April 2026 Newsletter

This month has been full of meaningful moments, and I’m so grateful for the ways God continues to grow the work of CAST!

Recently, we spent an afternoon in strategic planning with Ripple FX, dreaming and praying about how our ministries can partner and integrate in deeper ways. It was energizing and encouraging, and we’re excited about what’s ahead.

We have also had some really special opportunities to serve locally including helping host a free shopping day at Stark High School, and serving Jackson families through Bear Hugs. Seeing students show up with joy and compassion is always a reminder of why this mission matters so much.

As the school year winds down, we’d love for you to join us at CAST Blast as we celebrate this amazing group of senior students. It’s such a fun and meaningful night together and we can’t wait to be with you!

With gratitude, 
Sonja White 
Executive Director

Graduate Spotlight:

 Ashanti Mumford

Ashanti’s story with CAST started in middle school, tagging along with her older sister. At the time, she didn’t feel like she belonged—just there because of her sister, not because she had a strong desire to serve. But even then, she remembers something that stuck with her: she wasn’t treated like someone’s little sister. She was seen, known, and welcomed as Ashanti.

When EPIC was first introduced, she wanted nothing to do with it. It meant being separated from her sister and stepping into a space full of unfamiliar faces—something that felt overwhelming, especially as she battled anxiety. Still, a CAST leader kept inviting her, and eventually, she said yes.

That decision led to a moment that would change everything.

During a worship session at EPIC, Ashanti found herself caught between pride and anxiety—wanting to appear strong, but quietly carrying a weight few people saw. In the middle of an altar call, she stepped forward with her sister and a leader and prayed. Letting go of her pride, she asked Jesus for something simple: a hug. In that moment, she felt the Spirit meet her, and she released everything—her fears, her need for control, her anxiety. It was a turning point she’s never forgotten.

After EPIC, Ashanti stayed connected, continuing with CAST and getting involved at Third Street Community Church. The leaders around her kept encouraging her to grow, helping her build a deeper relationship with Jesus.

Even after high school and college, that foundation stayed with her. When she returned to Third Street and was invited to a CAST lock-in as a leader, she jumped in—and loved it. That same year, she came back to EPIC, this time as a leader, and has continued to return almost every year since.

Today, Ashanti lives in California, yet she still flies back to be part of moments like EPIC and Aliquippa. 

Looking back, Ashanti realizes the impact those early moments and leaders had on her life. What once felt like tagging along became something far greater. And now, she returns for one reason: to be that same steady presence for someone else—so that another student who feels unsure, unseen, or out of place might discover they belong, and maybe even encounter God in a way that changes everything.

Student Spotlight:
Dezmun Olmeda

Dezmun, a senior at McKinley High School, is one of those students whose name and face you’ve probably seen if you’ve spent any time around us. He’s one of our top 10 student volunteers, recording over 100 service hours during his time in high school. But that’s not the main thing we know him for. Dezmun is known for his friendly personality, his ability to make anyone laugh, and his deep, compassionate heart. There is no one quite like him.

Dezmun is graduating from McKinley High School with his license in phlebotomy, meaning he can step straight into a job in the healthcare field. This didn’t happen by chance. Dezmun made that choice because he hopes to one day go into neuroscience and help treat neurological diseases. When we asked what he’s most proud of from this program, he pointed to the hard work he put into his final exam. He shared that he watched one study video over 300 times and could probably recite it word for word. Now that he has passed, he’s excited to begin exploring his career and what life holds next.

Dezmun will be joining us in Aliquippa for the fourth time this year. When we asked what makes Aliquippa so special to him, he said he loves that each year feels different. He gets to meet new people, try new things, and continue relationships he’s built in previous years, especially with Miss Annette, who became like a “cool auntie” to him and his brother, Devine. We’ve seen Dezmun truly shine in Aliquippa, serving others with his big heart and caring personality.

Dezmun is a bright light to CAST and to the world. We know that wherever he goes, he will make a meaningful impact on the people around him. Congratulations, Dezmun, on graduating with your phlebotomy license. We can’t wait to hear how you’re changing the world in the years to come!