BIG NEWS: Common Ties merges with Sweetser to strengthen behavioral health in Lewiston

Common Ties Mental Health Services, a staple of the Lewiston community for over 40 years, is officially merging into Sweetser, a leading statewide behavioral health organization with a nearly 200-year …history.

This strategic partnership establishes Sweetser as the largest Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) provider in the state, ensuring long-term stability and expanded access to care for the entire Lewiston region. The merger comes at a critical inflection point for behavioral health as smaller organizations face rising operational complexities and funding uncertainties from Augusta and Washington.

"This merger was a necessity to ensure we continue to serve the Lewiston area for decades to come. It provides our team and our clients with an incredible sense of security in an otherwise volatile time,” said Karen Bate, Executive Director of Common Ties. "Choosing a partner to carry forward our legacy was a weighty decision, but Sweetser shares our values and our deep commitment to evidence-based treatment. We are thankful for bringing us on board.”

Of the 18 staff at Common Ties, all but 3 are continuing with Sweetser after the merger. All employees were offered roles at Sweetser in addition to Bate retaining a leadership role.

For the approximately 300 individuals receiving treatment through Common Ties, there will be no disruption in care. Clients will continue to work with their case manager but will now have access to a much broader, more coordinated continuum of behavioral health services, a benefit of being served by a much larger nonprofit.

"By uniting as one organization, we are not only growing in size but also strengthening our collective ability to support the mental well-being of individuals and families in need," said Jayne Van Bramer, President & CEO of Sweetser. "For nearly 200 years, Sweetser has adapted to meet the evolving mental health needs of Maine families. This milestone is a vital reminder that we are stronger together, especially as we work to ensure community members don't lose access to essential treatment".

Common Ties housing services will temporarily remain at their 12 Bates Street location in Lewiston, while all other services, including case management, will be based out of Sweetser’s Hope & Healing Center at 20 Mollison Way, next to Just-in-Time Recreation.

'Van Bramer said this funding will help to create a secure residential program for children who are experiencing serious behavioral health disorders. The facility will be on Sweetser's campus in Saco and will have 16 beds.'

Never a dull moment out on our farm! 🐑

All our animal companions are excited about this being Teacher Appreciation Week. We are so thankful for our dedicated team members at our K-12 special-purpose school in Saco. Our school staff makes it possible for children with a broad range of …behavioral, social, emotional, and mental health needs to get the education and treatment they deserve.

Powerful testimonial for our Substance Use IOP at our Brunswick Hope & Healing Center. Thank you, Tommy, for sharing your story! The full piece will air later this week on WMTW.

🍕GRAB A SLICE OF HOPE 🍕

Join us at Brickyard Hollow Brewing Co. at their Yarmouth, Brunswick, Skowhegan, and Portland locations for select dates and times throughout May for tasty fundraisers in support of Sweetser’s mission.

In addition to the community nights, Brickyard …Hollow has named Sweetser the recipient of the Pizza with Potential fundraiser. Throughout the month of May at ALL Brickyard Hollow locations, a portion of Spring Special Pizza sales will be donated to Sweetser. The special pizza is the taco pizza—taco sauce, ground beef, tomato, red onion, sour cream, and melty cheese, topped with crisp lettuce and crushed tortilla chips.

Come grab a slice, bring your friends, and be part of something meaningful.

With this being Mental Health Awareness Month, it's a perfect opportunity to talk about what resources are available to help you recognize the signs and symptoms in others and connect those you care about to treatment. 💚

Our free Mental Health First Aid Trainings can help you …learn how to better respond to the mental health needs of colleagues, friends, and family. Learn more here: https://www.sweetser.org/freementalhealthtraining/

This May, join Aroma Joe's Coffee at their two Saco locations (1 Moody Street and 933 Portland Road) in support of mental health! Relax with a Beach Bum and support mental health while you’re at it. 🧋

On Mondays in May, $1 from every Beach Bum sold supports youth mental health …programs.

Kick back, unwind, and take a mental health day with us. 🏖️