Sweetser News & Events

Sweetser in the News - Reporters are telling our story

Posted on 04/17/2008 at 08:22 am

The extended Sweetser family -- staff, volunteers, and the adults and children we serve -- have seen several published news stories about Sweetser in the last few months. Our work was of interest to media outlets from The Press Herald in Portland to WLBZ-TV, a Bangor NBC affiliate. Now readers and viewers across the state know our story.

There was a full-page feature story about the students and staff, led by Ann Pelchat-Savoie, and the delicacies they prepare in our culinary arts program -- a model in the Experiential Learning curriculum (Portland Press Herald, March 26). Click here to view the article.

This school feature was followed by an on-line story in the Weekly Observer (April 2) about resident Kenneth Martin and the contributions he makes to the Great Brook Veterinary Hospital in Lebanon. Kenneth’s job shadowing led to him being hired as a kennel assistant -- a component integral to Sweetser’s vocational rehabilitation program.

Kenneth’s inspiring story was followed by a news segment on WCSH6 (April 5) that highlighted Sweetser graduate Ryan Keimach, his mother, Tammy, two sisters and the animals on their farm. Ryan described his growth and success as a Sweetser student and the struggles faced by an individual with a mental illness trying to live successfully in the community. Ryan and his family agreed to the television interview to promote the 16th annual “Sold on Kids” benefit auction, which was held the same day the Keimach interview aired. The auction raised an amazing $88,000 for Sweetser child and family services.

President & CEO, Carl Pendleton, conducted an average of three all-staff meetings a day, for a solid week, to inform and answer questions from all employees. "They are a wonderful group of human beings," Pendleton wrote in his online remarks.

He took stock of recent accomplishments:

• Ten of our Saco school students will meet Dr. Jane Goodall at the Boston Nature Center May 9.
• Sweetser records a record 90% occupancy in residential programs.
• The Peer Center in Brunswick received a Bowdoin College Common Good Grant.
• The Development Team generated more than $88,000 during an auction of hundreds of donations.
• Cornell University experts re-certified Sweetser Therapeutic Crisis Intervention trainers.
• Saco & Biddeford Savings Charitable Foundation continues to fund the Learning Arts Fair.
• Plans are developing for an exciting Prime Motor Group Golf Classic June 23, 2008.