Live Like Sam is building a generation of resilient youth

Photo: Live Like Sam Foundation.

In today’s world, being a young person has never been more complex. Between the pressures of social media, the weight of cyberbullying, and the normal ups and downs of growing up, kids and teens are facing challenges that demand more than just good intentions; they need real tools for navigating life. That’s where Live Like Sam (LLS) has set its sights.

The local nonprofit is working tirelessly year-round to provide mental and emotional fitness for young people in Summit and Wasatch counties. Its focus is clear: equip the next generation with the skills to become well-adjusted, happy, and resilient. Once these skills are built, LLS provides opportunities for youth to practice them with intention, via activities or events.

Unlike many organizations that may be able to rely on guaranteed funding, LLS is 100% self-funded. Less than 5% of its yearly budget is secure, which means that every fundraiser and every dollar of support directly provides programs to more and more youth in our community. Those programs range from actual curriculum found in our schools, to community-impact  opportunities and skill-building environments, where youth can grow.

Decades of meta-analyses and randomized trials demonstrate that when caring adults show up consistently and teach concrete skills, kids’ academic and mental-health outcomes move in the right direction. Gains are largest when relationships are strong, and programs follow best practices. Using evidence-based programs is a priority of LLS, evident by its consultation with the U-TTEC Lab out of the Department of Psychology at the University of Utah; its partnership with WeBeWell to provide the Thrive and Thrive 2.0 programs; and Amico for healthy tech habits. 

LLS is dedicated not only to supporting kids directly but also to educating and empowering the adults in their lives. Sages & Seekers is an LLS program pairing teens with adults to share stories, connect, and bridge the gap between the ordeals of adolescence and the wisdom of our most-proficient community members. Through events and workshops that focus on educating parents, educators, and mental health professionals (including healthy tech use and digital wellness), LLS ensures that parents and mentors have the same tools that kids are learning. This alignment allows families and communities to reinforce positive habits and create environments where young people thrive.