The Polina E White
Memorial Fund
We aim to contribute to individual and community outcomes and, in the process,
act as an agent to destigmatize mental health and substance abuse issues.
The Polina E White
Memorial Fund
Creating Pathways to Recovery for Young Women
The Polina Fund supports young women experiencing mental health and substance use challenges through resources, partnerships, education, and opportunities for recovery.
ABOUT US
Polina died in a drowning accident while body surfing at Little Corona Del Mar beach in California, in September 2021. She was 18 and planned to start college in January 2022. This fund honors her memory by establishing a scholarship for young women in need of financial support to continue mental health and substance abuse therapy, and who are committed to serving others in the process.
MISSION
Established in 2021 by Polina’s family and friends as a vehicle for long-term philanthropy, The Polina E White Memorial Fund (“The Polina Fund”) serves to support young women facing mental health and substance abuse challenges to overcome obstacles on the path to recovery and to thrive.
The Polina Fund supports under-resourced young women who empower other under-resourced young women to address mental health and substance abuse recovery issues at the individual level, aiming to contribute to individual and community outcomes and, in the process, act as an agent to destigmatize mental health and substance abuse issues.
The Polina Fund’s goals are:
To provide resources and funding support for young women who have a demonstrated capacity to build community and lift up those in need
To develop and sustain a community of practice to fill programming gaps in practical needs for young women in recovery
Values
At the core of the Polina Fund’s efforts are the
values of personal agency and empowerment.
We invest in young women confronting
their own mental health and substance
abuse through flexible, practical support so they can help others.
The Fund seeks to remain flexible to meet
evolving needs, be practical in its offerings, and be transparent in its programming and outcome reporting.
The Polina Fund pursues these goals by focusing on the following objective:
Helping young women achieve one year of sobriety
Recovery outcomes improve dramatically following one year of sobriety. This critical first year presents many financial burdens during its timeline of stepping down in treatment from intensive outpatient, residential, or sober living programs. Transportation, insurance copays, housing and food costs can become insurmountable financial hurdles to a woman recently graduating from structured recovery programs.
The Polina Fund pursues these goals
by focusing on the following objective:
Helping young women achieve one year of sobriety
Recovery outcomes improve dramatically following one year of sobriety. This critical first year presents many financial burdens during its timeline of stepping down in treatment from intensive outpatient, residential, or sober living programs. Transportation, insurance copays, housing and food costs can become insurmountable financial hurdles to a woman recently graduating from structured recovery programs.
WHO WE HELP
Women's
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
Women's
Mental Health and Substance Abuse
COMMUNITY BUILDING
We intend to grow our programming so that more young women like Polina get the chance they deserve. The Polina Fund aims to graduate beneficiaries who will then form communities of support, extending the impact of the investment well beyond any one woman’s recovery.
We envision the establishment of a community of Hope Facilitators, co-developing recovery journeys for the underserved, still dreaming, tired, and lonely individual. People don’t want mental illness to be their story. We envision a group of people invited to be a continuous part of rallying on behalf of the underdog, and then with the underdog. As such, Polina Fund scholars and volunteers:
Help women in mental health treatment
Fill gaps in support for practical needs
Engage women in identifying the support they need
Leverage the power of reciprocity in peer support
Our Beneficiaries
The Polina Fund is proud to support organizations that are making recovery a reality for women and families impacted by mental health and substance use challenges. Our grants and partnerships strengthen local programs that provide housing, treatment, and holistic care—helping people build safe, healthy, and hopeful futures.
New Directions for Women
Building a foundation for lasting recovery
Costa Mesa, CA - www.newdirectionsforwomen.org
New Directions for Women provides gender-specific addiction treatment and recovery services for women, including pregnant women and mothers with children. Founded in 1977, New Directions offers multiple levels of care, including detoxification, residential treatment, outpatient services, and sober living, creating a continuum of support for women at different stages of recovery.
