Mary Osbourne of Bowling Green, Kentucky has built a life based on servitude. On top of being a board member for Room-in-the-Inn, a shelter program for those seeking housing, Osbourne spends her time volunteering at the Salvation Army, running the Good Deeds program started by her daughter and helping recovering addicts find stability through one of her several sober living houses. “I just love to serve,” Osbourne said, “I believe that your past doesn’t have to define your future; sometimes people just need you to believe in them.”

Brian, left, jokes with Osborne after trying to acquire a new license. Osbourne’s Good Deed’s program, in collaboration with the Warren County Jail, provides transportation from the Life Navigation Center on W. Main Ave to the Department of Motor Vehicles so that unhoused individuals are able to gain licensing, putting them one step closer to stable employment. Those close to Mary remark on her ability to bring joy and comfort wherever she’s present.

Osborne adjusts a girl’s corsage alongside her mother “Butch” during the annual Daddy Daughter Dance in Glasgow, Kentucky. The event, which was pushed back from January due to extreme weather, quickly sold out of corsages after the second session, disappointing many little girls.

Always on the phone, Osborne helps MARC volunteer Sheridan to package up the leftover lunch menu at the Salvation Army. At no point day or night does Osborne’s phone stop ringing, with calls ranging from check-ins, to managerial duties, to breaking up fights between wives and secret girlfriends at one of her many sober living houses. This call involved negotiating with the MARC to take in a new arrival who had been discharged from the hospital after being jumped and severely beaten.

Mary speaks with her husband Tim Osborne as the evening winds down. Tim and Mary have been married over 20 years with four children. Their youngest, Emorie Osbourne, founded the non-profit “Good Deeds” while in kindergarten.

Osborne checks in on a longtime Salvation Army shelterer named Bobby after he became unresponsive during Salvation Army lunch. Mary, speaking through a mental health professional on Bobby’s phone, attempted to find transportation for Bobby and a place to stay. Providing for the homeless population involves many hidden complications, ranging from mental health crisis to parole offenses, substance abuse, and anything in between. 2 police officers eventually gave Bobby a ride.

After pulling a 14-hour day over the weekend, Osborne still finds time for fun in-between, like dusting off her jump shot alongside her nieces and nephews.

Osborne directs MARC volunteers as they unload supplies from the annual Daddy-Daughter Dance into her mother’s garage in Glasgow, Kentucky. MARC residents enjoy volunteering for Osborne as this is often the most time they will get outside of the rehab center.

Osborne watches from the kitchen as some of the last homeless patrons finish their lunchtime meals at the Salvation Army in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Osbourne recalled the emotional weight that comes with serving others, telling the story of a wheelchair bound woman who she cared for over two years. “She had a sharp tongue,” Osbourne said, “no one wanted to take care of her because she was mean.” Osbourne held her hand and painted her nails along with her friend and coworker Caprice as she took her final breath. “She at least didn’t have to die alone,” Osbourne said.