Ruel Ricker Day at our Saco Campus is an annual day that celebrates Ruel Ricker – Sweetser’s farm manager from 1941 through the 1970s.
Shout to our amazing staff at our school, led by our Director of Education, Kimberly Holmes, as well as Julia Birtolo, the Farm Manager, who was a huge part of putting this event on, along with Betty Hood, Administrative Coordinator at the school. We’d also like to extend thanks to the following volunteers who came to help run the variety of activities and games:
Board Members:
Jess Demers
Todd Valentine
Margaret Shepp
Corporators:
Gregg Ritter
Sweetser Staff:
Jayne Van Bramer
John McAnuff
Becca Task
Liz Smith
Jodie Hansen
Thank you to UNUM for volunteering and making the day possible, and for Saco & Biddeford Savings for volunteering! It was a wonderful day for our students and their families!
We also would like to thank Sweetser’s Gail Howlett-Brown for making this amazing quilt with Ruel Ricker shirts from past years. Pictured below is Barbara Foster, Gail Howlett-Brown, and Peggy Ricker. Peggy Ricker and Barbara Foster are descendants of Ruel Ricker.
As students settle into a new school year, the stress and anxiety that come with the transition can also take a toll on the professionals supporting them.
In this WMTW Mental Health Moment, Sweetser Training Director Jayne Pelletier discusses the importance of supporting the mental well-being and professional development of clinicians, counselors, educators, and other helping professionals. She also highlights upcoming Sweetser Training Institute courses covering stress and burnout, high-conflict family therapy, teen dating violence, ethics, substance use disorder, leadership, and more.
Learn more about Sweetser’s professional development opportunities at sweetser.org/training.
We’re spreading hope in Sanford, one wall at a time.
The halls of our Sanford Hope & Healing Center have been transformed thanks to the talent and vision of our own Art Educator, Nick Blunier, who designed and painted a series of inspiring murals throughout our Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC).
From the moment clients walk through the doors, they are surrounded by a vibrant Maine-inspired mural anchored by one simple but meaningful word: HOPE. As they make their way to the lobby, individuals will be welcomed by a powerful reminder that ‘Recovery Is Possible’.
These murals do more than brighten the space; they reflect the heart of the work happening inside our clinic every day. They serve as a visual reminder that healing is possible, recovery is real, and no one has to face life’s challenges alone.
At Sweetser, hope isn’t just something we talk about; it’s something we strive to make visible. Thanks to Nick’s incredible work, that message now greets and inspires everyone who enters our Sanford Hope & Healing Center at 863 Main Street. Walk-in hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. No appointment needed.
You helped turn hope into action. Our hearts are still full after Sweetser’s 34th Annual Auction & Gala!
More than 550 people came together at Brick South to celebrate hope, share powerful stories, and take action for Maine children and families in need. Thanks to this extraordinary community, this year’s Auction & Gala was our most successful ever — raising around $600,000 for youth mental health. An evening like this simply doesn’t happen without an incredible number of people working together. The incredible show of support will help fuel Sweetser’s efforts to construct Maine’s first youth Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility (PRTF) on our Saco campus.
To our speakers, Jaymison Harper and Amy DesRoberts: thank you for having the courage to share your stories. Your honesty, strength, and passion reminded us why we gathered and will help light the way for others to find hope and healing. And to Sweetser’s President & CEO, Jayne Van Bramer, for reminding us all of the heart we bring to this mission.
To our amazing emcees and event personalities: thank you to Meghan Torjussen and Jon Chrisos of WMTW Channel 8, our evening co-hosts; Blake Hayes of Coast 93.1, who brought the energy to Fund the Need; and longtime Sweetser board member William Zafirson, who once again took the stage once again as our live auctioneer.
To our Auction Committee: Zach Blanchard, Ed Bull, Erin Collins, Joan Harrigan, Renee Jordan, Michelle LaChapelle, Amy McGarry, and William Zafirson — thank you for the brainstorming, guidance, and assistance in planning the event.
To Sweetser’s PR & Advancement Team: Justin Chenette, Jodie Hansen, Sara Towle, Liz Smith, Jessica Tornatore, and Markus Sawczyn — you make it look easy and are truly the best in the business; working an entire year behind the scenes to bring hundreds of people, partners, and details together for one unforgettable evening.
And to our incredible night of volunteers:
Andrew Amartei, Andy Coburn, Barry Daniels, Brooke Reissfelder, Camden Cole, Carey Jamilkowski, David Lewis, Denise Bouchard, Dee Hill, Ellie Gagne, Emily Grant, Emily Hanson, Harley Nimblett, Jeanna Coates, Jess Lavigne, Joline Dubuc, Joyce Reny, Kara Shamsi, Karen Dow, Kevin Thomas, Linda Viger, Lisa Bird, Lisa Thomas, Lori Lewis, Lori Morgan, Maria Maffucci, Matt Lilly, Nina Marsanskis, Sandra Couch-Kelly, Sarah Proctor, Shelly Hebert, Stacey Johnson, Tammy Flynn-Wakefield, Tricia Parisien, Tyler Jordan, Venise Monto and Vi Snyder — thank you for showing up, pitching in and helping make everything shine.
And finally, a huge thank-you to the corporate and community partners who invested in our mission and made this event possible.
