News coverage from @wabitv5 of our executive team members testifying before the Appropriations & HHS Committees in support of Governor Janet Mills’ supplemental budget proposal. The Governor has prioritized youth mental health in this budget, including funding the creation of Maine’s 1st …psychiatric residential treatment facility.

Busy day for Sweetser up at the State House today! 🏛️

First, David Cameron-Rosenfield, with our Brunswick Peer Center, and Kassandra Kuzil, with our Mobile Crisis Team, provided resources in the Hall of Flags as part of the Consumer Council System of Maine’s Peer Advocate …Legislative Education Day. Since 2016, the event has allowed those who have lived experiences with mental health to influence the laws that impact them directly.

Then, Sweetser Executive Team members, John McAnuff, Kristie Worster, and Justin Chenette spoke in favor of @governorjanetmills’s supplemental budget during a joint hearing before the Appropriations & HHS Committees. The budget includes additional resources for the construction of Maine’s 1st psychiatric residential treatment facility.

Did you know Sweetser has an office in Rumford?

Our 60 Lowell Street location now has new signage posted and serves as a vital hub for our Mobile Crisis Team that serves all of Oxford County.

Mobile crisis support is care that meets you where you are and is a bridge to stability.… It’s an intervention that provides immediate, on-site support for children and adults experiencing a mental health crisis, no matter where you are located. In 2025, Sweetser supported over 3,400 mobile crisis interventions. Our goal is to meet you exactly where you are—whether that’s at home, school, or in the community—to provide stabilization and support, and connect you to longer-term treatment options.

We are here for you 24/7. If you or a loved one needs support throughout Oxford County: 📞 Call/Text: 988

We are excited to share that our Franklin County office has some brand-new signage!

Sweetser’s office at 144 High Street in Farmington serves as a vital hub for our Mobile Crisis Team.

Mobile crisis support is care that meets you where you are and is a bridge to stability.
…
Mobile crisis intervention provides immediate, on-site support for children and adults experiencing a mental health crisis, no matter where you are located. In 2025, Sweetser supported over 3,400 mobile crisis interventions. Our goal is to meet you exactly where you are—whether that’s at home, school, or in the community—to provide stabilization and support, and connect you to longer-term treatment options.

We are here for you 24/7. If you or a loved one needs support throughout Franklin County:
📞 Call/Text: 988

Mark your calendars! On Sunday, February 22nd, from 2–7 PM, we’re coming together at the Sanford Elks for an afternoon filled with music, connection, and purpose.

This event raises awareness and funds for mental health treatment — a cause that touches so many lives.

Live …Bands Performing:
🎵Texas Pete
🎵Middleman
🎵Straight Up No Ice
🎵Hott Messs
🎵The Road Crew

💛 Donations accepted at the door
🎟️ Raffles • 50/50 • T-Shirt Sales

Let’s come together, lift each other up, and ROCK for mental health.

In honor of #ValentinesDay, we’re breaking down the five ways people give and receive love. Which one resonates most with you?
🔹 Words of Affirmation: Compliments and "I love yous" go a long way.
🔹 Acts of Service: Nothing says "I care" like taking a load off …someone’s plate.
🔹 Receiving Gifts: It’s the thought and effort behind the token that counts.
🔹 Quality Time: Undivided attention is the best gift you can give.
🔹 Physical Touch: A hug or holding hands speaks volumes.

Knowing your own language (and your partner's) helps ensure everyone feels seen and appreciated—not just today, but every day. @wmtwtv @scottymactv

Our Franklin County @knowyouroptionsme team was invited to participate in Franklin County Children's Task Force's Annual Children’s Festival at Mt Blue High School in Farmington. It was the first time a harm reduction and substance use services team had been invited to take part in this… type of family-centered event — and it went over amazingly.

Because it was a child-focused event, they offered a “Build Your Own Home Safety Kit” activity that included child-friendly harm-reduction and safety items like CPR masks, first-aid supplies, and winter gear for kids in families who may be in need. We ended up building well over 120 safety kits with families throughout the day.

Throughout the event, the team also engaged families in conversations about what harm reduction actually looks like in everyday life — focusing on safety, prevention, and meeting people where they’re at — without the heavily stigmatized assumptions that often accompany the term. It created space for really positive, open dialogue and helped shift how people understood the work the team does every day.

We also hosted an arts-and-crafts table where kids made pipe cleaner insects, which turned out to be a huge hit and a great way to connect with families in a fun, approachable way. This event really showed how harm reduction can be family-centered, community-driven, and accessible in ways people don’t always expect.

A big shout-out to our team members:
Ang Samperi – Liaison
Shawn Morton – Liaison
Manny Reis – Recovery Coach