About EarthConnection
Mission Statement
EarthConnection, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati, is a center for learning and reflection about living lightly on Earth. Aware of the interconnectedness of all of Creation, we seek to integrate spirituality and sustainability through programs in sustainable agriculture, alternative energies, ecojustice, and eco-spirituality.
EarthConnection was built in 1991 to address the adverse ecological effects of our consumer society. It was founded by Sister Paula Gonzalez, SC, Ph.D., a biologist, nationally recognized lecturer, author, and retreat leader. The facility was made possible by many groups of volunteers who converted an oversized four-car garage into a 3,900 square-foot meeting and office space building.
Features of the facility include an experimental solar heating system, solar electricity, natural lighting, super-insulated walls and windows, floor tiles made of waste glass, a wall made of aluminum cans, and carpeting constructed from recycled plastic bottles.
Located on the west side of Cincinnati in Delhi Township, the EarthConnection building is available at reasonable rates for small and medium-size groups planning days of reflection, seminars, office meetings, and gatherings.
EarthConnection Staff
S. Cj Willie, SC
Program Director
Caroljean Willie, Ph.D., a Sister of Charity of Cincinnati, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a Master’s degree in Reading, and a Ph.D. in Multicultural Education. She has extensive experience working cross-culturally across the United States, the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, Asia, and South and Central America as an environmental educator, teacher-trainer, and cultural diversity consultant. Prior to becoming Program Director at EarthConnection, she served two terms as the NGO representative to the United Nations for the Sisters of Charity Federation and continues to support microfinancing initiatives in Africa.
S. Winnie Brubach
Facilities Coordinator
Sister Winnie Brubach, SC serves as Facilities Coordinator and Master Gardener at EarthConnection, a ministry of the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati. A Cincinnati native, she brings many years of experience as a primary-school teacher, youth coordinator, and ministry leader. At EarthConnection, Sister Winnie cares for the building and grounds, leads gardening and sustainability efforts, welcomes visitors, and supports environmental education and ecospirituality programs for schools, community groups, and youth. Her work helps EarthConnection model sustainable living and ecological stewardship in service of the Sisters of Charity mission.
