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, 2026Learn 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.

In The News: Common Ties Merger

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


Print & Radio

Sun Journal (Press Herald papers)  ·  News article  ·  May 8, 2026

Lewiston mental health agency merges with Sweetser

WGAN 98.5  ·  Radio interview / podcast

Maine Points — interview with Sweetser leadership

Becker’s Behavioral Health  ·  News article

Maine behavioral health provider cites industry pressures in merger

Spring Into Hope Fashion Show Was a Total Hit

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.

Sweetser Receives Safety Award

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.