My life began with a story written for me—one of poverty, abuse, and instability. From foster care to facing down my own demons with addiction, my path was paved with challenges that threatened to define me. I was a product of my environment until I decided to become the author of my own future.
This is not a story about what happened to me. It's a story about what I did next. I learned to face the ghosts of my past—parental addiction, sexual abuse, profound loss—and turn them from sources of pain into sources of power. I learned to overcome so I could conquer.
From a single story to a national stage. I've had the honor of connecting with over 3,000 students across the country—from school assemblies in 7 states to major conferences—sharing a message of hope and the power of perseverance.
students presented
articles written
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TONIGHT I HEARD A BROTHER SPEAK
As the words fell from his lips
and flowed across the room
like warm darts piercing
the stillness of my mind
I shuddered at their impact.
He was I
and I him
telling a tale of troubled times
of woes from days
long since passed
and I was stunned by the weaving
of his tale.
I looked the length of the long table
that separated he from me
and I saw the pain reflected in his eyes as he recalled visions and demons long ago scattered to the winds.
His hurt became my hurt and the far away look that filled his eyes
pulled me up and out and into
his very soul.
So
here he sat today
this man
never healed but well mended
receiving an ovation from a room of others
who were moved
and stunned then warmed
by the soul and the spirit of another that had triumphed over despair that had felt the depths of darkness yet had risen to the heavens in its stead.
And so
very simply so
I felt a warmth within
as I left for home
proud and content yet deeply saddened
from the listening
to the magic
of the heavy
so very heavy
words
that fell from the mind
to the lips
of another
me.
November 3, 2016.
After hearing a CASA presentation by a foster care survivor.
Phil White
Phil White
While the cost of presentations can vary depending on travel and logistical considerations, the standard speaking fee is $5,000. That said, I made a conscious decision early on not to let pricing be a barrier to sharing this message. I believe deeply in the impact and importance of what I share, and I want it to remain accessible to a wide range of audiences. I’m committed to working collaboratively with schools and organizations to find a solution that makes the presentation possible, even if budget constraints exist.
Presentations typically run between 45 minutes to an hour, including a concluding Q&A session that often proves to be both insightful and thought-provoking. I recognize the value of staying on schedule and am fully committed to adapting the presentation to fit within the time allotted.
My presentations are honest, unfiltered, and deeply personal. I share my experiences exactly as they happened, because I know many young people today are facing similar challenges.
I primarily speak to high school students and teenagers, as much of what I went through occurred during those formative years. Please note that the content can be intense and emotionally powerful, and may not be suitable for younger audiences.
In my experience, after presentations, some participants may share sensitive information that school and organizational administrators may not be aware of. I maintain a clear understanding with administrators that if any information shared with me is deemed harmful to the individual or others, I will promptly communicate it to the appropriate organizational contacts to ensure the well-being and safety of all involved.