Youth Support & Recovery
Our mission isn’t just about backpacks — it’s about the kids and young people carrying them.
In this section, we’ll be sharing resources, stories, and information related to addiction recovery, mental health, and youth support. Whether it’s a story of someone who found healing, or a local program helping kids turn their lives around, this space is here to raise awareness and offer hope.
We believe every young person deserves a second chance — and a strong support system to get there.
About SOYA (Save Our Young Adults)
SOYA is a local initiative that supports young adults facing addiction, recovery, and mental health struggles. Through mentorship and community support, they help young people get a second chance. It’s a cause close to our hearts and part of why we do what we do.
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Sammy’s Backpacks Summer 2026 Update: A Season of Growth, Partnership, and Hope
Summer 2026 has been one of the busiest and most exciting seasons in the history of Sammy’s Backpacks. From introducing our new bus to forming an important community partnership and preparing thousands of backpacks for children, we’ve been reminded once again of what can happen when a community comes together. A full 2026 Year in…
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Victim Impact Statements Shared During Sentencing Hearing
This week, we addressed the court during the sentencing hearing of Montana Lewis, who was convicted of manslaughter in the 2020 death of our son, Samuel Graham Jr. More than five years after Sammy’s death, the emotional impact on our family remains profound. During the hearing, we shared the devastating reality of living without our…
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Important Update – Victim Impact Statements Needed for Sammy Graham Jr.
Our son, Sammy Graham Jr., was murdered on November 12, 2020. After more than 5½ years in and out of court, the final sentencing hearing is scheduled for June 11–12, 2026, in Sault Ste. Marie. We are asking anyone who knew Sammy and has not yet submitted a Victim Impact Statement to please do so…
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Sammy’s Backpacks 2nd Annual BBQ & Car Wash Returns This June
There are some events that just feel like community—and this is one of them. The 2nd Annual Sammy’s Backpacks BBQ & Car Wash is happening June 19–20, 2026, and it’s shaping up to be another meaningful, family-friendly weekend in support of a truly special cause. Honoring a Legacy While Giving Back This event is held…
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More Than a Bus — A Mission in Motion
Thanks to an incredible anonymous donation, Sammy’s Backpacks introduces a new accessible bus to serve schools, families, and communities with heart, inclusion, and love. We are extremely excited and happy to share that we have just purchased a beautiful wheelchair-accessible shuttle bus for Sammy’s Backpacks. This dream has been in the works for over two…
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Sammy’s Backpacks Celebrates a Standout Hockey Season
Proud sponsors in the SPWHL U13HL, we celebrate not only wins and standings, but the teamwork, resilience, and sportsmanship that shape these young athletes. We are proud sponsors of two teams in the SPWHL U13HL for the first time ever. Roy Graham Trucking had an outstanding year, finishing 1st place with a perfect record of…
