Sault Ste. Marie honours local homeless, addiction advocate with annual Medal of Merit

The City of Sault Ste. Marie recently announced its 2024 Medal of Merit honouree – the award is going to a local woman who has helped improve the lives of thousands in the region.

Connie Raynor-Elliott, the founder of Save Our Young Adults better known as SOYA, has been awarded the 2024 Sault Ste. Marie Medal of Merit. (Supplied/City of Sault Ste. Marie)

Connie Raynor-Elliott, the founder of Save Our Young Adults better known as SOYA, has been awarded the city's highest honour. The local advocacy group has spent more than a decade growing its non-profit effors.

"I'm still in awe,” said the honouree.

“I'm still pinching myself. So blessed... so blessed.”

From Thanksgiving meals, to Christmas gifts and supporting those who have lost loved ones to addiction – it is no wonder the city’s most recent Medal of Merit recipient is often referred to as “mama bear" by her friends and the SOYA group.

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"I was dealing with a young adult for over a decade, and right now – they're seven months sober,” said Raynor-Elliott.

“You know, give people that opportunity, give people that chance and it's (an) unbelievable feeling of knowing that. Just give me one more day. Stay with us one more day so we can get you through today, tomorrow, and into a better life.”

SOYA now serves up to 400 people per week having grown exponentially since it was found in 2012.

"We grew because SOYA is about mental wellness and substance use disorder. But to be healthy, you need food, you need housing, you need like, resources. You need those referrals,” said Raynor-Elliott.

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The Sault Ste. Marie Medal of Merit has been around since 1972 with honourees ranging from athletes to astronauts.

The Sault Ste. Marie Medal of Merit. (Supplied/City of Sault Ste. Marie)

The award its chosen by a committee that is chaired by the city's mayor.

"The Medal of Merit is awarded annually to someone who has, provided an outstanding contribution or given an outstanding contribution back to the community,” said Mayor Matthew Shoemaker.

“Connie's service of time and energy to helping the Sault's most vulnerable has been worthwhile of celebration.”

Another reason was chosen to Raynor-Elliott receive the city's highest honour is her tireless and continued advocacy for a homelessness and addiction hub to be established in the Sault.

Shoemaker said that other mayors rave about SOYA and that the Sault is “beyond lucky” to have Raynor-Elliott and her team.

Residents can nominate individuals for the 2025 Medal of Merit by completing the nomination form and returning it to the city clerk before Dec. 1.