White Violet Center for Eco-Justice
Teaching, caring, inspiring for all creation. A ministry of the Sisters of Providence, White Violet Center for Eco-Justice at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana was established in 1996. Here you’ll find a herd of alpacas, a flock of laying chickens, a 5-acre USDA certified organic garden, orchards, bee hives, a Farm Store, nature trail and internship opportunities.
What is White Violet Center all about?
“We understand Providence as God’s care for all of creation. And, so, this loving, Provident God set forth into motion this web of life. And we’re called to be co-creators with that God to sustain and nourish that life."
Growing passion for sustainable agriculture
When I first moved to White Violet Center for my internship, I was so nervous. I’ve never been away from home, and never lived with anyone other than my family. I’ve never lived or worked on a farm, never handled chickens or alpacas, and never met a nun. There were a lot of unknowns, but something drew me to the Woods.
Learn more about White Violet Center for Eco-Justice
Teaching, caring, inspiring for all creation. At White Violet Center for Eco-Justice at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, a ministry of the Sisters of Providence, you’ll find a USDA certified organic garden, orchards, berries, alpacas and fiber program, chickens, farm store, nature…
Breathing time on this organic farm
The small organic farm at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods packs a big punch in the way of educational and service opportunities. In fact, that’s how Ann Testa came to White Violet Center for Eco-Justice. She was an intern and AmeriCorps volunteer before becoming a full-time staff member.
Now she’s training and working alongside interns and volunteers in the USDA certified organic gardens, alpaca pastures, fiber rooms, and kitchen.
A more colorful existence as a fiber arts intern
Earlier last year, I decided to make a change in my life. As I told some people that I was quitting my job so I could go work on an alpaca farm for three months I got a lot of confused looks and many, many questions.
Come with me
With a dramatic outflung hand, Ann points at me and says, “Come with me.” Today it meant learning the arcane art of needle felting. Last week, “come with me” meant holding a chicken in my lap so Dave didn’t have to drive the big white pick-up truck and hold the chicken at the same time. I’m fairly sure he was joking. I hope.
Sustainable living: beyond the basics
“Shop locally. Consider environment as a whole." White Violet Center for Eco-Justice interns offer some practical tips.
Rainy day on and off the farm
Tuesday was a rainy day in Vigo County, Indiana, but it didn't mean everyone at the White Violet Center for Eco-Justice organic farm was sitting around twiddling their thumbs.
Sustainable farm living and learning
Interns from New Jersey, Texas, Chicago, California, Louisiana and Indiana living and learning at White Violet Center for Eco-Justice this summer.
Go out and make a difference
Being a sister doesn’t ensure my going to heaven or living a hurt-free or pain-free life. It does not give me prestige or pay a six-figure salary. On the contrary, I have no earthly idea where the pursuit will take me, but I am learning to trust in Providence. The Providence, which, our foundress Saint Mother Theodore reminds us, “has never failed us.” When I look at the person in the mirror, I like who I am becoming.
Maren Van Cleave: A wonderful year at WVC
'I've seen what this life is like and I like it.'
