Sweetser’s Medical Director, Dr. Marc Kaplan, stopped by WGAN to chat with Steve Woods and Dr. Jeff Barkin as they discuss how Sweetser plans on serving the youth of Maine with the first psychiatric residential treatment facility for our state coming in 2026.
Between work demands, school schedules, and family commitments, friendships often slip to the bottom of many parents’ to‑do lists. But mental health experts say staying connected with friends isn’t just a luxury — it’s essential for emotional wellbeing.
On a recent episode of WGME’s Raising Me parenting podcast, Joanne Grant, Sweetser’s Chief Growth Officer, joined host Adrienne Stein to explore how adult friendships shift throughout the parenting journey. Whether you’re in the thick of sleepless newborn nights or navigating the quiet of an empty nest, Grant says friendships play a critical role in reducing stress, easing feelings of isolation, and even strengthening how we show up as parents.
Sweetser recently received a generous donation of $4,180 to support mental health services in the Sanford/Springvale communities. This contribution was made possible thanks to the efforts of the Sanford Masonic Lodge, Preble Lodge #143, pictured here alongside Sweetser staff member Hannah Williams (second from the left) and Sweetser staff member Liz Smith (far right).
The funds were raised through a successful bowling tournament, showcasing the lodge’s commitment to philanthropy and its dedication to supporting local charities. We are grateful for their partnership in strengthening mental health resources for our community!
The Sweetser Holiday Gift Tag Program wrapped up with joy! Thank you to everyone who donated—your generosity will bring moments of joy to so many this season. Our Sweetser elves had plenty of gifts to wrap thanks to you! 🎁✨
These donations will provide gifts for children in our crisis and residential programs throughout the state. Sweetser has been spreading holiday cheer to kids in residential care since 1828.
Liz Feeny, Andreea Barsan, Karli Griffin, and Brittnie Chase at Systems Engineering with Sara, our Sweetser elf.
GVS North America with Sara, our Sweetser elf.
Sea Dog Brewing Company, Scarborough
Cassie Moon delivering stockings to Sara, our Sweetser elf.
Esther Birkinbine & family delivering stockings to Sara, our Sweetser elf.
For many people, the holiday season brings joy, connection, and celebration. But for others, Christmas, Hanukkah, New Year’s, and the weeks surrounding them can intensify stress, loneliness, or emotional struggles. The truth is simple: mental health challenges don’t take a holiday—and neither does receiving help.
Joanne Grant, Sweetser’s Chief Growth Officer, stopped by WMTW Channel 8 to highlight the resources available to Mainers who need support during this time of year, reminding us that hope is always within reach, no matter the date on the calendar.
Watch the full segment to learn more about Sweetser’s Crisis Residential Units:
Every Maine child should be able to enjoy the light of the holiday season. We are grateful to our friends Jon, Joe, and Courtney with 101.0 WPOR, the team at Whoopie 100.9, and their many listeners for supporting the youth we serve at Sweetser.
Every year, they help fulfill the holiday wishes of children in our residential, crisis, and educational programs. They had a little visit at the radio station from our resident Sweetser elf, Justin Chenette.
The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy and celebration, but for many, it can amplify feelings of loss and grief. Sweetser’s Medical Director, Dr. Marc Kaplan, reminds us that these emotions are completely normal—whether the loss happened recently or years ago.
Why Holidays Can Be Hard
Watch the full segment below to learn good coping strategies:
Remember: It’s okay to feel a mix of emotions this season. Give yourself permission to grieve and seek help when needed.
Sweetser was proud to have partnered with the Lewiston Auburn Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce as a drop-off location for their annual “Stuff the Bus” holiday campaign! The items were collected at the Sweetser’s Hope & Healing Center at 20 Mollison Way in Lewiston. These donations will help bring some holiday joy to local families, children, seniors, and pets this season. The donated items will be distributed to support those who need it most.
Thanks to all those who donated!
Sweetser has been awarded a $3,500 grant from the Town & Country Federal Credit Union’s Better Neighbor Fund!
Our friends at the credit union awarded grants totaling nearly $30,000 in 2025 to eight deserving non-profits that received the most votes from the public during their contest.
This vital funding will directly support our mission to strengthen mental health services for youth and families throughout Maine. A huge thank you to Town & Country FCU and to everyone who voted for Sweetser daily, making this possible!
