Mary brings her family’s values into her community.
An early diagnosis of Autism changes the way a family thinks about their child’s future. Mary’s family wanted Mary to have a full life that celebrated her many gifts and talents. Mary and her family imagined a world where Mary interacted with others and give back to her community. With that vision, Mary’s Volunteer Mission was born. Guided by the determination that Mary experience a sense of belonging in her community, the family supported Mary to connect with local organizations in need of help.
Two years ago, Mary began volunteering at Kylee’s Kare Kits for Kidz where she packs bags for local children with food for weekend meals. Mary also cultivated a relationship with the Clinton Senior Center and prepares and distributes critical supplies to seniors. The pandemic has not stopped Mary in honoring her commitments. Mary’s parents feel that having a sibling with a disability has made Mary’s three sisters better people – kinder, gentler, more compassionate. Family is at the heart of Mary’s mission. Mary shows her family and her community that her big heart, and not her Autism, is what really matters.