Sweetser trains Maine’s largest construction firm in MHFA

Posted by Liz Smith

Sweetser’s MHAT Coordinator & Trainer Mason Cashman recently led a series of Adult Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) trainings for Cianbro, Maine’s largest construction firm.

Held at the Cianbro Institute in Pittsfield, 37 Cianbro employees, including jobsite safety supervisors, risk management specialists, and human resources professionals, earned their Mental Health First Aider certification. We appreciate Cianbro’s dedication to supporting mental well-being in Maine’s construction industry.

Learn more about Adult MHFA and other free Mental Health Awareness Trainings offered by Sweetser at Sweetser.org/FreeMentalHealthTraining.

Sanford Mainers Uplift Local Organizations at Annual Nonprofit Night

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

Sweetser was honored to participate in the Sanford Mainers’ Nonprofit Night, an event dedicated to recognizing and uplifting the vital work of nonprofit organizations throughout Maine and neighboring communities in New Hampshire.

Held at Goodall Park, the event brought together a diverse group of organizations committed to making a positive impact across the region.

Vinegar Hill Benefit Concert Gets Crowd Grooving

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

Sweetser appreciates everyone who came out to our Tribute to the Superstars of Soul benefit concert at Vinegar Hill Music Theatre in Arundel. The Higher Ground band with Sweetser’s Medical Director, Dr. Marc Kaplan, alongside American Idol’s Julia Gagnon, who got us grooving to the classics and some new hits. They are so incredibly talented and helped us raise around $16,000 to fuel our mission.

Thank you to the following sponsors and partners who made this event possible:

  • Kennebunk Savings
  • Jim Godbout Plumbing & Heating, Inc.
  • Maine Community Bank
  • Paquin & Carroll Insurance
  • Saco and Biddeford Savings
  • 99.3 The Wave
  • Saco Valley Credit Union

TV Segment: Discussing the Decline in Overdose Deaths

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

New data from the CDC shows encouraging progress in the fight against substance use: drug overdose deaths in the U.S. fell by 27% from 2023 to 2024, with Maine seeing a 20% decline, its lowest level since 2019. While this is positive news, as Sweetser’s Chief Communications Officer Justin Chenette notes, “one overdose death is one too many.” On this Mental Health Moment, Justin discussed with WMTW’s Meghan Torjussen the options that Mainers who are seeking recovery have.

Watch the full segment below:

Help is available across Maine, both in person and virtually:

  • Find your local OPTIONS Liaison: 👉 www.knowyouroptions.me
  • Talk to someone with lived experience: 👉 Peer Support Line: 1‑866‑771‑9276 (free, statewide, confidential)

Recovery is a journey—and no one has to walk it alone.

Moxie Festival: A Day of Food, Fun, and Community

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

It was a rainy day at the Moxie Festival, but Sweetser’s interns Hamda Mohsin and Greta Marchildon brought the energy with their enthusiasm and smiles! The day featured a community parade, delicious local food trucks, a whoopie pie eating contest, and – of course – Moxie!

We’re proud to have been part of such a fun and meaningful event, and we look forward to attending the Moxie Festival again next year!

A Heartfelt Thank You to Aroma Joe’s on Moody Street in Saco!

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

Thank you to the Moody Street Aroma Joe’s for your continued support of mental health in our communities! Once again, through the AJ’s Rush fundraiser, Aroma Joe’s has raised crucial funds to support our local programs and services.

Your dedication to advocating for increased access to mental health services is making a measurable difference in the lives of so many.

Thank you for your support. 

New England Psychologist: Sweetser to open residential facility for youth in April

Posted by Liz Smith

Sweetser’s Chief Program Officer, Kristie Worster, was interviewed by the New England Psychologist about our role in creating Maine’s 1st psychiatric residential treatment facility.

“Kristie Worster, Sweetser’s chief program officer, noted the funding will rehab an existing 8,000 square foot building on their Saco campus. Worster said the construction will continue this year with a goal to open in 2026.” 

Read the full article:
https://www.nepsy.com/articles/leading-stories/sweetser-to-open-residential-facility-for-youth/