Mary "Mandie" Davis, affectionally known by the Worthy of Love community as Sista Mary, and her husband Ari Kadin, first met as volunteers in Downtown Los Angeles’ Skid Row.  Their volunteer efforts opened their eyes to the enormity of the housing crises in Los Angeles witnessing the vast number of unhoused families and, in particular, meeting children experiencing homelessness was an experience that changed them both.  

Mary and Ari always wanted to be parents. So, when their first pregnancy ended in heartbreak, they turned grief of miscarriage into a catalyst for social change. Reminded of the children they met on Skid Row, their personal loss strengthened their resolve to make a difference in the lives of families in need. Knowing the pain of a dream deferred, they deeply understood the need to provide hope. 

In 2013, Mary and Ari founded Worthy of Love to help unhoused families and children feel connected, valued, and loved. Every month since, they have held a festive and joyous birthday party for thousands of children experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles, California and Houston, Texas.