When hope is nurtured and belief is restored, even the most broken stories can become vessels of purpose and transformation. For Castanita, that transformation began after decades of unimaginable pain. At just 10 years old, she was exploited. By 11, she had been introduced to drugs. What followed were 31 years of addiction, abuse, and survival in a world that tried to silence her. She didn’t choose that life—it was forced on her. She dropped out of school in the 6th grade, and the streets became her teacher. She learned to read and write not in classrooms, but in shelters, alleyways, and jail cells.
“For decades, my life was not my own. But even in the darkest moments, a small spark of hope remained. That hope eventually grew stronger than my fear. The turning point came when I realized I was still here for a reason—that my life had value. It wasn’t an easy journey, but with the grace of God and the support of people who believed in me, I began to reclaim my story. One of those people was One Purse. They gave me more than a scholarship—they gave me a second chance at a dream I thought was lost forever.”
One Purse played a vital role in her transformation. We didn’t just provide a scholarship; we gave Castanita the chance to pursue a dream that once felt out of reach. In 2019, she earned her high school diploma. Then came her Associate degree—something she had once believed was impossible.
Now, with One Purse’s continued support, Castanita is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Christian Leadership and Management. This opportunity has empowered her to step fully into her calling: leading others out of darkness and into freedom. Education has become a symbol of her healing. It has restored her confidence, given her purpose, and reminded her of her worth.
“Today, I’m not just surviving—I’m thriving. I’ve even launched my nonprofit, Fly With Both Wings, to empower others still trapped in the same darkness I once knew. Thanks to One Purse, I’m building a future filled with meaning, purpose, and hope. They didn’t just believe in my education—they believed in me. ”