Ady Forrester: Mover and Shaker

Ady Forrester been volunteering now for over a year and coming up with donation drives to help others. This year alone she has established and completed three donation dives: a teddy bear drive for the local police department for children that are victims of abuse, "Blanket for the Homeless” where she raised 72 blankets in less than one month, and a personal hygiene drive for the those in need. 

She comes up with the donation drives, gathers up the things that she needs, and gets others involved. Ady has also visited six elementary schools this year speaking on subjects of teamwork, anti-bullying, and volunteering. She has also worked with The Bridge Homeless Shelter, Stewpot kitchen, North Texas Food bank, Special Olympics, IMPACT, Dream Weaver Foundation, Children’s Miracle Network, and spent time visiting veterans. 

Part of her work includes a platform she created called M.O.V.E.:

Mentor those who need help with your words and encouragement.

Open your heart to help anyone who is in need around you.

Volunteer your free time to organizations that need your help.

Engage others by asking them to join you in your community service efforts.

As a high school student at Grand Prairie High School, Ady saved her money and bought www.negative2positive.net to help others find ways to volunteer. Since January, she completed 130 hours of community service, and is also a cadet in the Junior ROTC program, a cheerleader, Miss Grand Prairie Outstanding Teen, and in choir.

Her mother said part of Ady's drive to give back stems from growing up in poverty in younger years. 

"Sometimes we didn't have electricity. We were young parents and times were hard," Rikki DeWees said. "I truly think that's why her heart is for those in need."

Ady makes it a point to speak to others about her generation being seen as selfish and how to reverse that stereotype to be seen as selfless.

"I'm very proud of Ady and her willingness to help others. Ady's willingness to do for others has been contagious, we are involved in her volunteering and it has made us grow closer," DeWees said. "I feel blessed to a have child whose heart is directed towards doing for others!"