Sweetser’s new young adult transitional residential program, Fresh Start, was recently featured in an online article for Saco Bay News. Check it out below.
We were also mentioned the Courier Newspaper and on Press Herald’s website. See below…
Sweetser Talks Mental Health with Lewiston/Auburn Rotary
On January 9th, President & CEO Jayne Van Bramer spoke at the Lewiston/Auburn Rotary Club about the importance of reducing mental health stigma in our communities, and highlighted ways that Lewiston-Auburn residents can access recovery and behavioral health support through Sweetser’s new Hope and Healing Center in Lewiston. The Lewiston/Auburn Rotary marked the CEO’s first Rotary appearance of 2025, bringing in the New Year by addressing the growing need for mental health services with new members of Maine’s community.
WMTW TV Segment: Sweetser talks about New Year’s resolutions and stress
Nearly a third of all people say they feel pressured to set New Year’s resolutions — with even higher numbers of younger people reporting these feelings. Sweetser Senior Director of PR & Advancement Justin Chenette appeared on WMTW’s Mental Health Moment to discuss how to rethink resolutions to look after your mental health.
Sweetser talks to News Center Maine about PRTF
News Center Maine interviewed Sweetser’s President & CEO Jayne Van Bramer about state plans to establish Maine’s first psychiatric residential treatment facility where youth with the most severe mental health needs can get 24/7 care.
WMTW’s Mental Health Moment: Lewiston Center Walk-In Hours
In November, we opened our Hope & Healing Center in Lewiston. Sweetser’s Director of Community-Based Services, Kristen Cianelli, appeared on WMTW’s weekly TV segment, Mental Health Moment, to discuss the new walk-in hours and how they benefit individuals seeking care.
Our walk-in hours in Lewiston are Mondays and Wednesdays from 10AM to 3PM.
Sweetser Launches New Monthly Radio Segment with 94.9 WHOM
Sweetser and 94.9 WHOM have teamed up for a new monthly radio segment called ‘Mental Health Minute’. Radio Host Lori Voornas and Sweetser’s Senior Director of Public Relations Justin Chenette discuss a different monthly topic to educate listeners on available resources.
Listen to the segments aired so far below:
Sweetser Launches New Fresh Start Transitional Residential Program in Saco
Sweetser is excited to announce a brand-new program opening on our Saco campus! Aptly named Fresh Start, this transitional residential program provides a physical, therapeutic place for young adults to treat their mental health challenges and get the necessary support they need to become successfully independent.
Young Mainers aged 18-24 who have experienced childhood trauma or system involvement, such as foster care or in the criminal justice system, or have had a psychiatric hospital stay, will benefit from such a program. Individuals must have a mental health or substance use disorder diagnosis to enter the program.
Transitional units like this aim to prevent homelessness and reduce incarceration through structured programming and evidence-based treatment on the path to independence and behavioral well-being. Sweetser converted one of our crisis units after the state asked us to consider starting the program, which is one of only a handful in Maine. Young adults enrolled in Sweetser’s Fresh Start will receive individual & group treatment, enrichment activities, social interactions within a group setting, and support & skill development to join the workforce, go to school, or volunteer.
 There are only a handful of these programs across Maine. Sweetser’s program fills a gap in services for youth in Southern Maine. We recently held a ribbon cutting with the Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce, Saco Mayor, and other City of Saco officials. Learn more at www.Sweetser.org/FreshStart.
Sweetser President & CEO Presents at York, Sanford-Springvale and Rockland Rotary Clubs
Sweetser President & CEO Jayne Van Bramer recently spoke at Rotary Club meetings in York, Sanford-Springvale, and Rockland.
Her presentations addressed:
- The importance of reducing mental health stigma in our communities
- The growing need for mental health services across Maine
- The ways that residents can access mental health and recovery support
- The challenges Sweetser faces in providing access and services to those who cannot afford care
If you are looking for a speaker on mental health or recovery in Maine, reach out to Sweetser at communications@sweetser.org.
2024 Holiday Gift Program Success
Sweetser is grateful to all the businesses, individuals and our staff who helped support our annual holiday gift program for the youth we serve.
Thanks to:
- Systems Engineering
- GVS North America
- The Birkinbine Family
- Cassie Moon and her Christmas Stockings for Sweetser program
- Bangor Savings Bank
- Franklin Printing
- Idexx
- North River IV, LLC
- Our Lady of Hope Parish
- Risk Placement Services
News: Holiday Stress & Mental Health
In a study done in 2023 by the American Psychology Association, 41 percent of people reported elevated stress levels during the holiday season. News Center Maine interviewed Sweetser’s Senior Director of Public Relations & Advancement Justin Chenette about some ways to look after yourself during the holidays.