 Because of her social commitment she was recommended to founder and then chair of the "Catholic Association for the care of Girls, Women and Children" (""Katholischen Fürsorgeverein für Mädchen, Frauen und Kinder"" / KFV), and on 1 October 1916 Zillken took over the position of KFV General Secretary.With its so-called "rescue houses" and "mother and child hostels" the KFV supported unmarried mothers, especially those from the working class, which included post-birth accommodation for the mothers, help with finding work and foster care for the infant children.Zillken took over from Agnes Neuhaus the training and allocation of responsibilities for the volunteers who joined the enterprise.