"From Vision to Reality: Latina White's Impactful Journey as Harper Phoenix Interfaith Executive Director"

In the heart of Queens, New York, where the vibrancy of life meets the resilience of spirit, our founder Latina White, affectionately known as Tina, embarked on a journey that would lead to the inception of Harper Phoenix Interfaith Inc. Tina, the firstborn daughter of Jaqueline Bussey and Douglas White, experienced a childhood that was both unique and challenging, yet it laid the foundation for a future filled with hope and innovation. Her father, once a healthy and eager young man serving in the US Army in Vietnam, returned with the scars of war, succumbing to heroin addiction.

Over the years, life became progressively more challenging when dad announced that he had been diagnosed with HIV. Back in the 80s, there was less knowledge about the disease; all we knew was that it was deadly and there was no cure. Between 1986-1998, life was one big blur of foster care, molestation, neglect, crack-addicted mothers, aunties, uncles, homelessness, and not knowing when or if mommy was ever coming back to get us. "Us" was my siblings and me. In February 1993, Douglas White took his last breath at Grady Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia. It was so final, so sad, and there was never going to be another chance to get it right: no more rides on his shoulders, no more phone calls, no more visits, no more random Western Union money transfers once maybe twice a year. Fast forward to 1998, Jacqueline, Tina’s mom, beautiful, young, funny, drug-addicted, and now deceased before the age of 41, died from complications of the HIV virus on May 24th, 1998.

” I would visit my mom in the hospital; she had asthma, and it was bad. She had to use a breathing machine once a week. I always thought this was the reason for the frequent hospital stays. I never knew that mommy was infected; she never told me, although hindsight is 20/20. I do recall several occasions when she attempted to tell me. I can speak for no one but myself, but I had no clue until the doctor, so matter-of-fact and in an almost condescending tone, informed me that my mom had expired due to complications from the HIV. That was it; we were officially orphans.”  Tina White

However, it is from these depths of personal struggle that Latina drew strength, inspiration, and an unwavering resolve to foster change. Harper Phoenix Interfaith Inc. was born out of this journey - a beacon of hope, underpinned by hard-earned wisdom, empathy, and a deep sense of purpose. Tina's life story, a tapestry of trials and triumphs, underscores her commitment to the organization's mission. The experiences that shaped her childhood and adolescence have forged a leader whose insights are rooted in genuine lived experience, far surpassing the impact of any traditional corporate or educational achievements. The guiding principles of the organization are reflective of this rich personal history, where every setback has been a stepping stone to greater understanding and every challenge a catalyst for innovation and growth.

“I write this because I want anyone who ever encounters Harper Phoenix Interfaith Inc. to know that this is personal. This organization was founded on principles, out of love, out of need, by someone with experience, insight, empathy, and purpose. No amount of corporate experience, education, licenses, business ventures, overseas travel, or professional connections has ever made an impact on me as a person as much as my childhood, lived experience. The story you just read was the condensed version of my life. My grandparents played their role, did what they could, but they had health problems as far back as I can remember. My maternal grandma was pivotal in my siblings and me being able to get back into the same home when she agreed to take us under what’s called Kinship Foster Care. When Grandma died, we were pretty much on our own. I won’t go any further than that, just know that my life has been a series of events, experiences, mishaps, mistakes, failures, achievements, and goals that led up to Harper Phoenix Interfaith, Inc.”  Tina White

Today, Harper Phoenix Interfaith Inc. stands as a testament to the belief that transformation arises from adversity, and that true change is driven by those who have navigated life's most turbulent waters. This organization is a sanctuary for those who are often overlooked - veterans, the elderly, children, the homeless, and the LGBTQ+ community. With Latina at the helm, it is more than an organization; it is a movement, driven by the conviction that everyone deserves a place at the table of humanity. Under her leadership, Harper Phoenix Interfaith Inc. will continue to break new ground, offering support, advocacy, and a vision for a future where every individual is empowered to rise above their circumstances.