Join us at Portland Pie Company at their Biddeford location on Wednesday, June 24th for a delicious way to support Sweetser during their Dine to Donate event! 10% of all dine-in and takeout sales will benefit Sweetser — just mention Sweetser at checkout to make your meal count.
Bring your friends, grab a slice, and help make a difference in our community!
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 orjhansen@sweetser.org.
We hope you’ll join us for an impactful day on the course!
Join theSanford Elksfor a fun and meaningful day on the course to benefitmental health and recovery.Chipping Fore a Causeis a charity golf event atPine Hollow Par 3inSanford, bringing the community together to support vital services. Proceeds benefitSweetser, providing hope, healing, and critical care to children, adults, and families across Maine.
The day features complimentary beverage stations, a post-tournament awards ceremony and cookout, and automatic entry into hole-in-one and closest-to-the-pin contests. Players can also purchase50/50 and raffle tickets, with team prizes for 1st and 2nd place.
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.
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.”
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 schedulehere.
Sweetser announced its merger with Common Ties Mental Health Services, establishing Sweetser as Maine’s largest provider of Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) services. Jayne Van Bramer, President & CEO of Sweetser, and Karen Bate, former Common Ties Executive Director and current Director of Housing & Special Projects at Sweetser, spoke with several media outlets about how the partnership will strengthen support for clients, staff, and the broader Lewiston community.
TV Coverage
WMTW Channel 8
Full story
WMTW Channel 8
Morning exclusive
WGME Channel 13
Full story
News Center Maine Channel 6
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WMTW Channel 8
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WGME Channel 13
Segment
Print & Radio
Sun Journal (Press Herald papers) · News article · May 8, 2026
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!
Sweetser is proud to announce that we have been recognized by the Maine State Group Trust with the Most Effective Claims Management Fund Year 2025 Award for excellence in workplace safety and workers’ compensation claims management.
This recognition reflects the organization-wide commitment to maintaining a safe and supportive work environment for both employees and the individuals we serve. Workplace safety remains one of Sweetser’s top priorities, and every team member plays an important role through proactive safety practices, timely incident reporting, and active participation in the recovery process when injuries occur.
A special thank you and recognition goes to Christina Savage, who manages Sweetser’s workers’ compensation program and serves as the primary contact for employees throughout the process. Her dedication, responsiveness, and ongoing support have been instrumental in the success of the program.
Thank you to all employees for your continued commitment to workplace safety and wellness.
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.