Kate's mission began in September 2003, when she went to Kenya to volunteer at an AIDS Orphanage called Nyumbani Children’s Home. This home is located in the village of Karen, ten miles west of Nairobi. While volunteering at Nyumbani she began to think of all the other AIDS orphans who are not HIV infected who might be languishing in slums or living without proper care or educational opportunities, especially the girl children.

Kate saw a need to save these girl children who were HIV negative. She joined forces with a Kenyan couple, who own three houses in a quiet neighborhood and she began to house the orphaned girls and provide for their schooling. The funds to support her girls initially came from the States, but donations are now coming from Canada, Europe and Kenya.

On June 28, 2005 an American group incorporated as HEKIMA PLACE (TIN:20-3153378) was established with the hope of  supporting a group of sixty Kenyan children on this property.  The name Hekima was chosen for its meaning: wisdom, in Arabic. The patrons will be providing the funds for housing, food and care and also tuition to local public and private schools. In addition Hekima Place is situated on three acres of land that offers the possibility of gardening and small animal care.

On August 29th, 2005 the first ten girls moved into Hekima Place and started attending school. Today, there are 54 girls benefiting from the care and schooling that Hekima Place is able to offer them.