08/07/2026
This weekend, on August 9, we remember the life of Michael T. White on the 10th anniversary of his passing ❤️🩹
Mike believed everyone deserved another chance. Long before recovery services were common, he was opening doors for people in Louisville's west end who had nowhere else to turn. After choosing recovery on December 16, he spent the next 20 years helping others find hope and reminding people that no one is beyond redemption.
One of the people he believed in most was his daughter, Dr. Teresa Walker. He encouraged her to use her calling as a board certified psychiatrist to care for people living with serious mental illness and addiction. By day she worked as a full time Psychiatrist, and by night she began creating a program for patients from a small office suite at her father’s business, America's Finest Filters, simply meeting people where they were and doing whatever she could to help.
That small beginning blossomed into New Leaf Clinic today. From the very beginning, we were intentional about partnering with several different sober living homes to support our clients throughout their recovery journey. As the need for safe, certified recovery housing became essential, our team knew our clients deserved better options. In 2024, we separated from all recovery homes that were not in compliance with NARR standards and opened New Leaf Recovery Housing. Today, we are proud to be NARR certified, committed to providing safe, ethical, and recovery focused housing for every resident we serve- just like Mike White created during his time on earth.
Over the years, others have chosen different paths. We cannot speak for the decisions made by other people or other organizations. We can only stand behind the work we do, the standards we uphold, and the values that guide us every day.
Mike's legacy was never about buildings or businesses. It was about loving people who had lost hope and refusing to give up on them. That is the part of his legacy that continues to shape everything we do.
💚 Thank you, Mike, for believing that every life is worth fighting for. We are honored to carry your legacy forward every day at New Leaf Clinic 🍃