White Violet Center for Eco-Justice facts for kids
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| Abbreviation | WVC |
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| Formation | 1996 |
| Type | Ministry of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana |
| Legal status | Not for profit |
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Director
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Lorrie Heber |
| Website | WhiteViolet.org |
The White Violet Center for Eco-Justice is a special place that teaches people about caring for our planet. It is a non-profit center, which means it doesn't aim to make money. Instead, it focuses on important topics like organic farming, understanding our connection to nature, and working for fairness in society.
This center was started in 1996 by Sister Ann Sullivan. It is part of the work of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, a group of Roman Catholic women in Indiana. The Sisters wanted to show how important it is to live in a way that protects the Earth.
The White Violet Center has many cool things to see and do. They have a group of alpacas, and they farm 343 acres (1.39 km2) of land using organic methods. They also have bees, a berry patch, and even a farmers' market. Plus, there are beautiful forests and orchards. The center offers fun field trips, workshops, and movie nights for both kids and adults to learn more about eco-justice.
The White Violet Center is recognized by the Yale Forum on Religion and Ecology as an important project. It was also featured in a book called Green Sisters: A Spiritual Ecology by Sarah McFarland Taylor.
Contents
What is Eco-Justice?
The White Violet Center believes that everything in nature is connected. Their main goal is to help people understand this connection. They want to teach us how to protect, fix, and use natural resources respectfully. This idea comes from the Sisters of Providence's belief in hope and healing for the Earth.
The Sisters of Providence show their commitment to the environment in many ways. They use a special boiler that heats their buildings with natural materials. They also make biodiesel fuel and have a big recycling program. They even use smart irrigation systems to water their organic gardens and orchards.
Meet the Alpacas
The White Violet Center is home to a lovely group of alpacas. Their alpaca farm is called White Violet Farm Alpacas. The first six alpacas joined the center in 1998 as a gift.
Award-Winning Alpacas
The alpacas from White Violet Farm have won many awards! They have competed in shows organized by groups like the Alpaca Owners and Breeders Association (AOBA). This shows how well cared for and special these animals are.
Names with History
Each alpaca at the center has a unique name. Their names honor important people from the history of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods. For example, you might meet alpacas named Providence Theodore Guerin, after the founder of the Sisters, Saint Mother Theodore Guerin. There's also Providence Raphael, named after a past leader, and Providence Pere Michel, named after an early gardener for the Sisters.
Alpaca Fiber Products
The soft, warm fiber from the alpacas is put to good use. Staff and volunteers at the center spin the fiber into yarn. Then, they knit and weave it into beautiful handmade products. The center also offers workshops where you can learn these skills yourself!
