The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur have a tradition of
reaching out to new needs in new places. Through our Ministry Fund, we assist sisters in
specific ministries where they work directly with the poor in unfunded or underfunded
programs. The Ministry Fund began in 1980 with the sale of a 100-year-old convent and
school. In 1998, nine sisters received grants ranging from $1,100 to $22,000. The fund
continues to grow through grants and donations.
Ministry projects in which sisters work in non-traditional roles directly
with the poor include:
Alliance for Work-Based Education
Director at University of Dayton: Sister Ruth
Myers, SNDdeN
Room 228, Alumni Hall
University of Dayton
Dayton, OH 45469-0326
937-229-2740
Director at Marriott: Sister Joanne
Seiser, SNDdeN
1414 S. Patterson Blvd.
Room 670
Dayton, OH 45409
937-223-1000 ext. 7939
Initiated in 1990, this ministry project provides work-based education programs to
enable workers to achieve educational goals and improve work performance. Course work
includes Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, English as a Second Language, enrichment
classes and computer classes.
Work-based education programs are a unique partnership with the worker, the supervisor,
the employer and the educator. Participating businesses include Marriott and
the University of Dayton.
Director: Sister Marietta
Fritz, SNDdeN
733 S. 14th Street
Saginaw, Michigan 48601-2004
989-755-7538
emmaushousesag@cs.com
Emmaus House provides a home for women re-entering society from jails, prisons or
rehabilitation centers. It provides a family-like, Christian atmosphere for female
ex-offenders, 
so that each can create a new life for herself. Founded in 1987 in a
Saginaw, Michigan neighborhood, Emmaus House now includes four houses serving 18 women
residents. The original house also serves as a mini-help station for neighborhood
residents, providing food, clothing, and financial assistance to 500 persons annually. In
its 15 years of service, Emmaus has assisted more than 300 women in taking the first steps
toward self-supporting, productive lives — stopping the cycle of crime and jail.
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Power Inspires Progress (PIP)
Director: Sister Judy
Tensing, SNDdeN
727 Ezzard Charles Drive
Cincinnati, Ohio 45203
513-381-5882
Power Inspires Progress is an employment program that gives adults the opportunity to
develop their skills. Part-time, on-the-job training is provided through:1) Pre-Employment — participants learn employment skills by working in catering, silk
screening and woodworking and 2) Venice Pizza — participants work part-time in a
fast-food restaurant.
