Stephen White serves as the Philanthropic Chair for Project Hope Helps, Inc., bringing more than a decade of experience in the substance use and recovery field, shaped by both professional expertise and powerful lived experience. Having worked across the entire continuum of care—from detox and residential to outpatient and long-term reintegration—Stephen offers a national perspective on what it takes to build and sustain effective recovery systems.

Stephen’s journey into recovery began with the help of a local nonprofit, giving him a firsthand understanding of the transformative power of accessible, community-based support. That experience laid the foundation for his deep commitment to service and his belief that recovery must be available from multiple vantage points—whether through housing, harm reduction, peer mentorship, or clinical care.

Over the years, Stephen has collaborated with nonprofit organizations across the country, supporting programming, development, and outreach initiatives that directly impact vulnerable populations. His extensive knowledge of treatment models and funding mechanisms positions him as a key advisor in helping Project Hope Helps expand its reach and secure long-term sustainability.

As Philanthropic Chair, Stephen is focused on strengthening partnerships, increasing community engagement, and helping ensure that the life-changing work of Project Hope Helps remains accessible to those who need it most. He understands that behind every statistic is a story—and he’s committed to making sure those stories end in recovery, not tragedy.

Stephen’s leadership reflects a core truth at the heart of the organization: real change happens when lived experience meets practical action, and when people who’ve been there come back to help light the way for others.