‘It’s been a Gift:’ Ignatian Volunteer Corps Member Kelly Largey Channels Her Faith and Legal Knowledge into Helping Immigrants in Need

When Ignatian Volunteer Corps member Kelly Largey––who currently serves at Catholic Charities Boston––is faced with a challenge or a new situation, there are three words she calls to mind, which never fail to bring her a sense of peace: Be not afraid.

This simple sentiment has been a driving force in Kelly’s life, reminding her, in every moment, that she is not alone and calling her to help others recognize this truth as well.

A graduate of Notre Dame Law School, Kelly worked as a practicing attorney for a few years before becoming a Marketing Director and Communications Consultant at several large law firms. Upon retiring, Kelly quickly began searching for meaningful service work that would allow her to give back to her community and live out her faith.

Today, she serves as a volunteer for Catholic Charities Boston’s Refugee and Immigrant Services department, using her legal expertise to help migrants living in state shelters to navigate the complex processes that surround immigration, from acquiring a work permit and applying for asylum to gaining Temporary Protected Status.

“It’s been a very rewarding experience and eye-opening for me in so many ways,” said Kelly. “Immigration is in the news every day, but people are so misinformed about what’s actually happening. When I work with immigrants, I see great Americans. They are faithful in the most profound way, unbelievably hardworking, and family-oriented.”

Kelly says she couldn’t do the work she does if it weren’t for Catholic Charities Boston’s highly skilled legal staff, who she says have taught her so much – not only about immigration law but also about the unparalleled value of compassion and teamwork.

“I am incredibly impressed by the way our attorneys can explain complex legal processes to clients in such a compassionate way,” said Kelly. “I feel so lucky to be able to work with and learn from them. It’s been a gift.”

While working in immigration law was new to Kelly when she began volunteering at Catholic Charities last fall, she has found it to be a fascinating and deeply meaningful field, which offers her a renewed sense of perspective and gratitude every day.

“We are so lucky that we were born where we were born,” said Kelly. “I think that all the time when I meet these beautiful, wonderful people who were not born in a place where they could be safe and free from violence and poverty.”

Week after week of volunteering at the shelters, Kelly said she is moved by the humanity around her – the chorus of diverse languages, the laughter of the children, the creases of worry in the faces of parents determined to protect their families.

While immigration law is a complex field to navigate, and there are rarely quick solutions to helping a family in need, Kelly said her steadfast faith keeps her focused and grounded.

“The parts of the Bible that speak to me most are simple: Feed the hungry. Love your neighbor. Welcome the stranger. My volunteer work is helping me understand my faith at a basic level. I do feel like I have a purpose. There is a reason I am here.”

Click here to find out about volunteer opportunities at Catholic Charities Boston or visit our Ways to Give page to explore other ways to give back.