We’d like to thank Pizza By Alex for hosting a recent community night for Sweetser.
Pictured alongside our Director of Development, Jodie Hansen, are Chris Rowe and Craig Cote.
Pizza By Alex Served Up Hope
TV Segment: New Data Shows Drop in Youth Suicide Rates
New data shows youth suicide deaths dropped 11% nationwide after the launch of 988—but what’s really driving the progress? On this WMTW Mental Health Moment, Sweetser’s Kristie Worcester breaks down how the 988 Crisis Lifeline is helping—especially with text and chat support—while also highlighting the ongoing challenges facing Maine’s youth, from long waitlists to limited access to care. Encouraging signs, but the work isn’t done.
If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide, please reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
PROPEL Volunteer Day on our Saco Campus
Recently, volunteers from PROPEL beautified Sweetser’s Saco Brick Building! The Brick Building located on our Saco Campus dates back to 1828. PROPEL is a group that unites Greater Portland’s young professionals, businesses, and community organizations.
We’re grateful to PROPEL for spending a day volunteering with us, and we appreciate their hard work.
If you or your team is interested in volunteering, you can click here for more information.
Dine to Donate with Portland Pie Company
Wednesday, June 24th
11:00am – 8:00pm
40 Main Street, Biddeford, ME
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!
Sweetser/Jack Chevrolet Golf Classic
Monday, June 15th
7:30am – 3:30pm
Dunegrass Golf Club – Old Orchard Beach, ME
This year’s tournament will take place on Monday, June 15, 2026. Learn more or become a sponsor
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!
See Last Year’s Recap Below:
Chipping Fore a Cause: A Charity Golf Scramble
Saturday, June 13th
10:00am
Pine Hollow Par 3 – Sanford, ME
Join the Sanford Elks for a fun and meaningful day on the course to benefit mental health and recovery. Chipping Fore a Cause is a charity golf event at Pine Hollow Par 3 in Sanford, bringing the community together to support vital services. Proceeds benefit Sweetser, 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 purchase 50/50 and raffle tickets, with team prizes for 1st and 2nd place.
Click here to learn more or to register.
View the 2025 Tournament Recap:
Viewpoint Hotel’s Gala for Mental Health
Thursday, June 11th
5:00pm – 9:00pm
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
- Valet will be available for all guests
- 5PM: Cocktail hour at the Stone Bar and Infinity Lawn with raw bar, a grazing board, and passed bites.
- 6:30PM: Seated dinner under the sailcloth tent
- 8PM: Dancing and dessert
$150 Per Ticket includes:
- Live music
- Cocktail hour bites
- Family-style dinner
- One glass of champagne
- Gluten-free options
- Valet service
Must be 21 or older. Tickets are non-refundable. Full bar will be card only.
Click here for tickets.
TV Segment: 988 & Beyond – Finding the Support You Need
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
Finding Strength, Sharing Hope: A Powerful Sweetser Testimony
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 Brings Free Mental Health First Aid Training to Biddeford
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.