The Life Sam is Building
Years of steady support have helped Sam reach important milestones and prepare for the transitions ahead. Pictured above is Sam and his eitas SC Shannon Smith.
Meet Sam
Walk into Sam Laws’ home and it does not take long to learn what matters to him.
His record player is in the living room, ready for his favorite music. His baseball cards are part of a collection he enjoys, and his stuffed animals are close by in his bedroom. Eeyore is his absolute favorite. Ask Sam to name the best band, and there is no hesitation: KISS.
Sam shares one of the records from his KISS collection.
Sam also has a playful sense of humor. His smile is bright, but his humor may be even brighter. Once he feels comfortable with someone, he likes to joke around and share the things he enjoys.
The home Sam shares with his older brother is filled with reminders of the people, animals and interests that are part of his life. His brother has a turtle named Gloria, and Sam enjoys helping care for her. The family dog comes to visit often. His parents, who are educators, remain closely involved and supportive as Sam prepares for his next chapter.
Sam’s story reflects what eitas means by Real Lives. Fully Lived. The goal is not a single milestone or a one size fits all path. It is access to the support, opportunities and relationships that help each person make choices, pursue what matters and participate in their community.
Important milestones
Sam has a lot happening in his life.
He works at Howdy Homemade Ice Cream, where he describes his job as “helping get people scoops.” Then he puts it even more simply: “I love scooping ice cream.” His favorite flavor is Unicorn Dreams.
Sam has earned his food handler license. Through his Community Support (CS) Waiver, he receives employment services that help him continue developing his skills. He enjoys serving customers and being part of the community. His job has also strengthened his interest in hospitality.
Sam has advice for someone who may be struggling or worried that working will be too difficult:
“Learn how to do something you like.”
For Sam, employment is not simply another milestone. His work connects to something he genuinely enjoys.
That interest will follow him to the University of Central Missouri. Sam attends UCM through the THRIVE program and is preparing for his final year. He will live in the residence halls, work in university dining and complete a certificate in hospitality and customer service.
Working, attending college and preparing to live on campus are important milestones. They did not happen separately or all at once. Each one was built on skills, experiences and consistent support developed over time.
Sam practices daily living skills in the kitchen
The home he shares with his brother gives him a place to practice those skills now. Soon, he will use them in a new setting when he moves into the UCM residence halls.
Support does not take Sam’s place at the center of his life. It gives him the tools, practice and stability he needs to make choices and take on new responsibilities.
The eitas Connection
Support Coordination: Shannon Smith has worked with Sam for many years, goes the extra mile for him and is working with Sam to plan next steps around his preferences.
Self Directed Supports: Through Sam’s Community Support Waiver, Self Directed Supports help him build daily living skills and can provide weekly support with grocery shopping and laundry while he is at UCM.
Employment services: Through his CS Waiver, Sam receives support that helps him continue building workplace skills, serving customers and exploring his interest in hospitality.
Sam and Shannon review paperwork together.
Building confidence for what comes next
Sam’s next chapter is taking shape across the places where he lives, learns and works.
As he prepares for his final year at UCM, the support around him will move with him. Consistent support can help Sam settle into new routines, balance residence hall life with university dining and continue building the daily living skills he practices at home.
Weekly support with grocery shopping and laundry gives Sam room to practice, solve problems and build habits he can carry into adult life. Each familiar routine can strengthen his confidence as he takes on more responsibility.
Sam’s progress is not defined by one program or one milestone. It reflects years of steady support, Sam’s own effort and the people who know him well.
That continuity matters as he moves among home, work and college. The right support at the right time can help someone practice skills, take on responsibility, build relationships and participate in the community.
Carrying what matters forward
Sam’s employment and college experience are important, but they are not the whole story.
He will take more than workplace and daily living skills into the next stage of his life. He will take his music, baseball cards, favorite stuffed animals, love for the family dog and interest in helping with Gloria the turtle. He will take his bright smile and the humor he shares with people he trusts.
Sam’s room reflects the music, collections and favorite things that are part of his life.
Why continued support matters
People change and grow throughout their lives. Each transition can bring different goals, responsibilities and support needs. Consistent support helps people move through those changes without losing sight of who they are or what matters to them.
Sam’s story makes the impact of steady support personal. That support becomes real in people’s homes, workplaces, college campuses and communities. Every person deserves the support to make choices, experience growth, belong to a community and carry what they love into the next chapter.