Volunteer Spotlight: Meet Kristen Kimery!

Four years ago, Kristen Kimery and her family moved to the Terre Haute area from Wyoming.

The former teacher, who was raised in Colorado, was looking for something to do. And she had a keen interest in alpacas.

“I was researching alpacas in the area,” Kristen said. “They are such unique animals.”

Her online search led her to White Violet Center for Eco-Justice. So, Kristen set up an appointment with Sister Rebecca Keller, SP, coordinator of volunteer services for the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods.

“We had a two-hour meeting and that did it right there,” Kristen said.

“I recall we had such a great time talking,” Sister Rebecca said. “She’s really a giving and caring person. I think she does have a passion for making our world a better place.”

After her meeting with Sister Rebecca, Kristen decided to volunteer for the Sisters of Providence by helping White Violet Center with the alpacas.

For nearly two years, Kristen spends one-and-a-half hours every Wednesday at the alpaca barn helping feed the alpacas and maintaining the barns. As she walks through the barn, Kristen places buckets of food out for the alpacas all while conversing with them. She also helps keep the pasture clean by scooping up manure.

She also said she helps White Violet Center with the chickens and attended her first alpaca shearing event on May 10.

“It’s a great thing for me to do,” Kristen said. “I get to meet new people and learn more about the alpacas. I love it.”

The Sisters of Providence have many volunteer opportunities where you can make a difference.

For more information on volunteering for the Sisters of Providence, contact Sister Rebecca at rkeller@spsmw.org.