Letter from the Editor-Love Is All You Need "Sam I Am"

Game Changers
Sep 24
2 min read

"Love Is All You Need"

Written by: Andreal L. Mallard Sr.

In my community, taking a family vacation during the long school breaks is not just a luxury – it’s essential. These getaways, no matter the destination, give us some of our most refreshing moments to gather our thoughts, reconnect with our spirit man, and reenergize for the weeks ahead. They offer us a chance to reflect on where we may have fallen short and how we can do better before the next break arrives. Most importantly, they create priceless family memories – stories told and retold around the dinner table for years to come.

This past fall break, my wife booked a family cruise. If you’ve ever been on a cruise, you know the beauty of turning your phone off, freeing yourself from major demands, and simply enjoying life at sea. This time, I made a conscious decision to catch up on much-needed rest and return home as the best version of myself.

One night, while flipping through the free movies on the ship, I came across a powerful film titled Sam I Am. It’s the story of an autistic father fighting for the right to raise his daughter. The character Sam deeply moved me. Despite his developmental challenges, he showed extraordinary determination to live a “normal” life and to be present in his daughter’s world.

Sam worked multiple jobs when the court said he didn’t make enough money, endured tough trick questions on the stand, went through supervised visitations, and relied on his community to vouch for his character. His only goal was simple – to be accepted as a loving father and human being. Even when his daughter was placed in foster care, Sam never gave up on being active in her life.

Watching that film gave me a clearer perspective: everyone, regardless of ability, deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. It also made me reflect on the incredible work being done at A New Well, Inc. – and what it’s really like for adults living with intellectual and developmental disabilities. For some, their challenges might seem like setbacks, but for others, they become a source of strength, just like watching the calm waters of the ocean can bring peace to the soul.

This issue of Game Changers Magazine gives us the opportunity to share powerful stories from our friends at A New Well. These stories shine a light on their daily victories, the perseverance it takes to accomplish what many of us take for granted, and the stereotypes they must battle every day.

My hope is that this message inspires you to see this community through a different lens – to challenge your own assumptions and choose compassion over fear. Together, we can truly become the change we wish to see in the world.

As I always say in our Streetz of Gentlemen motto:

Educate the Mind. Elevate the Spirit. Eliminate the Stereotype.

#EEEsUp

— Andreal L. Mallard Sr.

Editor-in-Chief, Game Changers Magazine

A New Well Adult Day Care Center