about project hope helps
Our Board of Directors
click on the image for their bio
Jacob Evans
Chief Tom Wright
Dr. Karen S. Evans
Mario Salcido
Miles Clarke
Philanthropic Chair
Stephen White
Stephen White — Philanthropic Chair, Project Hope Helps, Inc.
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.
Contact Project HOPE Helps!
Feel free to call us at 800-296-9765 or use the submission form below. Please give us 24 hours to respond to submitted messages. If you need immediate assistance we recommend calling!
“Jake and Mario played a pivotal role in building a rock solid foundation for my life and recovery. I was at a point where I needed direction the most and was blessed with the opportunity to work with them. From learning DBT skills, to how to hold boundaries, to building out business plans for a start up. They have the tools to be able to support you in any avenue, as long as your sobriety remains first. Beyond grateful for HOPE guides showing me I have a life worth living, and they have helped me achieve almost 2 years of sobriety!”
“Jake and his team have done some amazing things in the community. He helps men and woman see there value in society Helping woman be better Mothers and Men be better Sons and fathers. He quickly shows you what works and what doesn’t. while you are in the drivers seat. By implementing his proven track record program. Not only will you let go of the wreckage of your past. You begin to realize what your holding onto was never yours to begin with. He helped guide me into removing the illusion of addiction itself. In order to change you need to become someone different. Jake truly helped, me believe in myself when the world gave up. I am truly honored to not only be one of his students but can say he is an amazing friend. I will not say it was easy but it was worth it!!! i now respect myself as a woman and no longer live in fear and anxiety of abuse. I am no longer a victim of my past.”
“My wife and I have been very happy with Hope Guides. Our son had hit rock bottom to where we thought any day we would be receiving a call that he was dead or in prison. Hardest time of our lives! Jake Evans was a life saver! He was very patient with us and would always take our calls in the middle of the night. He never gave up on trying to get our son into treatment while doing it from several states away. Jake is very dedicated and companionate. It has been over a year now and he continues to support our son. It is such a relief knowing he is in good hands! We highly recommend Hope Guides.”
