Everybody needs a helping hand from time to time. Sometimes it's a friend who takes the time to listen, and sometimes it's a teacher who gives a helping hand to a student. For the past 10 years a program in southern Vermont has been giving a helping hand to help women get back on their feet. Making the Most of I is a free program for women that offers support, education and resources for making healthy changes in their lives. Some of the topics discussed include self esteem, body image, stress reduction, communication and conflict resolution, and managing money. "This program is here to help women get back to school or become a better parent or a better partner," said Nancy Clingan, who runs the Making the Most of I program. "It becomes life-changing, and that's hopefully what we're doing." Classes run for 14 weeks and are offered in several parts of the state, including the prisons in Waterbury and Windsor. Clingan said many of the women who go through the program undergo tremendous transformations. She says there're more hopeful, learn to connect with other women and helps them to feel empowered. "The beauty of the program is seeing how women connect with each other," Clingan said. "They network and share resources among
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themselves, and it helps them feel empowered." Clingan has seen some women go from helpless and hopeless to owning their own business and thriving. That's why Clingan feels it is so important to offer these classes for free to women. Making the Most of I programs are completely run with grants, donations and fundraisers for the past 10 years. "So many services and educational programs are so out of reach for women," Clingan said. "Some of them can't even afford to put gas in their car." Clingan has been working to improve the lives of women across southern Vermont since she was part of a "safe house" system in Bellows Falls in the 1970s. Since then she's been a part of several other groups that work for women, including starting up a hotline network. Making the Most of I is currently holding its class at the Morningside Shelter, in Brattleboro, and a new class will begin in July (also in Brattleboro). Class space is limited, so registration is recommended by calling (802) 869-2456. Making the Most of I will be holding a 10 year anniversary and fundraising benefit featuring Gemini Trapeze of Nimble Arts, and music and puppets by the Annies on Mother's Day, Sunday, May 11 from 2 to 3 p.m. at the Bellows Falls Opera House. Bring the whole family by for a good time for a good cause. Tickets are $10 each, with a family maximum of $30. Tickets are available at Village Square Booksellers, Bellows Falls Apron Strings, Springfield Chrysanthemum and Brattleboro Books. There will also be raffle prizes, including a hard-carved rocking horse (made by Toby Lampert), white water rafting trips, a hand-knit shawl, jewelry and more. For more information about Making the Most of I, visit www.makingthemostofi.com, call (802) 869-2456 or e-mail nenzi@sover.net.