The Joy of Volunteering at WVC

Note: The following blog was written by former White Violet Center for Eco-Justice volunteer Jennifer Robinson regarding her time spent at the center.

I scoured the internet to find the perfect break in my monotonous life and stumbled upon the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, ministry White Violet Center for Eco-Justice.

I immediately knew this was the place for my adventure!

Reaching out to inquire about volunteering, I was pleasantly surprised by the kindness and understanding of their staff. After some brief correspondence and a simple application process, I had a volunteer adventure on the books!

The Center housed me in Marian Hall which was very cozy and comfortable with all the amenities of home. My workday started at 8 a.m., and was maybe a two-minute walk from Marian Hall (if that!).

Every single person I had the pleasure of working with and getting to know at White Violet Center was extremely welcoming and helpful, not to mention patient. I imagine having a Certified Pharmacy Technician come work on your farm for a few days would be challenging, but they never once made me feel like I was anything other than a part of their team.

Daily chores were divided up. My mornings were spent with the animals. The alpacas were very welcoming too! Not a single one of them spit on me. I fed and watered these adorable fluffy animals, and some of them even let me love on them. I also shoveled alpaca poo (someone has to do it!).

White Violet also has chickens which I fed, watered and gathered their eggs.

I spent afternoons in the garden. It was early November, but there was still a lot of work to be done. Some of the things I helped with included planting garlic, washing and preparing vegetables to take to the farmers market, harvesting dahlia tubers, and helping winterize the alpaca barns.

If you find yourself with time, a desire to be outdoors and a respect for this beautiful Earth God created, then White Violet Center for Eco-Justice is awaiting you!

There’s no better place to dig into soil and soul.