She worked hard, got the job, bought the apartment and by no fault of her own, lost it all. But despite the loss and depression, Sully is now on the road to rebuilding her life, finding her true calling as a caregiver, and finally learning how to drive to secure a brighter future.
Johannesburg, South Africa (12 August 2025) – Hailing from rural Mpumalanga, Sully grew up to become one of those inspiring women who make the most of every and any opportunity that comes their way.
Although the chapter of motherhood arrived sooner than she would have anticipated, Sully pushed to finish school and did a secretarial course before finding work at a casino. She was doing well for herself, put her son through school and bought an apartment.
Things were coming together… until they weren’t.
When Sully’s son found himself battling addiction and was admitted into a psychiatric hospital, her whole world crumbled as she fell into a deep depression and eventually lost her job.
“I lost my job, my apartment that I’d saved up for, everything that I’d built up during the past 20 years crumbled, and I ended up in a shelter in Hillbrow.
“At rock bottom, in the shelter, I was introduced to a church community and also an organisation working to stop human trafficking,” Sully shares with Project Purpose.
Sully slowly began to pick up the pieces of her life again, seeking counselling and working as a domestic helper. She later took up a course in elderly care and finally found her calling!
She completed her certification and volunteer hours as an Elderly Care Assistant through Chilton (including First Aid / CPR) as well as Advanced Au Pair, Night Nursing and Early Childhood Development.
To further realise her dream of working as a carer, Sully worked hard last year to obtain her learner’s license, as job opportunities have been limited without having a driver’s license.
To support and empower Sully, Project Purpose has now collaborated with Natasha from The Driving Corporation to help Sully gain all the confidence and driving skills she’ll need behind the wheel.
Unlike 18-year-olds who grew up being driven to school every day, older learners often start from scratch, learning what others take for granted. But Natasha is committed to walking this road with Sully.
To give Sully the chance to drive toward her dreams, you can sponsor a professional lesson at a special discounted rate of R350 per lesson. Donations can be made via the Project Purpose website here.
Sources: Project Purpose
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