Information: rdekelly@catholiccharitiesatlanta.org or 678-222-3920
Most people who know her describe Rosa de Kelly as a loyal defender of those least protected. The Peruvian activist who spends her time tirelessly fighting for the rights of immigrants and domestic violence victims in Georgia first came to this country 15 years ago. She said she immediately felt a calling for social work and community involvement which led her to Catholic Charities. For more than a decade now, she has helped over 2,000 people to escape the painful clutches of domestic violence.
“I am the coordinator of the Violence against Women Act and an immigration counselor. I have worked very closely with these cases and with the community,” she said.
For her efforts, De Kelly was the 2015 recipient of the Georgia Commission on Family Violence’s “In the Trenches Award.”
For De Kelly, who grew up in England and has her masters in institutional development and administration, the commission’s recognition has been validation that she is on the correct path and that her work has a purpose.
“I love what I do. Ever since I came to this country I have been involved in helping the community,” she said. “I feel very satisfied to be the voice for many people who don’t dare speak out, whether from fear or because of ignorance of the law.”
She also helps immigrants with legal guidance and counseling.
Currently, De Kelly is the only Latina with legal accreditation from the United States Department of Justice. In this capacity, she is able to represent women and children who are victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in Georgia.
The accreditation also allows De Kelly to take on immigration cases.
“Kelly is one of the Hispanic community’s best activists. I’ve been working with her since 2010 and we have won many cases, helping women who suffer from domestic violence or with their immigration cases,” said Vicky de Martínez, lawyer and Outreach Victim Advocate for Circle of Hope, a private, non-profit domestic violence agency in Northeast Georgia.
Martínez emphasized De Kelly’s tireless work, charisma and her special ability to connect with women and children.
“She is an amazing woman, she has the gift of listening and being able to get accurate information in cases where [the victims] are too scared to speak. She gains their trust and gets them to confide in her,” explained Martínez.
De Kelly’s work in the Hispanic community has not gone unnoticed by David Schaefer, Director of Policy and Advocacy of Administration for the Latin American Association.
“She is a valuable woman, very intelligent, and her role with Catholic Charities demonstrates this. She has helped many women, she has given them a voice,” said Schaefer.
De Kelly also has two children she raises while managing about 200 cases a year at Catholic Charities.
“Service is part of being a human being. All of us, at some point, have to do our part,” said De Kelly, who implored the public to defend their rights, become familiar with the law and, above all, not remain quiet.
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