Sweetser News & Events

Sweetser Steps In to Help Lewiston Area Families as Richardson Hollow Closes Doors

Posted on 09/18/2007 at 05:54 pm

Maine’s Most Comprehensive Mental Health Network Takes Over Contracts of Lewiston-Based Agency As It Folds, Offers Guiding Hand to Community

SACO, MAINE- Sweetser, Maine’s most comprehensive mental health network, today announced it will take over Lewiston-based Richardson Hollow’s client contracts in response to the agency’s sudden closing. Sweetser will serve as a resource for area adults and children to ensure they get the care and services they need.

“We are saddened by Richardson Hollow’s closing their doors, and know how challenging the mental health business can be,” said Carl Pendleton, president and CEO of Sweetser. “In the interest of the adults and children that Richardson Hollow served, and all members of the communities affected, Sweetser is stepping in to help.”

Nationally recognized and accredited, Saco-based Sweetser has nearly 200 years of experience in mental health serving adults and children statewide. Sweetser’s comprehensive network of providers offers mental health care services, help for behavioral issues and educational services. Sweetser is a non-profit organization with more than 1,000 employees and approximately 20,000 clients in Maine, from Kittery to Bangor. The agency currently has an existing presence in Lewiston, through a small case management and a residence near Bates College.

“We promise to do whatever it takes to connect adults and children to the mental health care and related services that they need,” continued Pendleton. “We recognize that the waters of the mental health care system can be murky, and it’s important to have a guiding hand to navigate you. The families of Lewiston, Auburn, Bridgton, Strong, Fairfield, Dixfield, and Camden-Rockport all deserve a trusted resource for mental health care.”

While details of the agreement are still in discussion, Sweetser today began outreach with not only the clients of Richardson Hollow, but also its staff and other members of the community. Sweetser’s goal is to retain as many staff as possible.

About Sweester

Sweetser is your first call for a better tomorrow. As Maine’s most comprehensive mental health network, Sweetser promises to do whatever it takes to connect adults and children to the mental health care and related services they need. Nationally recognized and accredited, Saco-based Sweetser has nearly 200 years of experience in mental health, behavioral issues, and educational services. Sweetser is a non-profit organization with more than 1,000 employees and approximately 20,000 clients in Maine, from Kittery to Bangor.