About Sam’s OATH
Why Sam’s OATH Exists
Millions of people hide the fact that someone they love is facing substance use or mental health challenges. Sam's OATH is a community working to change that, replacing shame with openness, isolation with connection, and silence with healing.
The Silence Is the Crisis
Nearly 50 million Americans face substance use challenges. One in five adults experiences a mental health condition every year. Behind every one of those numbers is a person - and the people who love them - carrying their struggles in silence.
50M+
Americans face substance use challenges
1 in 5
Adults experience a mental health condition yearly
Millions
Carry their struggles in silence, alone
They're not alone. They just can't see each other because nobody is talking. Sam's OATH changes that.
A Message from Frank
Two minutes. In his own words.
What's Hidden Doesn't Heal.
How It Started
Sam Sheeder lit up every room he entered. Adventurous, brilliant, and deeply authentic — he had a gift for making anyone feel seen and heard. He loved music, the outdoors, and connecting with people from every walk of life.
Sam also faced the hard and often lonely road of substance use disorder. He never shied away from the truth of his journey, even when the world’s judgment made it harder to seek help. He taught everyone around him that it’s ok not to be ok — and that openness and authenticity matter more than appearances.
Sam taught me that openness takes courage, and silence costs everything.
Frank Sheeder, Founder
Samuel Martin Hagood Sheeder · July 11, 1998 – September 28, 2025
Proof That People Needed Permission to Talk
The Spark
One raw, honest LinkedIn post about substance use and mental health — and the silence that surrounds it — reached 345,000 people. But what was remarkable wasn’t the number. It was the response.
Parents, siblings, partners, and friends who had been carrying the same weight in secret all said the same thing:
“I thought I was the only one.”
That moment proved the silence itself was the crisis. When one person spoke openly, thousands felt permission to do the same. That’s the power of the OATH — not one person’s courage, but what happens when people give each other permission to be honest.
345K+
People Reached
2,000+
Reactions
484
Comments
This Is for You
Wherever you are in this journey, Sam’s OATH meets you there.
Supporting a Loved One
You’re watching someone you love struggle, and you’re carrying it in silence too. You don’t have to. Taking Sam’s OATH is your first step toward community.
Take Sam's OATHSeeking Hope & Recovery
You’re walking your own path and looking for people who understand - without judgment. Your openness lights the way for someone still in the dark.
Take Sam's OATHStanding With Others
You believe no one should face this alone, and you want to show up. Your OATH says: I see you, I stand with you, and you are not alone.
Take Sam's OATHFamily Voices
Sam was a son, a brother, a stepson, a friend. Here are reflections from the people who loved him most.
Frank
Sam's father
Frank Sheeder is Sam’s father. A business leader and the founder of Sam’s OATH. But before any of that, he was a dad who loved his son unconditionally, and who felt completely alone while doing it.
Annie
Sam's sister
Annie is Sam’s little sister. Sam was the person she related to more than anyone in the world. Even when their relationship was strained by substance use disorder, Sam and Annie stayed close. As a sister and daughter, Annie shared experiences with both Sam and her parents, and she often mediated. She hopes to use her experience to encourage others.
Joey
Sam's brother
Joey is Sam’s brother. Five years was all they had, and they were all in. They philosophized and cracked dumb jokes in the same breath, read side by side in armchairs, rode ATVs, spent afternoons out on the water. Real brothers. Both of them.
Nancy
Sam's stepmother
Nancy is Sam’s stepmother. She chose to love Sam, and she treated him as her own. She didn’t try to fix him. She didn’t look away when things got hard. She stayed beside him and showed him boundless love and grace.
Moments
Where This Is Going
Sam's OATH isn't a support group or a counseling service. It's a national community changing how people experience substance use and mental health challenges.
A Pin in Every Community
A national map where every pin proves another person chose community over isolation.
Sam's OATH in Every Workplace
Programs that give employees permission to be honest about what they’re going through.
Compassion Instead of Judgment
A world where people facing substance use and mental health challenges are met with openness and community instead of silence.
Our Partners and Supporters
Sam's OATH is building a coalition of organizations that believe openness and compassion can replace silence and shame.
We are actively building relationships with organizations across these sectors. If your organization shares this mission, we'd love to connect.
Healthcare
Hospitals, treatment centers, and health systems committed to building openness
Recovery Community
Recovery organizations, peer support networks, and sober living communities
Education
Schools and universities bringing open conversation to campuses
Faith
Faith communities creating safe spaces for families affected by substance use
Corporate
Companies bringing Sam's OATH into workplace wellness and EAP programs
Media
Media organizations helping change the narrative around substance use
Interested in standing with Sam's OATH as an organizational partner?
Become a PartnerTransparency and Accountability
Sam's OATH is a 501(c)(3) public charity. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law. We are committed to full transparency in how we use every dollar entrusted to us.
Organization
Sam's OATH
Tax Status
501(c)(3) Public Charity
EIN
39-5101030