TV Segment: Coping With Anxiety

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

A new poll from the American Psychiatric Association shows that many Americans are entering 2026 with elevated anxiety. The top concerns include:

  • Personal finances (59%)
  • Uncertainty about the year ahead (53%)
  • Current events (49%)
  • Physical health (46%)
  • Mental health (42%)

In the latest Mental Health Moment with WMTW, Sweetser’s Chief Communications Officer Justin Chenette says this combination creates “a perfect storm.” With so much happening at once, people are feeling stressed, overwhelmed, and emotionally stretched—not because of one single issue, but due to the compounding effects of stress. The good news: you’re far from alone, and there are ways to feel more grounded as the new year begins.

Watch the full segment below:

Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or want to support others, Sweetser offers free mental health tools:

Get Support
📞 Peer Support Line (24/7): 1‑866‑771‑9276
Talk with someone who understands and can help you process what you’re feeling.
Visit the SupportME Peer Support Center in Brunswick for in‑person connection. Learn more about the SupportME Peer Center.

Help Others
📘 Free Mental Health First Aid Training
Learn how to recognize signs of mental health challenges and connect people to help.
Details: Sweetser.org/FreeMentalHealthTraining

Ice Skate for Sweetser brings community together for mental health

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

What a day on the ice! We appreciate the Kennebunk community for embracing our Ice Skate for Sweetser event this year at their Waterhouse Center. The local businesses and partners that came out to support the event truly reflects the immense community love present in Kennebunk. ❤️

Thank you to the following sponsors for making this possible:

  • Kennebunk Savings
  • Martin’s Point Health Care
  • Canvasworks, Inc.
  • Norway Savings Bank
  • Cole Harrison Insurance

Your support helped make the day a wonderful success. Thank you for joining us. 

See you next year! 

Help Sweetser Meet Our Year-End Goal

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

As we prepare to celebrate the new year, many Maine families are still waiting to access mental health treatment. We have a goal to hit before 2026 arrives, and we need your help to unlock a $10,000 matching gift.
Hope takes action—and today, your action goes twice as far. Double your impact. Let’s start the new year by ensuring no child walks their path alone.

TV Segment: Handling Grief and Loss During the Holiday Season and New Year

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

The holidays can be a joyous time of year, but for some it may be a struggle. One of the biggest challenges that people may face during the holidays and into the new year is grief from the loss of a family member or loved one.

WMTW’s Ronnie Parrillo sat down with Sweetser’s Medical Director, Dr. Marc Kaplan to discuss dealing with grief and loss during the holiday season.

Watch the full segment below:

If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, dial 988 at any time. You can also call Sweetser’s Peer Support Line at 866-771-9276.

WGME Spotlight on ME: Help is Just One Call Away

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

When someone is overwhelmed, in crisis, or unsure where to look for a path toward change, knowing the right number to call can make reaching support faster and far less stressful. Sweetser’s Chief Communications Officer Justin Chenette sat down with WGME’s Adrienne Stein to discuss the differences among Maine’s key mental health resource lines ensures that people receive the most valuable help at the most opportune time.

Watch the full segment below:

You can read the full article here.

Help is available. Hope is possible. We are here for you.
  • Access Mental Health/Recovery Services: 1-800-434-3000
  • Access Immediate Crisis Support: 9-8-8
  • Access Free Peer Support: 1-866-771-9276

WGAN Newsradio: Maine’s 1st Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

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.

Click to listen to their conversation.

WGME Podcast: Why Adult Friendships Matter

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

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.

Sanford Masons’ 2nd Annual Bowling Tournament Raises Funds for Sweetser

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

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!

Sweetser’s Holiday Gift Tag Program: A Successful Season of Giving

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

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.

Sweetser would like to acknowledge the partners and community members whose collective efforts helped gather toys and brighten the holidays for Mainers in need:
  • Systems Engineering
  • GVS North America
  • Sea Dog Brewing Company in Scarborough
  • Cassie Moon & Friends
  • Esther Birkinbine & Friends
  • Bangor Savings Bank at the Fore Street, Portland location
  • Frankin Printing
  • Idexx
  • North River IV; One & Two Portland Square
  • Our Lady of Hope Parish
  • Plato’s Closet
  • Risk Placement Services
  • Charity Committee and Members of Biddeford Eagles 804

TV Segment: Crisis Services Available During the Holiday Season

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

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: