women’s Small Business Program to better engage and promote our alumni businesses, strengthen our entrepreneurial team to increase support for entrepreneurs and allow for new, innovative programs.
Upcoming Events

Vermont Women’s Mentoring Program orientation
Wednesday, February 7, 5:30 pm

Developing Self graduation
Wednesday, February 28, 10:30 am

Save the Date
Annual May Luncheon
Thursday, May 3, 11:00 am

Your gift to makes a difference.  

Nurturing Self-Sufficiency through Education, Mentoring, Entrepreneurship and Community