Growing up, Quinta lived in four different states, attended six different high schools, eight different middle schools and countless elementary schools. At the age of 17, her mother, emotionally, physically and mentally exhausted from years of trying to provide financial stability for her family, informed Quinta she could no longer serve as her mother and Quinta must learn to face the real world. 

In her senior year of high school, Quinta found refuge at Our Friends Place. With a stable roof over her head and a strong support system, Quinta graduated from Lincoln High School and was accepted at the University of North Texas. During the first two years of college, Quinta returned to Our Friends Place to celebrate the holidays and spend the summers, providing her an opportunity to save money while employed at Auntie Anne’s. 

By her junior year in college, Quinta secured an apartment of her own. In her senior year, she determined she wanted to give back and served as an intern at Our Friends Place - the place that taught her independence, the place that changed her life, the place that encouraged her to reach her goals. In 2013, Quinta graduated from the University of North Texas with a bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation and secured a position at State Farm Insurance before even graduating. Upon graduation, Quinta said, “Thank you to everyone at Our Friends Place. I would not have been able to accomplish what I have without your help.” Quinta knows she can always find the guidance and support every girl deserves at Our Friends Place, her home.