A simple country inn for those seeking to
build justice, create health, engage in learning, and practice healing...
In the rolling hills of Goshen, the Sisters of St. Dominic steward almost 300 acres of land. This property was once the site of a boarding school, Our Lady of the Blessed Sacrament Academy. The Academy educated young women for almost 50 years before closing in 1973. The Academy buildings have become service sites for person with developmental disabilities, a childcare center for children of agricultural workers, and the Empowerment Center. a residence for weekend retreats.
The Empowerment Center is comfortable, simple place for individuals and families to come and focus on themselves for a bit. It is a place where families reconnect with nature as they identify and practice what will make them strong and successful. It is a welcoming place for those in need of healing and those seeking to build their skills as healers. It is a center where community groups gather to hone their skills in building healthier and safer neighborhoods.
The Empowerment Center was created and managed by Highbridge Community Life Center (HCLC) from 1990 to 2013. During the tenure of HCLC, numerous volunteers gave generously of their time to clean, build,and fix the building so that families, primarily from the Bronx, could come to the Center on weekends. Thousands of children and adults enjoyed the beautiful lands of Goshen and work together to strengthen themselves and their community. Over the years, a variety of programs were offered each weekend and week-long programs offered during the summers.
HCLC also began a farm in the mid-90s. Harmony Farm is still in operation today! For many years, the farm has provided naturally grown vegetables to families in both Orange County and the Bronx. The farm has a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program that is in operation this summer. If you are interested in being a member, please go to www.harmonyfarmny.com for more information.
In 2013, HCLC returned management of the Empowerment Center to the Sisters of St. Dominic. The Sisters appointed Sr. Ellnerita to continue the work started by HCLC 23 years ago and so the ministry of hospitality and the focus on healing, educating, creating justice, respecting the natural world, and building community continues.
The Empowerment Center is comfortable, simple place for individuals and families to come and focus on themselves for a bit. It is a place where families reconnect with nature as they identify and practice what will make them strong and successful. It is a welcoming place for those in need of healing and those seeking to build their skills as healers. It is a center where community groups gather to hone their skills in building healthier and safer neighborhoods.
The Empowerment Center was created and managed by Highbridge Community Life Center (HCLC) from 1990 to 2013. During the tenure of HCLC, numerous volunteers gave generously of their time to clean, build,and fix the building so that families, primarily from the Bronx, could come to the Center on weekends. Thousands of children and adults enjoyed the beautiful lands of Goshen and work together to strengthen themselves and their community. Over the years, a variety of programs were offered each weekend and week-long programs offered during the summers.
HCLC also began a farm in the mid-90s. Harmony Farm is still in operation today! For many years, the farm has provided naturally grown vegetables to families in both Orange County and the Bronx. The farm has a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program that is in operation this summer. If you are interested in being a member, please go to www.harmonyfarmny.com for more information.
In 2013, HCLC returned management of the Empowerment Center to the Sisters of St. Dominic. The Sisters appointed Sr. Ellnerita to continue the work started by HCLC 23 years ago and so the ministry of hospitality and the focus on healing, educating, creating justice, respecting the natural world, and building community continues.
