March 1, 2026

Middlebury, VT — The Congregational Church of Middlebury invites the community to a special afternoon focused on mental health awareness on Saturday, March 1, 2026. The event features two components: a 75-minute panel discussion on teen mental health at 4:00 p.m., followed by a reception and the opening of “Nothing to Hide,” a photo-text exhibit exploring the experiences of families affected by mental illness. The exhibit will remain on display through March 31.

Panel Discussion: Teen Mental Health in a Changing World

Adolescence has always been a time of change, but many experts believe today’s teens are experiencing unprecedented pressures on their mental health. This panel invites the community into a thoughtful conversation about current trends, lived experiences, and meaningful support.

Moderator: Reverend Elizabeth Gleich, Associate Pastor, Congregational Church of Middlebury

Panelists:

LuAnn Chiola, LICSW — Operations Director, Youth and Family Services, Counseling Service of Addison County

Bea Hooper — Student, University of Vermont

Brooke Jette, LICSW — Prevention Specialist, Middlebury Union High School

Robert Moeller, PhD — Associate Professor of Psychology, Middlebury College

Marc Werner-Gavrin, PsyD — Youth and Family Open Dialogue Team Leader, Counseling Service of Addison County

Exhibit: “Nothing to Hide”

Following the panel discussion, attendees are invited to a reception and the opening of “Nothing to Hide,” a photo-text exhibit created by photographer Gigi Kaeser and interviewers Jean Beard and Peggy Gillespie of the Family Diversity Project. The exhibit shares the stories of individuals and families living with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depression, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions.

Through candid portraits and personal narratives, “Nothing to Hide” aims to dispel harmful stereotypes and offer those affected an opportunity to share their experiences openly. The exhibit demonstrates strength, courage, and resilience in the face of adversity and stigma.

The exhibit runs Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. from March 1 to March 31 in  the Hallway Gallery of the church, accessible via the entrance at 30 N. Pleasant Street.

Together, the panel discussion and photo exhibit offer complementary perspectives on mental health: the panel addresses the specific challenges facing today’s young people, while the exhibit illuminates the broader experience of living with mental illness across generations. Both aim to foster understanding, reduce stigma, and build a more compassionate community.

Details

Date: Saturday, March 1, 2026

Panel Discussion: 4:00 p.m.

Reception and Exhibit Opening: Immediately following the panel (approximately 5:15 p.m.)

Exhibit on Display: March 1 – March 31

Location: Congregational Church of Middlebury, 30 North Pleasant Street, Middlebury, VT

Admission: Free and open to the public

This event is presented by the Justice, Compassion, and Love Team and the Art in Unity Team of the Congregational Church of Middlebury.

For more information, contact Judy Albright at judyalbright@snet.net or 802-989-7644.

For over twenty years, countless volunteers have cooked and served FRIDAY NIGHT COMMUNITY SUPPER at The Congregational Church of Middlebury, UCC. The free, hot meal runs from 5:00-6:00 every Friday in Fellowship Hall (accessible from Seymour Street). Friday Night Community Supper offers a space where everyone is welcome, neighbors get to know neighbors, and community happens. Come by for a delicious meal. Bring a friend. Bring the family. We hope to see you soon.

All Middlebury College students are welcome to attend a gathering each Wednesday at 8:30 p.m. at the Scott Center (135 South Main Street), led by Pastor Elizabeth and church members Maya Troy and Kristie Skor. Questions? Email Elizabeth at elizabeth@midducc.org.

In a world that can feel heavy, giving is a quiet act of hope. Small, ordinary offerings—made together—can become something sustaining and make a real difference right here in Addison County. This February, we’re leaning into that spirit with an "International" focus for our giving.

We invite you to bring shelf-stable foods inspired by global cuisines, so that everyone can access food that feels familiar and welcoming. Here are some ideas to get you started: rice, beans, couscous, pasta or noodles, sauces, and Indian or Asian-style meal pouches. These items help create nourishing, familiar meals and are especially appreciated by families served through HOPE Food Shelf.

To make it fun (and easy):

• Pick one country or cuisine and build a “mini meal” around it
• Let kids choose an item from the international foods aisle
• Add one extra item to your weekly grocery run—small additions add up
• Bring something new you’ve never tried cooking yourself

Bring your donations to church anytime this month, and we’ll make sure they reach HOPE. Together, these small acts of generosity become a balm—for our neighbors, and for our own hearts, too.