Sweetser News & Events

Sweetser Announces Initial Round of Layoffs

Posted on 02/12/2007 at 12:00 am

Sweetser unveiled its current corrective action plan on February 12 to include an immediate reduction in force of at least 40 employees. Carlton Pendleton, president and CEO of the agency, cited systemic change at the state level as a major factor in reducing Sweetser's workforce and eliminating some programs.

"As the state continues to struggle with rectifying the Maine Center for Medicaid Services' (MeCMS) billing disaster, our cash flow is severely impacted and our ability to sustain our organization at its current level remains compromised," said Pendleton. As recently as last month, the state was in arrears to Sweetser for nearly $6.5 million.

Among the closures to be undertaken by the statewide agency are its case management program for adults with mental retardation, an intensive outpatient treatment program for substance abuse, and community residences for children in York, Sanford, Kennebunk, Saco, Gorham and Belfast.

This reduction in force will mark the third in as many years at Sweetser with the possibility of more looming. "MeCMS has been the Hurricane Katrina of the community mental health system in Maine with no relief in sight," Pendleton added. With more than 1,000 employees, Sweetser ranks among Maine's top 28 largest employers.