A critical part of New Directions' work is addressing the gap between treatment and long-term recovery. Women may leave treatment after only 15–30 days of sobriety and face the challenge of returning to everyday life while managing responsibilities, relationships, employment, housing, and other factors that can affect their recovery. Transitional spaces provide an important bridge, giving women the structure, stability, and support needed to strengthen the foundation they began building in treatment.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Recovery does not end when treatment ends.
Women need continued support as they transition from structured treatment back into their communities and everyday responsibilities. Transitional spaces can provide the stability, accountability, and resources needed to strengthen recovery and build a foundation for long-term independence.
This partnership reflects The Polina Fund's commitment to investing in the critical spaces between treatment and lasting recovery — helping women take the next step in their journey.
“Transitional helps to build that foundation.”
— Heather Black-Coyne, CEO, New Directions for Women
Ardan Community Living
Creating pathways to lasting recovery for women
Washington, DC - www.ardancommunityliving.com
Ardan Community Living provides safe, supportive sober living for women transitioning from treatment into long-term recovery. With recovery housing for women remaining difficult to access, Ardan addresses an important gap by providing a structured environment where women can strengthen their sobriety, rebuild their identity beyond addiction, and develop greater independence and wellness. Ardan emphasizes that recovery does not end when treatment does—continued engagement, outpatient care, and supportive relationships are essential to sustaining long-term recovery.
Through its partnership with The Polina Fund, Ardan receives targeted support that helps keep its doors open and expands access to recovery housing for women. Together, the organizations are working to strengthen women-centered recovery pathways and create opportunities for women to build lasting, healthy lives beyond addiction.
WHY THIS MATTERS
Women need recovery support beyond treatment.
Recovery housing can provide the stability, structure, and continued engagement that help women transition from treatment into sustainable recovery.
This would be especially effective because it connects Ardan to the larger issue The Polina Fund is trying to address.
“Continued engagement helps with recovery.”
— Chad Jackson, Co-Founder, Ardan Community Living
DONATION
$3,250
Provide one woman and one child with one week of life-saving treatment
$1,200
Provide one woman with one week of intensive therapy to help her heal
$1,350
Provide one woman with a month of living in a sober stable, alcohol and drug free living environment where she can establish prosocial bonds with other women in recovery, and cultivate a sense of community.
$750
Provide one child with one week of childcare while he or she lives with their mother in residential treatment
YES, I want to help young women facing mental health and substance abuse challenges to overcome obstacles on the path to recovery and to thriving.
Please click the donate button below and enter custom amount
JOIN NOW!
Polina Fund Benefit Bash 2025
Join us for a Benefit Bash! Enjoy a night filled with laughter, learning, lively entertainment and conversation under the stars as we gather to support a cause close to our hearts. The Polina Fund is delighted to invite you to our Rooftop Benefit Bash, an event dedicated to raising awareness and funds for our mission.
Saturday, October 4, 2025 at 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Highlights of the evening include:
Polina Fund Benefit Bash 2025
Cocktail reception with hors d'oeuvres
Join us for a fancy start to the evening! Sip on delicious cocktails and nibble on tasty bites that will tantalize your taste buds.
Live entertainment
Get ready to be entertained! Enjoy live music and performances that will keep you captivated and add a lively vibe to the event.
Silent auction featuring unique items, experiences, meals, and vacation options
Discover treasures and one-of-a-kind experiences up for grabs! Bid on unique items, exclusive meals, and dream vacation packages in our exciting silent auction.
Inspiring guest speakers
Be inspired by our guest speakers! Hear from thought leaders and experts who will share their insights and stories to motivate and uplift you.
Networking opportunities with
like-minded individuals
Connect with others who share your interests! Take advantage of networking opportunities to meet like-minded individuals and build meaningful connections.
VENUE
Rooftop Lounge, 99 M St SE, Washington DC
ADDRESS
Experience a night of wonder at our event hosted in the Rooftop Lounge, nestled at 99 M St SE in Washington DC. Picture yourself surrounded by the glittering city skyline, a magical backdrop to an evening filled with excitement. With a warm and inviting atmosphere, the Rooftop Lounge welcomes you to indulge in delicious drinks, delectable bites, and captivating entertainment.
