In an ever-changing world of business and industry, Rosemary Calcese is a real game-changer. She’s taken the stuffy, old ways of doing real estate deals and given them a total makeover through her unique legal practice. But Rosemary’s impact doesn’t stop at the negotiating table or the courtroom. She’s also making a difference where it really counts—in children’s lives—thanks to groundbreaking work with a foster care initiative called the Butterfly Cottages through YAIPak Outreach.
Rosemary’s journey kicks off in the most unexpected setting. Dropping out of high school at just 15, she took a leap of faith by enlisting in the Navy at 17. It was there, against all odds, that she completed not just her undergraduate studies but also her master’s degree while still in service. When she traded her naval uniform for civilian attire, she found her first foothold in the legal world as a paralegal for a real estate developer. Her career took off like a rocket from there, propelling her to a coveted position at a premier law firm.
After earning her law degree, Rosemary cut her teeth on high-stakes commercial real estate deals for some of the biggest names in the Fortune 500, orchestrating transactions from coast to coast. Yet, she felt a higher calling. She wanted to bring the same quality of real estate services—typically reserved for corporate giants—to everyday people. Thus, Transformation Title and Escrow was born.
As the owner and attorney at Transformation Title and Escrow, Rosemary offers more than 15 years of rich experience in real estate law. The firm prides itself on being not just a legal consultant but a companion in the transformative journey of purchasing a home or starting a business. With a mission to guide and support clients at every phase of a real estate transaction, the firm redefines what it means to be a service provider in this field. The company has a sterling track record, having successfully closed more than 10,000 transactions in states like Kentucky, Tennessee, and Texas.
What truly sets Rosemary apart, however, is her people-first approach. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a Fortune 500 exec or a first-time homebuyer; you receive the same meticulous attention to detail and commitment to understanding your specific needs. Rosemary’s vision goes beyond the conventional parameters of customer service. Her company values a culture of experience, education, and kindness, which aligns perfectly with her personal philosophy.
While managing a successful law firm keeps her plenty busy, Rosemary’s drive to give back doesn’t stop at the office door. In fact, a deeply personal experience was the spark that ignited her passion project, Butterfly Cottages. She once took in a foster child who tragically returned to her trafficker because Rosemary couldn’t get her into a secure facility quickly enough. That heartbreak led her to ask, “What can we, as a community, do better?”
That’s where Butterfly Cottages comes in. It’s not just about offering kids in foster care a stable home; it’s about rethinking the whole system. Using her real estate connections, Rosemary gets developers to donate houses, who are then leased out for a small fee to dedicated foster parents. This isn’t just charity; it’s a thoughtful approach to giving kids the proper assessment and placement they need. And it doesn’t hurt that it also takes some weight off the shoulders of social workers who are stretched too thin.
Through the support of YAIPak Outreach, an organization committed to helping neglected, hurting, or afflicted individuals—especially veterans and children—Butterfly Cottages is more than just a band-aid solution. YAIPak’s mission to promote positive life changes aligns seamlessly with Rosemary’s vision for foster care reform. While YAIPak provides the emotional and material support to those in need, Butterfly Cottages provides the physical space—a home—where that support can be most effectively realized.
Rosemary mentions, “Children entering the system often need immediate attention, including medical appointments, therapy, and court dates. Butterfly Cottages ensures that these children not only have a roof over their heads but also receive the dedicated care they deserve, with the right foster parent.”
“I remember meeting a young girl who came to us labeled as a ‘problem child’—involved in drugs, alcohol, and constantly running away. But when I sat down to talk to her, I saw something entirely different. This wasn’t a troublemaker; she was a young woman near graduation with a 3.5 GPA. Not only did she complete her last class with a 98% grade, but she was also set to take her SATs at just 16. After some digging, the so-called ‘troublesome behavior’ was just untapped mental energy.” says Rosemary.
She adds, “We got her into a college program majoring in biology, secured a scholarship, and took care of her medical needs. Today, she’s 17, still in foster care, attending college, working full time and on a path to a bright future. This is what Butterfly Cottages is all about: understanding the unique needs of each child and transforming their lives in meaningful ways.”
With that, comes a bold and expansive vision for Butterfly Cottages, with Rosemary hoping that every county will eventually adopt some version of this model, making a tangible impact at the community and eventually the national level. As she puts it, “You need to have a heart for children and be flexible to understand where these kids come from. The average person may not be equipped to take on such a role, but we aim to change that narrative.” says Rosemary
Rosemary Calcese’s story is a testament to the power of transformation. From her humble beginnings to her successful law practice, title company, and philanthropic ventures, she embodies the change she wishes to see in the world. In both the world of real estate and foster care, Rosemary is not just facilitating transactions; she’s transforming lives. With Butterfly Cottages, she’s proving that the skills that can negotiate contracts and close deals can also be used to offer something far more valuable: a safe, loving home for children who need it the most.
Original Article: https://www.tennessean.com/story/special/contributor-content/2024/01/15/rosemary-calcese-the-attorney-changing-real-estate-and-foster-care-for-good/72231879007/
