Sam & Devorah Foundation for Trans Youth

The Sam & Devorah Foundation for Trans Youth is a pioneering national nonprofit dedicated to cultivating belonging, resilience, and wellbeing for transgender and nonbinary youth. Founded in 2016 to honor the memory of Sam Harel Price, the trans-led organization was established by family members and community advocates to ensure that every gender-diverse young person has access to affirming, compassionate guidance. Headquartered in Chatham, New Jersey, the foundation operates nationwide through digital programming that reaches youth in 38 states and removes geographic, financial, and safety barriers to care.

The organization's central program is the Trans Mentor Project, the nation's premier virtual mentoring platform built specifically by and for transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive individuals. The initiative matches youth and young adults ages 13 to 24 with trained, background-checked adult mentors who reflect their specific gender identities, cultural backgrounds, and life journeys. Through biweekly virtual sessions hosted on a secure, private platform, mentors provide nonjudgmental listening, guidance on navigating school and family relationships, and living proof of a joyful, fulfilling adult future. Mentors receive rigorous training in trauma-informed communication, active listening, and youth safety.

Recognizing that mentorship is enhanced by peer connection, the foundation operates a comprehensive virtual community hub. Participants gain access to moderated social hangouts, creative arts workshops, and specialized affinity groups designed for intersectional communities, including Black, Indigenous, and trans youth of color, neurodivergent youth, and those living in isolated rural regions. These spaces provide youth with safe venues to discuss gender expression, mental health, and personal goals in the company of peers who understand their daily challenges. Regularly scheduled community events encourage creative expression, game nights, and open conversation.

The foundation also focuses on education, leadership development, and systemic advocacy. Staff and youth ambassadors deliver customized educational workshops and keynote presentations to secondary schools, colleges, medical providers, and corporate partners. These educational sessions provide evidence-based guidance on creating inclusive policies, respecting chosen names and pronouns, and actively supporting trans young people in academic and community environments. By demystifying gender identity and elevating authentic youth narratives, the organization fosters empathy and institutional change.

In addition to direct mentoring, the organization engages in community-based participatory research to identify emerging needs among gender-diverse young people across different regions of the country. Findings help inform program development, resource creation, and family support strategies. Through digital toolkits and parent resources, the foundation helps families build stronger, more affirming relationships with their children.

By uniting one-on-one adult mentorship with vibrant peer spaces, research, and professional education, the organization offers a holistic lifeline for transgender youth navigating complex developmental stages. The foundation continues to expand its mentor network, conduct participatory community research, and champion trans joy across every corner of the United States, proving that with community care, every trans young person can thrive.