Meet Shannon White | Executive Director and Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shannon White and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shannon, what do you attribute your success to?
Without question, the past and ongoing success of GraceToChange is attributable to our incredible STAFF. Licensure education is the same across our state. However, ALL our Counselors are LIVING & THRIVING DAILY IN RECOVERY,
(collectively over 40 years); and several others within our practice and Board of Directors have family members who have
graduated from the GTC Program. We have a commitment to others because we know what sobriety can manifest in
one’s life. Everything becomes clearer; attainable. We know it because we live it.
We understand first-hand the struggles our clients face, whether social, familial, or legal … we’ve literally been there … it
is NOT easy, but it IS simple. We meet our clients exactly where they are at that very moment, providing tools, support,
and a safe place from which to launch their recovery; and we stay with them throughout the journey, offering lifetime care
to graduates at no additional cost.
Should also be said, we offer a healthy dose of reality and humor.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
GraceToChange is one of only two providers who utilize the state funding stream provided through our local/regional Behavioral Health Authority, (Lifepath Systems) for adults and we are THE ONLY PROVIDER FOR ADOLESCENTS who
qualify for these and other state funds.
We also work directly with Child Protective Services as the ONLY provider to offer treatment for families who are under
regional CPS supervision.
We are a nonprofit facility. Our greatest responsibility is to the residents of Collin and surrounding counties. We rely
heavily on donations—as we consistently operate financially at an approximate 75% deficit compared to private providers.
GraceToChange is the stopgap for area residents who are repeatedly incarcerated because they did not receive
treatment for their addictions. Collin county and surrounding areas are not immune to addiction or crime that may manifest
because of addiction … some of our local politicians simply choose not to discuss or address it as if to ignore the issue
means it does not exist. The issue DOES exist, even here in our affluent community. Refusing to acknowledge it does not
make it disappear.
GraceToChange is here—have been and will be—to help citizens, families, children, anyone affected by addiction.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
We love visiting The Square in Downtown McKinney! The area is loaded with history, gorgeous architecture, fun restaurants, local merchants, antiques, churches, and many other lovely sites … truly a gem in this region!

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh, without question, our dedicated STAFF and local FIRST RESPONDERS who are on the front lines with us daily, and our families who understand the demands of our professions.

Website: https://www.gracetochange.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gracetochangemckinney