The story of Kathie Purple: Working in Recovery

Continuing the April “Working in Recovery” series is the story of Kathie Purple. What began as a battle with addiction in the Bronx ultimately became a lifelong journey of recovery, service, and redemption.Growing up in the Bronx, Kathie’s struggle with addiction began at just 12 years old. What started as an attempt to manage her weight and cope with deep insecurities quickly turned into something much bigger. Wanting to be like her older sister, she began using drugs early, and from that point on, her addiction escalated. School lost its importance, and though she eventually earned her GED, her life was already moving in a different direction.When her mother tried to set boundaries, Kathie ran away, choosing life on the streets over structure. She survived wherever she could—sleeping in basements, relying on the kindness of strangers, and going years without stable income, all while continuing to use. Her world became centered around addiction, even moving neighborhoods just to stay close to her dealer, who would later become the father of her child.Pregnancy did not stop her addiction. Kathie continued to use throughout, often eating as little as one hot dog a day—sometimes even sharing it with her dog—so she could prioritize drugs. By the time she gave birth, her son tested positive for cocaine, and the state immediately intervened. Her mother stepped in, taking custody of the child while Kathie faced the painful consequences of her actions.It was during this time that a seed of recovery was planted. Her sister, who had found a new way of life through Narcotics Anonymous, encouraged her to give it a try. At first, Kathie didn’t believe she had a problem—but slowly, through meetings, connection, and something as simple as a shared pot of coffee, she began to change. She committed herself to recovery, immersing herself in service, community, and the fellowship.Kathie stayed clean and active in recovery for 36 years. She built a life rooted in purpose, showing up for others and giving back in meaningful ways. Along the way, she experienced love, loss, and profound lessons—including the heartbreak of watching people close to her relapse, including her sister, who ultimately lost her life to addiction.One of the most pivotal moments came when Kathie, for the first time at age 50, chose to truly stand on her own. From that point forward, she continued to grow, eventually meeting her fiancé and building a life grounded in connection and hope.During the COVID-19 pandemic, Kathie made a powerful decision to step more fully into her purpose. After years of working in the nonprofit sector, she became a certified peer recovery advocate—turning her lived experience into a tool to help others. No longer anonymous in her work, she began to wear her recovery proudly, using her voice to guide and support those still struggling.Today, Kathie’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and service. Through faith, community, and unwavering commitment, she has turned a life once defined by addiction into one defined by hope. Her journey is a reminder that recovery is possible—no matter how far someone has fallen—and that a life of purpose can be built one day at a time.