David Barto’s story is one of resilience, redemption, and restoration. His early life was marked by challenges that many only read about: he was placed in a residential treatment facility under a PINS petition, later entered foster care, and struggled with homelessness after running away. By the age of 17, he once again faced legal trouble. His attorney negotiated a deal requiring him to earn his GED as a condition for dismissing the charges.
Seizing this opportunity of being emancipated and the financial benefits that came with it, David pursued higher education and earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Sociology from Niagara University. Determined to use both his life experience and education to help others, David built a career of service in the following areas.
Youth Counselor at a residential treatment facility
Systems Advocate for an NPO in Erie and Niagara County
Child Protection Caseworker with the Department of Social Services
Program Director of a 54-unit Transitional Living Program, overseeing case management for 84 residents and integrating a spiritual component that offered repeated opportunities to hear, see, and respond to the Gospel.
Since 2012, David has spoken monthly to audiences experiencing homelessness and coming from broken homes, offering encouragement and hope. He has also been invited as a keynote speaker at major events, including Foster Care and Child Abuse Prevention Month for the City of Buffalo, and has delivered commencement addresses for high schools serving at-risk youth.
David has also spoken internationally, including leading outreach initiatives in the Philippines. He organized an event that brought together multiple churches and community leaders, resulting in over 30 children responding to Christ — a movement that continues to this day.
David’s presentations connect authentically with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. His life is proof that no story is too broken to be redeemed, and no person is beyond the reach of hope.
Currently David and his wife, Shiena are currently missionaries in Western New York and still are connected to outreach and missionary work in his wife's hometown in the Philippines.
Adults and youth facing homelessness or coming from broken homes
Child welfare professionals and caseworkers
Educators, school administrators, and support staff
Faith-based organizations and churches
Lived Experience – Using personal experience with foster care, homelessness, and legal challenges to inspire change
Keynote & Motivational Speaking – Inspiring audiences through stories of resilience, hope, and transformation
Leadership Development – Guiding leaders to serve with vision, integrity, and compassion
Youth Empowerment & Engagement – Supporting at-risk youth to overcome barriers and reach their potential
Faith & Transformation – Sharing the Gospel as a source of hope without making participation mandatory
Professional Learning & Development – Trauma-informed care, case management strategies, and community-building approaches
Workshops & Training Sessions – Practical tools for child welfare professionals, educators, and nonprofit staff
“David's commencement address brought hope and encouragement to our students.” – Superintendent, Lori DeCarlo
“An inspiring keynote that brought hope and challenge to our community.” – Department of Social Services, Desti Jones
“Dave's faithfulness and obedience to the Lord's calling on his life is a blessing to the mission and community, sharing how Christ has saved his own life and leading others to the source" – Niagara Gospel Mission, Josh Denisco
Bring David to inspire, challenge, and equip your audience.