Sam’s Legacy
Sam Levy became a mental health advocate in the same way as many others have: He had a friend with mental illness.
When a close friend or family member struggles with mental illness, the role of the advocate comes organically to those around them. How far an individual takes that advocacy role is up to them.
Sam took it, shall we say, to the highest level. He was known far and wide as the one who others could count on for time, energy, indeed passion for solving the many thorny problems unfortunately associated with mental illness. He served countless terms on the Cumberland County Mental Health and Addictions Board. He served as president of NAMI Cumberland County without missing a meeting and always leading by example.
I was the recipient of his gentle and kind mentoring. Sam always answered his phone, and he never rushed the conversation. He made you feel comfortable even though he obviously knew so much, and in my case, I knew so little. I’m sure he intuitively saw that I was willing to learn.
My own appointment to the Board came in March 2021. It was an honor to serve under his leadership. So, like everyone else, I was personally devastated by Sam’s sudden death in 2022 at the age of 66. We lost a power-house worker and someone beloved by all. It hit like a ton of bricks.
Before Sam died, he had started writing a monthly column in SNJ Today which he had aptly named “Minding Your Mind.” I approached the Board and offered to keep the column going. My first submission was published in February 2023. Since then, the column has covered a wide variety of topics, from success stories of both celebrities and local citizens living productive lives with mental illness or addiction, to local resources that offer help.
Sometimes we feature the commendable work of the Cumberland County Prosecutor’s team which has been working tirelessly to improve outcomes when law enforcement interacts with those in mental health crises. By keeping Sam’s column going, I feel privileged to in some small way continue his legacy.
Music was another one of Sam Levy’s passions. Some of Sam’s friends got together and talked about a way to honor him. They came up with the idea of a bench where people could sit and listen to music. On September 10, 2025, the installation of Sam’s bench took place. The location is a beautiful spot under a tree near the entrance to the amphitheater in Giampietro Park in Vineland. Many people attended the dedication on a beautiful fall day. Renditions of music that Sam loved were played at the dedication.
The bench was obtained by donations by the Friends of Sam Levy and the Maurice River Music group and dedicated in his honor because they know how much Sam loved music; he would often attend concerts at Giampietro Park. Also, Sam loved a good pun and was great at them! The plaque on the bench reads” “Sam Levy—A Man of Note.” He would have loved it!
Sam’s bench inspired another worthy project now being planned by the Cumberland County Department of Human Services: Buddy Bench. Watch for the announcement during the month of May: Mental Health Awareness Month.
Buddy Bench was a project started by a child and her mother. The concept of the Buddy Bench is that if a child feels lonely with no one to play with, they can sit on the bench. Other children are taught to notice if someone is sitting on the bench and to sit down and start a friendly conversation. To learn more about this non-profit, visit www.mybuddybenchproject.org
When we think about our neighborhoods and communities, we recognize there are many people suffering from various problems. We have a choice—do nothing or do what Sam Levy did: Get involved and contribute to the solution. Leave our own legacy as someone who cares and puts in the work. In that way, we can all add to Sam’s legacy.
The Cumberland County Mental Health and Addictions Board actively promotes awareness of stigma and the need for public education regarding mental health and addiction. The Board meets monthly, and the public is invited to attend. Refer to the meeting schedule on the Cumberland County website for meeting dates.
The Board is also seeking new members. Interested persons should send a letter of interest and a resume to Melissa Niles, Cumberland County Human Services, 70 W. Broad Street, Bridgeton, NJ 08302 or [email protected]
