Empowering Women as They Embrace Motherhood

Sister Kate Hine’s path to serving at Zelie’s Home in Garfield Heights, Ohio is a testament to the transformative power of hospitality, compassion, and community—values deeply rooted in the mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame. Since her introduction to the organization in 2011, when it was still part of Maggie’s Place, Sister Kate has embraced a variety of roles, offering her leadership and support to women and families in need. Her journey reflects a strong alignment with the core teachings of the Sisters of Notre Dame Foundress, Sister Maria Aloysia, particularly their dedication to empowering women and children, nurturing community, and responding to the needs of the marginalized.

Sister Kate first encountered the mission of Maggie’s Place during a retreat for young adults at Cuvilly House, a center founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame to support young people in their spiritual growth and community life. The retreat experience sparked a deep connection between her own call to serve and the mission of Maggie’s Place. When she was invited to offer retreats for their staff in Arizona, she saw firsthand the powerful impact of creating spaces where women could embrace the fullness of their potential, even in the face of hardship.

In 2020, when Maggie’s Place Cleveland became Zelie’s Home, Sister Kate’s role expanded, and she became a key consultant and house manager at the Garfield Heights location. Today, she serves as the Staff Advocate, providing vital support to those working directly with the women and children Zelie’s Home serves.

At the heart of her work at Zelie’s Home is her commitment to empowering women—many of whom are young mothers facing significant challenges such as trauma, mental health struggles, and addiction. With its two locations in Ohio, including Garfield Heights and Lakewood, Zelie’s Home provides safe housing for women and their children, while offering a nurturing community and the resources needed to break cycles of poverty and dysfunction.

As Sister Kate explains, the core of her work is deeply personal: “I love interacting with our moms and supporting them simply by being a listening and caring presence.” This approach mirrors the compassionate and empowering ministry of the Sisters of Notre Dame, who have always sought to create spaces where individuals can grow in dignity and self-worth.

A central thread that runs through Sister Kate’s ministry at Zelie’s Home is the belief in God’s providence. As she shares, “A strong belief in God’s providence is a thread woven throughout the founding story of Zelie’s Home and into our present-day realities.”

Each day at Zelie’s Home is a reminder of the miracles that can unfold when women are supported in a loving, safe environment. Sister Kate’s personal testimony highlights a key moment in the ministry’s life: “Last evening, our Garfield Heights community celebrated with one of our moms and her child. It was a year ago Mom moved in and gave birth to a beautiful daughter. Yesterday we celebrated the child’s first birthday and then we bid them farewell as they left us to move into their very own home.” Such milestones are not just cause for celebration; they represent the transformation of lives and the realization of God’s love at work in the world.

Yet, while Sister Kate celebrates the success stories, she also acknowledges the heartbreaks. “We are saddened by the setbacks and tragedies that other women experience.” In these moments of difficulty, she calls for prayer and support for the family.

As she reflects on her own journey, she highlights how her role at Zelie’s Home allows her to live out the values of SND in a new setting; “As a Sister of Notre Dame, I’ve had so many rich opportunities to discover and develop my own gifts and talents and then use them for advancing the Reign of God.” From grant writing to facilitating retreats, to simply being present for the women in her care, Sister Kate’s ministry embodies the SND charism of using one’s gifts for the greater good.

In her role as Staff Advocate, she ensures that the focus on Zelie’s Home’s mission remains central to their work, just as the Sisters of Notre Dame have always emphasized the importance of mission-driven service in their ministries. “As we grow, we want to ensure that our focus on the mission and our work as a ministry remains central to what we do each day. As a Sister of Notre Dame, I value the community experiences that have taught me to cherish not only what we do, but also the how and why we do it!,” she said.

Her ministry is a reminder that with God’s providence and a strong commitment to the dignity of every person, it is possible to break cycles of poverty, trauma, and despair. As Sister Kate continues to serve in her ministry, she embodies the Sisters of Notre Dame’s unwavering commitment to love and serve those in need, transforming lives one act of compassion at a time.