Mary Cain - Ambassador of Respect

“Our Family Loves Corn Hole!” said a very animated Mary Cain.  Mary was the recipient of a $1,000 check and Ambassador of Respect (AoR) award from the Davie Respect Initiative (DRI) for her idea of designing and building corn hole sets for the non profit, Family Promise.  “Doing recreation together as a family is very important; it helps bind the family.  My project focused on the unmet recreation needs for families experiencing homelessness while living in housing provided by Family Promise of DC (FPDC).  Recreation and family time are always important to maintain mental and physical health and are shown to reduce stress which is an underlying issue for families experiencing homelessnes,” observed the 16 year old Ambassador of Respect.  
 
Mary met with Lisa Foster, the Executive Director of FPDC to determine the needs of Davie families experiencing homelessness and devised a plan to make and deliver the corn hole sets.  The plan was very well thought out and executed from the research she had done to find agencies that provide for those experiencing homelessness, to the planning meeting with Lisa Foster FPDC), to reviewing the corn hole plans with Mark Eaton, Davie County Schools Technical Advisor, and to recruiting volunteers/construction assistants from her Girl Scout Troop 41172.  Here is just part of her timeline:
 
6/28/2020 - Emailed Lisa Foster at FPDC to begin planning and volunteer enlistment
7/6 - Planning interview with Lisa Foster
7/8 - Emailed Mark Eaton corn hole plans
10/12 - Purchased lumber and hardware, cut lumber to size
10/13,14 - Drill and finish cuts, install hardware and sanded rough edges
10/24 - Corn hole set assembly
11/7 - Final sand and prep for painting
11/21 - First coat of paint
Dec., January, February - More coats of paint, graphics, developing tips and tricks for corn hole
3/13/2021 - Actual delivery of the corn hole boards to Lisa Foster!!!!
 
“This is a Joyous Day!” exclaimed David Bone, County Manager of DC after presenting Mary with her Ambassador of Respect certificate and $1,000 check at the Headquarters of Family Promise. Like Mary, David has a scouting background including being a scout leader and mentor, as well as having 3 sons who have achieved Eagle Scout status.  “I applaud you for finding a project that will not only make a difference in our community, but is so meaningful to you personally.”  Cheerful bright blue and purple corn hole sets can be found at each of the FPDC locations.  According to Lisa Foster, “Mary was so great to work with. She presented this wonderful idea to me and had all of the details sorted out herself.  Having fun family activities for families in our program makes such a huge impact.  It was clear to me how much Mary cares about her community and others throughout this project.”  Mary is a true leader who respects all and is greatly respected by all.  Congratulations, Mary, for increasing the amount of Respect in Davie County! 

Do you know a young person or Davie County youth group between the ages of 12-21 “doing good, being kind, or showing respect” to people, animals or the environment?  Empower our youth by anonymously nominating them.  Up to three new Ambassadors of Respect may be selected by the volunteer selection panel each quarter. The next quarter ends on December 31st, and individual youths and DC youth groups can apply on their own or after having been nominated. Email comments or questions to [email protected].  ​