Join us for an unforgettable night where you can mingle with like-minded individuals, enjoy live performances that will dazzle your senses, and explore unique treasures in our silent auction. The Rooftop Lounge promises a memorable experience, combining breathtaking views with delightful experiences that will leave you enchanted. RSVP now and be part of this extraordinary event!
Our Team
MEET THE BOARD MEMBERS
Douglas White
Founder
Douglas White’s career has been marked by a blend of strategic leadership and operational excellence. He has cultivated partnerships across various sectors, and acted as a program designer and proposal writer since 2003, carving out winning strategies for federal, state, and private funding. His career reflects a synergy between technical expertise and humanitarian advocacy. Most recently engaged in U.S. Department of State and USAID-funded efforts to build cybersecurity capacity in Ukraine, he has been instrumental in guiding Ukraine's cybersecurity strategies, focusing on building a proactive environment to protect critical infrastructures. In 2023, he founded the Polina White Memorial Foundation, a testament to his commitment to mental health and substance abuse recovery, honoring Polina's memory by raising awareness and directing resources to these vital causes.
Deirdre White
CEO of PYXERA Global
Deirdre White, CEO of PYXERA Global, is a globally recognized leader in building private, public, and social sector partnerships. Formerly a Senior Manager at Arthur D. Little, Inc., she led projects for USAID, USTDA, and EBRD. Deirdre's thought leadership has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Forbes, and Fast Company. She advises MIT Ideas Global Challenge and the Bretton Woods Committee, with affiliations including Aspen Institute's Socrates Program. A sought-after speaker, Deirdre has addressed prestigious forums like the Shared Value Leadership Summit and Clinton Global Initiative, Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Initiative, and the Johnson Foundation at Wingspread’s Leadership Forum for Global Citizen Diplomacy.
Laura Mann
Managing Director of Frankly, Green + Webb USA
Laura Mann is the Managing Director of Frankly, Green + Webb USA, a consultancy providing digital and mobile strategy, audience research, and experience design to the cultural sector. She holds a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and did her graduate work in Art History at the University of California, Berkeley. Laura has served on many nonprofit boards including the New Leader Scholarship and MCN. She lives in Oakland, California with her husband, twin teenagers, many pets, and even more bicycles.
Jennifer Reichert
Small Business Owner
A small business owner with 20 years’ experience organizing strategy, action, and impact in numerous technical applications and disciplines, often in first-of-a-kind roles, Jennifer is known for innovating clear paths from scattered data; implementing thorough, effective solutions; and building new departments, processes, and institutions. Her experience spans program and project management, R&D, compliance, IT, quality and process improvement, business development and proposals, and security. Jennifer is playful and friendly and committed to shaping thriving Virginia wine production, distribution, and consumer appreciation.
Steve Bergen
Associate Director at
Global Development Incubator
Steve Bergen, Associate Director at Global Development Incubator, brings 15+ years of expertise in program management, international compliance, and nonprofit leadership. With a background in supporting initiatives for the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of State, the National Institutes of Health, and the Gates Foundation, he excels in managing donor funding. Previously at CRDF Global, Steve led cybersecurity initiatives and served as Acting Director for Research and Innovation. His work spans Eurasia and MENA, covering research, education, agriculture, global health, and ICT. Holding an M.A. in International Affairs and a B.A. in International Studies from American University, Steve is committed to driving impactful program development strategies
Lea Blubaugh
Vice President of External Grants
and Contracts at Conservation International
Lea Blubaugh, Vice President of External Grants and Contracts at Conservation International, brings 20+ years of experience in grant and contract management and nonprofit leadership. She leads global teams in the implementation of public and private financial assistance, balancing donor stewardship with a commitment to relationship-based grantmaking that promotes inclusivity, power sharing, and mutually accountable relationships. She is known for developing policies and processes that reflect these values and for building high-performing teams that strive to make a positive impact and create social change. Lea is particularly passionate about providing mentoring and professional development opportunities for women at all stages of their careers.
