Submitted by: Mary Baum, Associate Vice President of Philanthropy, SAY San Diego

For more than a decade, SAY San Diego has been steadfast leader in advancing the Live Well San Diego vision, where all residents are healthy, safe, and thriving. Though it was officially recognized as a Live Well San Diego partner in 2015, SAY San Diego’s commitment to this vision began long before its formal partnership. The organization’s enduring dedication to equity, well-being, and community resilience continues to drive meaningful change across the region. 

Championing Living Well Through Action 

SAY San Diego’s comprehensive services align with the ten key Live Well San Diego indicators addressing the social and economic factors that shape community health. Through more than 30 programs focused on youth development, family stability, and neighborhood well-being, SAY San Diego strengthens the fabric of the communities it serves. 

From Family Resource Centers embedded in schools and neighborhoods to coalitions and youth programs promoting safety, belonging, and healthy decision-making, SAY San Diego exemplifies the Live Well San Diego vision. The organization empowers youth through initiatives like: 

Building Healthy Environments and Strong Partnerships 

SAY San Diego collaborated with County of San Diego’s Behavioral Health Services and the UC San Diego Center for Community Health to develop the Live Well Community Market Program. Today, UC San Diego helps small and mid-sized markets increase access to healthy foods while SAY San Diego supports these businesses in complying with tobacco and alcohol regulations. This innovative partnership advanced Live Well San Diego’s goals of health, safety, and thriving through practical, community-centered solutions. 

SAY San Diego also recognized that accessible childcare is essential to a healthy and thriving region, and thus began work to address the affordable childcare crisis. With support from The San Diego Foundation, the organization launched on-site childcare services for both staff and community members at its main office. SAY San Diego also partners with other local employers to explore and expand practical, workplace-based childcare solutions—helping families, businesses, and the broader community flourish together.  

Sustained Impact and Vision 

As one of more than 600 Live Well San Diego partners, SAY San Diego plays a vital role in building a more equitable and connected region. Each year, SAY San Diego’s programs reach tens of thousands of San Diegans, delivering critical support to youth and families who may be facing economic hardship and empowering communities to grow stronger together. 

For SAY San Diego, “living well” means ensuring that every child, family, and community has the opportunity to flourish. Ten years on, SAY San Diego continues to inspire collective action and community pride.