Dunegrass Golf Club – Old Orchard Beach, ME
This year’s tournament will take place on Monday, June 15, 2026. Get tickets and learn more here.
If you are interested in becoming a sponsor or would like more information about the Golf Classic, please contact Director of Development Jodie Hansen at 207.294.4476 or jhansen@sweetser.org.
We hope you’ll join us for an impactful day on the course!
The Viewpoint Hotel – York, ME
You’re invited to the 2nd Annual Gala for Mental Health at The Viewpoint — supporting Sweetser.
This June, we’re gathering in the glow of Nubble Light’s very own beacon to raise the funds that make Sweetser’s work possible.
THE EVENING
$150 Per Ticket includes:
Must be 21 or older. Tickets are non-refundable. Full bar will be card only.
May is Mental Health Awareness Month! In this WMTW segment, Sweetser’s Chief Communications Officer, Justin Chenette, breaks down the key mental health resources Mainers should know—from the 988 crisis line for immediate support to the Promise Line and free peer support options for ongoing help. Learn which number to call and how to get the support you need, when you need it most.
PromiseLine: 1-800-434-3000
Maine & National Crisis Line: 9-8-8
Peer Support Line: 1-866-771-9276
A recent WMTW story highlighted one client’s perspective and his recovery journey at Sweetser’s Hope & Healing Center in Brunswick. Through a new intensive outpatient program, Tommy found more than services. He found people who listened, who cared, and who believed in him even when he struggled to believe in himself.
Tommy’s story features Sweetser staff members Ali Zubrod, Clinical Supervisor of Mental Health and Substance Use Counseling, and Aaron Johnson, Substance Use Disorder Clinician, who helped shape his experience in a meaningful way. With their support, he began to rebuild—step by step—learning new tools, gaining confidence, and rediscovering hope.
Tommy knows that there are others out there who feel lost, overwhelmed, or unsure of where to turn—because he’s been there. That’s why speaking up about his journey matters so much to him. By sharing his experiences, he hopes to show others that recovery is possible and that they are not alone.
“Everyone’s path looks different,” Tommy says, “but there is always a way forward.”
Watch the story below:
You can learn more about Sweetser’s IOP program here: Sweetser – Substance Use Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Sweetser’s Mason Cashman recently led a free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) Training for McArthur Library and Age Friendly Biddeford. This training teaches how to identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge in others so you can provide initial support and help connect them to appropriate care and resources.
These free trainings reduce stigma and empower Maine communities by equipping individuals with the skills to support those experiencing mental health challenges.
You can learn more about MHFA trainings and see an upcoming schedule here.
TV Coverage
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WMTW Channel 8
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WMTW Channel 8
Morning exclusive
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WGME Channel 13
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News Center Maine Channel 6
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WMTW Channel 8
Segment
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WGME Channel 13
Segment
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Print & Radio
Maine behavioral health provider cites industry pressures in merger
Lewiston mental health services provider merges with Sweetser
Behavioral health merger will strengthen support for Mainers in need of care | Opinion
Sweetser’s 2nd annual Spring Into Hope Maine Fashion Show brought the glam, vibes, and runway looks, thanks to our amazing partners at WMTW Channel 8. They helped organize, alongside our advancement team, an unforgettable night at Dunegrass Country Club in Old Orchard Beach. Around 50 models brought the runway to life as they strutted down with fabulous, eye-catching looks, bringing style and confidence to every step. The event raised over $22,000 to support our mental health mission!
The vibes were high with a live DJ (Aull That Entertainment) spinning crowd-favorite jams, keeping the energy going all evening long.
And let’s not forget the photobooth—it was a nonstop favorite, capturing smiles, laughter, and plenty of memorable moments throughout the night!
Click here to see the full album of photos from the night.
Thank you to presenting sponsor, PeoplesChoice Credit Union, and Mercedes-Benz of Scarborough.
Karen Bate, former Common Ties Executive Director and current Director of Housing & Special Projects at Sweetser, shakes hands with Jayne Van Bramer, President & CEO of Sweetser, to mark the partnership between the two organizations.
LEWISTON, Maine —
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. 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.”
— Karen Bate, Executive Director, Common Ties
Of the 18 staff at Common Ties, all but 3 are continuing with Sweetser after the merger. All employees were offered roles at Sweetser, with Bate retaining a leadership role within the organization.
For the approximately 300 individuals receiving treatment through Common Ties, there will be no disruption in care. C
lients 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. 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.”
— Jayne Van Bramer, President & CEO, Sweetser
Housing services will temporarily remain at their current location at 12 Bates Street, Lewiston.
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
Saco & Biddeford Savings and Paquin & Carroll Insurance are proud to announce their $20,000 donation to Sweetser in support of the construction of Maine’s first Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) on Sweetser’s Saco campus. This transformative project will provide secure, 24-hour psychiatric care for Maine’s most at-risk youth, addressing a critical gap in mental health services across the state.
The facility, anticipated to open by early 2027, will feature 16 beds, therapeutic and group settings, outdoor recreation spaces and a trauma-informed environment designed to help youth recover and thrive. With over 100 children currently waiting for placement and many being sent out of state for care, this initiative will allow Maine children to receive the support they need closer to home, surrounded by their families and natural support systems.
Sweetser would like to extend a massive thank you to Saco and Biddeford Savings and Paquin & Carroll Insurance for this generous gift to help build Maine’s first Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility on our Saco campus.
You can learn more about the project here, as well as contact Sweetser’s Development Team at Giving@Sweetser.org.
We’re grateful to Martin’s Point Health Care for spending a day volunteering at Ricker Farm on our Saco campus!
Their team rolled up their sleeves to support the farm with weeding and natural fertilizer application. Afterward, volunteers enjoyed a tour of the farm and greenhouse and had the chance to say hello to some of our animals. We truly appreciate their time, energy, and enthusiasm!
If you or your team is interested in volunteering, you can click here for more information.
Thank you for reaching out to our Sweetser Access Team. Your message is important to us. We will respond to you as soon as possible during our regular business hours. You can also call our PromiseLine directly at 1-800-434-3000 to access services. If you are in crisis, please text or call 988.