Ashley Walls
RADT Certification Holder
Ashley is a dedicated professional in the substance abuse treatment industry, holding a RADT certification. Passionate about helping others overcome addiction, Ashley sponsors women in Alcoholics Anonymous and actively participates in Young People of Alcoholics Anonymous conventions. With a commitment to making a positive impact, Ashley embodies compassion and resilience in their pursuit of supporting individuals on their journey to recovery.
Our Team
MEET THE BOARD MEMBERS
Douglas White
Founder
Strategic Leader in Global Cybersecurity & Capacity Building
Douglas White is the Founder of The Polina Fund, which he established in 2023 in memory of his daughter, Polina. Polina died in 2021 at age 18 after years of struggling with mental health and substance use challenges. The Fund grew from his family's experience navigating treatment and recovery and a determination to help other young women and their families find the support they need. Outside The Polina Fund, Douglas is a senior leader in international development, cybersecurity, and national security, with more than two decades of experience leading complex initiatives, building partnerships, and working across government, nonprofit, and private-sector institutions. Douglas brings that experience to the Fund's strategy, partnerships, and growth while keeping its mission rooted in Polina's story and expanding access to treatment and recovery resources for women.
Deirdre White
CEO of PYXERA Global
Deirdre White, CEO of PYXERA Global, is a globally recognized leader in building private, public, and social sector partnerships. Formerly a Senior Manager at Arthur D. Little, Inc., she led projects for USAID, USTDA, and EBRD. Deirdre's thought leadership has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, Forbes, and Fast Company. She advises MIT Ideas Global Challenge and the Bretton Woods Committee, with affiliations including Aspen Institute's Socrates Program. A sought-after speaker, Deirdre has addressed prestigious forums like the Shared Value Leadership Summit and Clinton Global Initiative, Rockefeller Foundation’s Bellagio Initiative, and the Johnson Foundation at Wingspread’s Leadership Forum for Global Citizen Diplomacy.
Laura Mann
Managing Director of Frankly, Green + Webb USA
Laura Mann is the Managing Director of Frankly, Green + Webb USA, a consultancy providing digital and mobile strategy, audience research, and experience design to the cultural sector. She holds a B.A. from the University of Pennsylvania and did her graduate work in Art History at the University of California, Berkeley. Laura has served on many nonprofit boards including the New Leader Scholarship and MCN. She lives in Oakland, California with her husband, twin teenagers, many pets, and even more bicycles.
Jennifer Reichert
Small Business Owner
A small business owner with 20 years’ experience organizing strategy, action, and impact in numerous technical applications and disciplines, often in first-of-a-kind roles, Jennifer is known for innovating clear paths from scattered data; implementing thorough, effective solutions; and building new departments, processes, and institutions. Her experience spans program and project management, R&D, compliance, IT, quality and process improvement, business development and proposals, and security. Jennifer is playful and friendly and committed to shaping thriving Virginia wine production, distribution, and consumer appreciation.
Steve Bergen
Associate Director at
Global Development Incubator
Steve Bergen, Associate Director at Global Development Incubator, brings 15+ years of expertise in program management, international compliance, and nonprofit leadership. With a background in supporting initiatives for the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of State, the National Institutes of Health, and the Gates Foundation, he excels in managing donor funding. Previously at CRDF Global, Steve led cybersecurity initiatives and served as Acting Director for Research and Innovation. His work spans Eurasia and MENA, covering research, education, agriculture, global health, and ICT. Holding an M.A. in International Affairs and a B.A. in International Studies from American University, Steve is committed to driving impactful program development strategies
Lea Blubaugh
Vice President of External Grants
and Contracts at Conservation International
Lea Blubaugh, Vice President of External Grants and Contracts at Conservation International, brings 20+ years of experience in grant and contract management and nonprofit leadership. She leads global teams in the implementation of public and private financial assistance, balancing donor stewardship with a commitment to relationship-based grantmaking that promotes inclusivity, power sharing, and mutually accountable relationships. She is known for developing policies and processes that reflect these values and for building high-performing teams that strive to make a positive impact and create social change. Lea is particularly passionate about providing mentoring and professional development opportunities for women at all stages of their careers.
