The Transformative Gift of a Purse: Dignity, Gratitude, and Connection in Recovery
When my daughter Courtney was in rehab, she noticed something that stuck with her. Women who had done the hard work of finishing their treatment were leaving with nothing more than a plastic bag to carry their belongings. She said to me, “Mom, that’s no way to celebrate something so big. Every woman deserves to walk out with dignity. They should be given a purse.” It was her idea, her way of adding beauty and humanity back into a process that can feel raw and vulnerable.
Courtney at age 28 passed away from cirrhosis of the liver before she could see her idea take root. But I couldn’t let it go. To honor her memory, I started Purse-Impressions—a non-profit dedicated to giving women leaving rehab and achieving sobriety milestones, a purse, filled with love, encouragement, and essentials. What I’ve come to learn is that a purse is never just a purse. It is a symbol. It says, you matter, you are seen, and you deserve dignity as you step forward.
The most beautiful part of this journey is the letters of gratitude I receive from the women who get these purses. Their words remind me every day why Courtney’s idea was so powerful. One woman wrote:
“Hi Patricia, this is Oreja. I’m blessed to be alive and living today to work on doing better in my life to stay sober and work on me. This was a wonderful idea and blessing that Courtney came up with because it’s so true about the plastic bags we carry our personal things in. I’d like to thank you and Courtney—may she rest in peace. Really thank you from the bottom of my heart because I really needed this purse. God bless you and your staff.”
Another letter from Kimberly brought me to tears:
“Sweet woman, thank you for your love and kindness, the time you took to make sure you gave the perfect purse and the goodies you put inside. I never thought I would be a woman without those little things that make us feel like a woman, like a human being. But yet here I am—I had it all and lost it all. Your little kind gesture of love brings hope back to a hopeless situation. Thank you in kind for your generosity. Know that you are loved and you are also worth it.”
Beverly shared how the purse was a comfort during an incredibly lonely time:
“Thank you for the purse, what a lovely surprise and gift. It was a last-minute decision to come here after being sick and tired of being sick and tired. Everything is going good—I’m glad I made the right decision to come and start this journey finally. The only depressing part is I miss my dog, my nine-year-old Chihuahua. She is the only family I have left. I’m truly sorry to learn about your daughter. Addiction sucks. Thanks for all that you do and for thinking about us.”
Stephanie wrote about how useful her gift became in her daily recovery work:
“Purse-Impressions is an awesome organization. I got a purse and a little journal and a key chain—they are precious. This is my first time in a residential program so I didn’t know that a purse would come in handy to carry around my AA book, Bible, and homework from classes. I’m thrilled you have a partnership with Crossroads. Thank you for your time in reading this.”
And then there was Chelsea, who months later was still using her purse:
“I was gifted a purse in October of 2024, at the place that saved my life. I’ve never been the type of girl to carry a purse, more like a fanny pack. But this purse was the perfect mix. I just wanted to say thank you to the beautiful people who put every ounce of love into these purses. I still use mine as my main bag and would like to give back some love as well.”
Even women at the very start of their journey have written back with gratitude and determination. One letter said:
“Hello! I am currently at one of the rehabs that you donated to and wanted to personally say thank you for this beautiful donation! The purse matches my personality to a tee! I also read your reason for starting your foundation and it’s so touching and makes my heart so happy knowing there are people like you in this world! I’m currently 19 weeks and five days pregnant and only 32 days clean off heroin after relapsing from four years of sobriety. People like you showing such courage and kindness truly help me want to keep going with faith and courage!”
These words are treasures to me. They remind me that Courtney’s idea was never just about a bag—it was about restoring dignity, sparking hope, and helping women feel worthy as they move into their new life. Every purse carries her spirit forward.
For me, a purse will never be just a purse again. It’s a vessel for hope, a symbol of resilience, and a legacy of love that began with my daughter’s simple but profound idea.
You can read more about Courtney’s story and our mission at www.purse-impressions.com.
