VECINA is proud to announce our volunteers of the month: Michael Korver and Tracy McCalpin! Michael, an attorney, and Tracy, an administrative support volunteer, are a dynamic duo representing several Afghan individuals and families in their cases through our Afghan Projects, including asylum, adjustment of status, and family reunification. Tracy and Michael demonstrate cultural sensitivity in their interactions with their clients and are always willing to extend their assistance, if possible, even to their clients’ family members. They are a joy to work with and constantly amaze our VECINA team with their willingness to tackle additional cases.
Tracy is a longtime volunteer for immigrants and refugees who has worked with organizations such as Catholic Charities and Kentucky Refugee Ministries in Louisville, KY. A trip to the southern border in 2020 inside her to help migrants in a more tangible way. She then completed the VIISTA Program and joined VECINA as an administrative support volunteer. VECINA paired her with attorney Michael Korver, and they have become a devoted and dedicated team. Tracy says, “This work has been so rewarding as we get to know our clients and help them navigate a path to permanent status in the US. I appreciate the training and mentorship from VECINA, and love that our mentors are quick to answer any questions we may have.”
Michael came to immigration work after retiring from a legal career handling cross-border corporate transactions. His interest in immigration was shaped in part by his upbringing as an American citizen born and raised in a foreign country without an immigrant tradition like our own. He loves meeting people from other countries and learning about other cultures, and says “I volunteered with Vecina because I believe the words inscribed at the base of the Statue of Liberty by Emma Lazarus describe what our country should stand for: ‘Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free…’”
Michael and Tracy, we appreciate your tremendous commitment and fearless advocacy for your clients. Thank you for partnering with VECINA to help Afghans find safety and establish themselves in the United States. Our team is thrilled to honor both of you as our volunteers of the month! Congratulations!