Leigh Verbois
CEO of Rx-360
Global Drug Policy & Public Health Expert
Dr. S. Leigh Verbois is the CEO of Rx-360, where she leads global efforts to strengthen pharmaceutical supply chain quality, regulatory excellence, and patient safety. Previously, she served for more than 20 years in leadership roles at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), including Director of the Office of Drug Security, Integrity, and Response, where she led national initiatives addressing opioid misuse and pharmaceutical safety. She also served as FDA Country Director in China and Acting Assistant Commissioner for International Programs. Dr. Verbois holds a Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Sciences from the University of Kentucky and completed postdoctoral training at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). As a member of The Polina Fund Board of Directors, she brings extensive expertise in public health, addiction policy, and evidence-based leadership to advance the organization's mission.
Ashley Walls
RADT Certification Holder
Ashley is a dedicated professional in the substance abuse treatment industry, holding a RADT certification. Passionate about helping others overcome addiction, Ashley sponsors women in Alcoholics Anonymous and actively participates in Young People of Alcoholics Anonymous conventions. With a commitment to making a positive impact, Ashley embodies compassion and resilience in their pursuit of supporting individuals on their journey to recovery.
Menglu Yuan
Change Manager, FDA Office of Global Policy & Strategy
Public Health & Health Policy Expert
Dr. Menglu Yuan serves as a Change Manager in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) Office of Global Policy and Strategy. In this role, she designs and leads global strategies to strengthen public health outcomes. In prior roles, Dr. Yuan spearheaded public health initiatives that addressed substance use and overdose prevention. Her work in public health policy has built deep expertise in evidence-based decision-making, health communications, and cross-sector collaboration. As a member of The Polina Fund Board of Directors, Dr. Yuan brings this expertise to advance research-informed strategies that support mental health, recovery, and advocacy. She holds a Ph.D. in Pharmacology and Toxicology from the University of California, Irvine, where her research focused on adolescent brain development and addiction neuroscience.
Strategic Advisors
Stephen Hall
Strategic Advisor
TESTIMONIALS
Judson Richardson
LICSW, LCSW
“The work that the Polina Fund is doing couldn’t be more important or more urgent. As a clinical social worker and psychotherapist for almost 20 years, I’ve seen the great need for better access to intensive outpatient care for young people struggling with serious substance abuse and mental health challenges, especially for young women. I wholeheartedly support the Polina Fund, and I’m looking forward to showing that support at the fundraiser dinner.”
Dr. Laudan Moghadam
Ph.D., LCSW-C
“I am honored to support the Polina Fund organization. As a psychotherapist with years of experience working with adolescents and young adults suffering from various mental illnesses and battling substance-related struggles, I strongly believe in the effectiveness of early interventions and the great need for providing resources to under-resourced individuals. The Polina Fund organization aims to bridge the gap between intensive and residential programs and step down to the community by providing means and making services more accessible for young women in need. Any step in supporting sobriety and stabilization of under-resourced young women struggling with mental-health issues is invaluable and I am proud of and impressed by the Polina Fund’s contribution to this cause. “
Ruth Goldman, Ph.D
Professor Emerita of Psychology
San Francisco State University
William Goldman, M.D.
Clinical Professor of Psychiatry, Emeritus
U.C, San Francisco
“ As clinical practitioners and teachers, we have watched the sad, long struggle to provide integrated “dual diagnosis “ clinical treatment programs to young women. The Polina Fund has shown its relevancy and sensitivity by supporting intensive services for young women struggling with psychological pain and substance abuse. We believe that a unified approach can have maximum effect. It is our privilege to support the Polina Fund."
News & Media
Leadership. Partnership. Opportunity.
At The Polina Fund, our impact is strengthened by the people and organizations who share our commitment to supporting young women facing mental health and substance use challenges.
Explore some of our latest organizational updates, partnerships, and accomplishments.