At a reception held at their Scarborough headquarters, Sweetser’s Chief Communications Officer, Justin Chenette, accepted the grant alongside the other nonprofits from Town & Country FCU’s President & CEO, Dave Libby.
Click the link to learn more.
Oh what fun we had at our Cookies and Cocktails Donor Appreciation Night & Annual Board Meeting at The Lincoln Hotel in Biddeford. We had around 130 attendees, staff, and students from the school set up a table to sell student-made items.
Watch our recap video below…
The night also served as an annual board meeting where we inducted new corporators and board members to Sweetser, in addition to reappointments.
Pictured here from left to right: Sweetser President & CEO Jayne Van Bramer, Daniel Puhlman – New Board Member, Chris Anania – New Corporator, Zach Blanchard – New Corporator, & Jessica Demers, Chair, Board of Directors.
(Not pictured: Todd Valentine – Corporator, Robert Davis – Board Member)
New Corporators
Reappointment of Directors
New Directors
We also awarded three Sweetser Star Awards to recognize those who have gone above and beyond to help Sweetser’s mission.
The first award of the night went to Senator Henry Ingwersen as the Sweetser Star Legislative Champion!
Sen. Ingwersen was instrumental in advocating for and securing $2 million in initial funds to aid in the construction of Maine’s first psychiatric residential treatment facility. A project that Sweetser received the DHHS award for, to operate on our Saco campus, and we are working hard to fundraise to fulfill our commitment, as we speak. With his efforts, the HHS Committee was unanimous in its recommendation to include these funds in the budget before the full legislature signed off. His work doesn’t stop there. Sen. Ingwersen has introduced additional legislation for the upcoming January session to secure the last remaining funds needed for full construction to begin and to ensure this critical program will open for Maine’s most at-risk youth. We appreciate Senator Ingwersen for his advocacy and leadership in championing mental health and for his commitment to supporting Maine children in need.
Pictured here from left to right: Sweetser President & CEO Jayne Van Bramer, Sen. Henry Ingwersen, & Sweetser Chief Communications Officer Justin Chenette.
Central Maine Power received our Sweetser Star Corporate Partner award!
Sweetser relies on the generosity of corporate partners to ensure the mental health and substance use treatment we provide continues regardless of someone’s ability to cover the cost of care. Central Maine Power is a true partner in every sense of the word. The relationship we have forged centers around our longstanding history of serving the state of Maine and our shared commitment to lighting the way for Mainers most in need. The resources they help us raise directly fuel hope for Maine children and families in need of treatment. This is the power of shared purpose.
Pictured here from left to right: Sweetser President & CEO Jayne Van Bramer, Sweetser Chief Communications Officer Justin Chenette, Jade Wu with Central Maine Power.
And the last award of the night was presented to the team at WMTW-TV Channel 8 with our first-ever Sweetser Star Media Partner in Hope award!
Reducing the stigma attached to seeking mental health treatment and support is truly a team effort. It’s not something that can be done alone and certainly not without a strong media partner. WMTW Channel 8 demonstrates the importance of local TV news and the power of the visual medium in telling stories that make a difference in people’s lives. We have recently hit over 100 episodes of their weekly live Mental Health Moment segment! It’s quite an accomplishment to think of all the topics, experts, and resources we’ve been able to highlight together. WMTW Channel 8’s commitment to covering mental health goes beyond this segment though. It is demonstrated through their mental health television specials and even most recently in events that bring people together like their Spring into Hope Maine Fashion Show.
Pictured here from left to right: WMTW News Director Amy Beveridge, WMTW Anchor Meghan Torjussen, Sweetser President & CEO Jayne Van Bramer, & Sweetser Chief Communications Officer Justin Chenette.
WMTW also featured the event in their newscasts. You can watch their update here:
Beyond the tasty food and great company, we had a “Mistletoe Tester” photobooth set up. Check out the gallery to see all of the photos of the night:
Beyond the tasty food and great company, we had a “Mistletoe Tester” photobooth set up. Check out those photos below:
We’d like to thank our presenting sponsors, CGI Business Solutions and Maine Community Bank. This fabulous event would not be possible without CGI and Maine Community Bank’s support.
A big shout out to Sweetser’s Public Relations & Advancement team for their hard work organizing and executing this successful event!