3L Keesha Stacy answering the call to help the homeless

Keesha Stacy has been busy during her last year as a student at the Brandeis School of Law. The 3L spent the summer volunteering with Wayside Christian Mission again, after having done so in the form of a service project over Christmas break 2013 and again during the summer of 2014.

According to its website, Wayside Christian Mission tackles the root causes of homeless using a holistic approach, and addressing the primary causes of homelessness – such as alcoholism, substance abuse, domestic violence, mental illness and lack of education/vocational skills – in a caring environment.

Stacy’s work with the Mission was client-based and included filing divorces, speaking with domestic violence victims, speaking with parents who are trying to regain custody of their children, contact cases involving Wayside property and “whatever else a client may need on that particular day.”

“I love interacting with the clients personally, as each is making an attempt to rebuild his/her own life and I have an opportunity to be a part of that,” Stacy said.

Her Wayside experience resonated so much in fact, she plans to pursue a job working with the homeless population after her scheduled 2016 graduation.

“As an attorney, I believe we are in a position of power and we should humbly use that to help those who are not, such as clients who are desperately trying to get their lives back together. They may need legal assistance to do this,” she said. “Wayside ensured me that working with the homeless with a legal degree is the right path for my life.

“The homeless I worked with are some of the most honest and humble and appreciative people I have worked with.”

Stacy has also been busy reactivating the Christian Law Society this year, after a year of “limited activity.” She describes CLS as a group about love and community and encouragement.

“That is just the thing tired law students need,” she said.

About 15 students have joined CLS this semester, with objectives such as encouraging students and communicating social justice opportunities so members can be aware of what’s going on in the community.

CLS also holds devotionals every Tuesday and is looking for ways to partner with Southeast Christian Church on how to help provide legal services to the underprivileged population.

“CLS is doing really great this year. It’s getting the name out to the community and it is growing,” she said.

Stacy plans on searching for a new president in the spring in order to build them up for next year and ensure continued activity after she graduates.