Celebrating Leadership
Congratulations,
Dr. S. Leigh Verbois
We are proud to celebrate our Board Member, Dr. S. Leigh Verbois, on her appointment as Chief Executive Officer of Rx-360.
Dr. Verbois brings more than two decades of public health leadership experience, including significant work with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Her expertise in public health, substance use policy, regulatory science, and strategic leadership continues to strengthen The Polina Fund.
Investing in the next generation
Meet Our Interns
The Polina Fund is proud to partner with the University of Maryland and the Do Good Foundation to provide students with meaningful hands-on experience in nonprofit work, public health, communications, research, policy, and advocacy.
Meet our Summer 2026 interns:
Alden Edwards
Communications, Development & Strategic Communications Intern
Hannah Christopher
Research, Policy & Advocacy Intern
Together, our interns are helping expand awareness, strengthen community engagement, and advance the strategic work of The Polina Fund.
Collaboration multiplies impact
New Partnership Focuses on Holistic Healing Centers
$10,000 Grant to New Directions for Women
The Polina Fund is proud to provide a $10,000 grant commitment to New Directions for Women, supporting their work with women experiencing substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions.
Through a 1:1 matching agreement, New Directions for Women’s fundraising efforts have the potential to match our investment — meaning our $10,000 commitment can help generate up to $20,000 in total support for women seeking recovery.
💜 Together, We Create Greater Impact
Every leader, student, partner, and organization plays a role iadvancing our mission.
ABOUT POLINA
Polina Elizabeth White grew up in Washington, D.C., and graduated from Wilson (now Jackson-Reed) High School. Polina was a global citizen and lived comfortably in two cultures and languages. When she was a toddler, she relocated with her parents to Moscow for a brief period, and she spent most of her summers visiting family and friends there. In her short life, Polina learned much, modeled much, and taught much about the importance of giving back. She was a beloved daughter, a giving friend, a doting sibling, a cherished niece and granddaughter, and a dear cousin. She was a frequent demonstrator and volunteer dedicated to equality and social justice. Polina struggled with mental health conditions and its frequent companion, substance abuse, and she spent a long period in recovery, helping herself and helping others through the process. She gave more than she took and she was always ready to help those in need.
Polina died in a drowning accident while body surfing at Little Corona Del Mar beach in California, in September 2021. She was 18 and planned to start college in January 2022.
This fund honors her memory by establishing a scholarship for young women in need of financial support to continue mental health and substance abuse therapy, and who are committed to serving others in the process.
ABOUT POLINA
Polina Elizabeth White grew up in Washington, D.C., and graduated from Wilson (now Jackson-Reed) High School. Polina was a global citizen and lived comfortably in two cultures and languages. When she was a toddler, she relocated with her parents to Moscow for a brief period, and she spent most of her summers visiting family and friends there. In her short life, Polina learned much, modeled much, and taught much about the importance of giving back. She was a beloved daughter, a giving friend, a doting sibling, a cherished niece and granddaughter, and a dear cousin. She was a frequent demonstrator and volunteer dedicated to equality and social justice. Polina struggled with mental health conditions and its frequent companion, substance abuse, and she spent a long period in recovery, helping herself and helping others through the process. She gave more than she took and she was always ready to help those in need.
Polina died in a drowning accident while body surfing at Little Corona Del Mar beach in California, in September 2021. She was 18 and planned to start college in January 2022.
This fund honors her memory by establishing a scholarship for young women in need of financial support to continue mental health and substance abuse therapy, and who are committed to serving others in the process.
SUPPORT THE POLINA FUND
GIVE TODAY OR SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MAILING LIST FOR MORE INFO
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this donation tax deductible?
The Polina E White Memorial Scholarship Fund is a 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization and your donation is tax-deductible within the guidelines of U.S. law. To claim a donation as a deduction on your U.S. taxes, please keep your email donation receipt as your official record. We'll send it to you upon successful completion of your donation.
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SUPPORT THE POLINA FUND
GIVE TODAY OR SUBSCRIBE TO OUR MAILING LIST FOR MORE INFO
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