Catherine O'Brien (Brien) Grady

Does anyone know if there were "assisted emigration" programs/schemes in the area of Caltra Parish, Co. Galway, during the famine years?  My GG grandmoter, Catherine Grady, came to USA prior to March, 1853 leaving behind in Ireland a husband, John Grady and three children (Mary, Bernard and Bridget.)  Bridget Grady was the youngest; she was my great grandmother.  Family stories indicate Catherine sent money back to the RC priest for the family to get to New Orleans LA.  John Grady and the three children arrived at the port of New Orleans in March 1853 on the Gulnare from Liverpool.  Bridget was listed on passenger list as infant 2 years old.  Bridget's age might be wrong but I don't think Catherine could have left Galway before 1849/50. Catherine'a 1889 obit in New Orleans newspaper showed she was resident of N.O. for 40 years and was native of "Calthra" parish, county Galway. 

I find it difficult to believe Catherine came alone without some type of employment (domestic servant?) already waiting for her in USA. I have been unable to find a passenger list for any North American port for her.  I have read about assisted emigration and wonder if Catherine might have been involved in this type of scheme.  Are there online research resources for assisted emigration participants?  Thanks for any info anyone is able to provide.

Mary McAuliffe