Christine Kelly has always loved helping people.

As a teacher, she enjoyed working with and serving families. She now brings that dedication to her part-time role as residential coordinator for Patriot Homes, South Boston Neighborhood Development Corporation’s veterans housing.

“Being a part of the military life … I’ve been passionate about that and veteran services,” said Christine, whose husband, Frank Jones, had been in the military for 20 years before retiring. 

Her goal in this role is to do whatever she can for the veterans. “I want to make sure they have access to all the resources that are available to them,” Christine said. “And provide social opportunities for them.”

Michelle Zenga, property manager at SBNDC, let Christine know about the job and knew she’d be the perfect fit.  

“Christine is very personable, kind, and people gravitate toward her,” Michelle said. “She is articulate, upbeat, and has a great work ethic. She adapts to every personality that walks through the door.”

Since she started in December 2021, Christine has organized:

• A weekly van that takes the vets shopping.

• Social events.

• A focus group for the Tufts Medical Center Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) survey. The four veterans who signed up for the session were glad to do it, she said, noting since they are from South Boston, they could impart their knowledge on how the community has changed.

• Getting the vets Starry Internet service.

Her plans for the future include: 

• More social outings/events, like trips to Castle Island.

• Coffee hours.

• Reaching out to other organizations for collaborations and events.

• Meeting with Clear Path for Veterans New England, who may be able to bring resources to Patriot Homes.

Christine was born and raised in South Boston, growing up on West Fourth Street and attending school at St. Augustine’s and St. Gregory’s. She graduated with a degree in communication disorders from Bridgewater State and studied for a special education master’s degree. 

While her husband was stationed at Hanscom Air Force Base, Christine taught at a preschool in Bedford, MA. She also was a K-2 teacher at South Boston’s LaBoure Center for 12 years.

After Frank’s military retirement, the family, including Madison, 15, and Maggie, 12, moved back to Southie, where Christine’s family still lives. Madison attends Archbishop Williams and Maggie goes to the Condon.

For nine years, Christine has been a crossing guard for the Condon School, just a short walk from the SBNDC office. “I love seeing the kids in the morning,” she said.

Christine is so happy working at SBNDC. “It’s really a lot of fun. I feel supported. I enjoy coming to work; working with people. It’s very exciting.”