Building Community
Building Community
their hands , they end up building a stronger community and authentic personal connections in the process .”
HatchSpace is not only a hub for creativity and learning – it is also a growing influence in Vermont ’ s workforce development initiatives . Their partnership with Vermont Works for Women extends beyond the Rosie ’ s Girls program , offering vocational training programs , such as the seven-week Trailblazers Trades Training for women and gender-expansive individuals . This program aims to address the shortage of skilled workers in the trades by lowering the threshold to entry , while providing participants with valuable skills and pathways to gainful employment . Looking ahead , HatchSpace envisions growing its reach and impact even further . Walker and Bodett aim to use HatchSpace ’ s programs to serve as a model for rural renewal through woodworking . By connecting people with the abundant natural resources of New England ’ s hardwood forests and fostering sustainable forestry practices , HatchSpace is helping to revitalize Vermont ’ s rural communities . “ We want to bring our model to other rural communities around the country ,” says Tom Bodett . “ These programs have the potential to make a real difference across our stressed rural landscape .
My whole world changed when I got back to working with my hands , making things , and doing what I truly loved .”
The way Bodett sees it , the social and economic benefits of woodworking manifest in positive , rippling community impacts , providing opportunities for community members of all backgrounds to set aside their differences and build skills and confidence through shared experience . This ethos of empowerment , mentorship , and hands-on learning remains at the heart of HatchSpace ’ s mission , brightening the future of Vermont ’ s cultural , economic , and social landscape .
56 STRATTON MAGAZINE | STRATTONMAGAZINE . COM