Presenting Sponsor:
Maine Community Bank
Hope & Help Sponsors:
Holistic Health International
CGI Business Solutions
Clark Insurance
Central Maine Power
Paquin & Carroll Insurance
Unum
WMTW Channel 8
Maine’s Coast 93.1
Sold on Kids Sponsors:
ATX Advisory
Kennebunk Savings
Oxford Casino Hotel
Elks Lodge #1470 – Sanford
Vinegar Hill Music Theatre
R.M. Davis Private Wealth Management
The Viewpoint Hotel
Promising Futures Sponsors:
Corient
Little Snoring Cottage
Marc Motors
Casco Bay Insurance Agency
Lebel & Harriman
Northeast Delta Dental
Preble Lodge #143
Shoreline Construction
Tapley Insurance Agency
Tyler Technologies
Haven’s Candies
Champions for Children Sponsors:
Aroma Joe’s
Day’s Jewelers
Bangor Savings Bank
Trademark Federal Credit Union
Binnie Media
GEICO Local Office
GoodNylund Wealth Management
Inspired Nation
Mainebiz
McGarry Law Offices
Northern Light Mercy Hospital
One Stop Event Rentals
Portsmouth Quality Flooring
InterMed
And a special shout out to the incredible vendors who helped bring the evening to life — One Stop Event Rentals, AV Technik, Blue Elephant Catering, Aull That Entertainment, Pippy’s Poppin Balloons, and our amazing band Plush. From the setup and production to the food and décor, your partnership made a tremendous difference.
We’re also deeply grateful to every individual and business that donated an auction item or experience. With hundreds of items helping fuel the excitement and generosity of the evening, we truly could not have done it without you.
Whether you bought a ticket, raised a giving wand, bid on an auction item, volunteered your time, shared your story, sponsored the evening or simply cheered us on — you were part of something bigger. And because of you, we are one step closer to ensuring Maine youth who need a higher level of mental health treatment can receive that care here at home, closer to their families and communities.
Thank you for believing in Sweetser. Thank you for believing in Maine youth who need our help. And thank you for making this an evening of hope we will never forget.
A big thank you to Burnt Ends Barbecue in Auburn for hosting a Community Day in support of Sweetser!
We’re grateful to Burnt Ends Barbecue and everyone who came out to enjoy a great meal while giving back to an important cause. Funds raised from the event will help support Sweetser’s mission of providing hope and healing to children, adults, and families across Maine. Thank you for being a partner in strengthening mental health and building healthier communities!
Sweetser was recently featured on NEWS CENTER Maine’s “Let’s Talk About It” series as part of a story highlighting Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and the Greater Portland Out of the Darkness Walk.
President & CEO Jayne Van Bramer discussed the barriers many Mainers face when seeking mental health care, including long waitlists, transportation challenges, stigma, and not knowing where to turn for help. “The more we’re willing to talk about it, the more we’re willing to be open about it, the more it makes it comfortable for people to reach out,” Jayne shared.
Sweetser was also proud to participate in the Greater Portland Out of the Darkness Walk as a community partner, connecting attendees with mental health resources and support.
Thank you to our staff who continue to show up in our communities, help reduce stigma, and remind Mainers that support is available.
Four comedians. One stage. Endless laughter. Don’t miss the ‘Smiles for Sweetser Comedy Show, Oct. 23rd at the Italian Heritage Center in Portland. Support Sweetser‘s vital mental health programs while enjoying a night you’ll never forget!
In this WMTW Mental Health Moment, former Sweetser client Jaymison Harper shares her powerful journey from struggling with depression and self-harm as a teenager to finding hope, connection, and healing through Sweetser.
Jaymison reflects on the moment she reached out for help, the impact of her time at Sweetser, and why she now chooses to share her story publicly to remind other young people and families that they are not alone.
Now, Jaymison is using her experience to give back as the keynote speaker at Sweetser’s annual Auction & Gala, sharing a message at the heart of her journey: help exists, recovery is possible, and asking for support can change a life.
If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988.
Pictured is Sweetser’s Chief Communications Officer, Justin Chennette, Janx Striper Tournament Organizer, Scott Harrington, and Sweetser’s Director of Development, Jodie Hansen.
Sweetser is incredibly grateful to the organizers, participants, sponsors, and supporters of the 2026 Janx Striper Tournament for raising $10,000 to support Sweetser’s mission!
Held July 16–19 at Lobster in the Rough in York, the four-day tournament brought anglers and community members together for striped bass fishing, friendly competition, and a shared commitment to giving back. Sweetser was honored to be named a beneficiary of this year’s event.
The generous $10,000 donation to Sweetser will help strengthen our work supporting the mental health and well-being of children, adults, and families throughout Maine.
Thank you to everyone who helped make the Janx Striper Tournament a success, including these tournament sponsors & partners:
The Rough Kitchen & Bar
Resource Promotions
Fogg Bros. Drywall Corp.
Period Design Restoration
Nick’s Steakhouse
Seacoast Pilates
Wicked Green Lawn Specialists
Novel Iron Works
Bill Jones Realty Team
Gammon Lawncare & Landscaping
Southern Maine Skin Company
What-A-Waste Dumpster Rentals
Garthwaite Energy Inc.
Adam Stevens Carpentry
We are grateful to have community partners who recognize the importance of behavioral health and are willing to cast a line for a great cause!
Sweetser’s clinical experts have recently joined local media to help Mainers better understand important mental health topics and the resources available when support is needed. Through media conversations like these, Sweetser continues to provide trusted mental health expertise, reduce stigma, and help connect Mainers with resources when they need them most.
POSTPARTUM STORY
Following the Lindsay Clancy trial, WMTW spoke with Sweetser’s Clinical Director of Youth Services, Becca Task, about the key differences between postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis, including the warning signs families should be aware of and the importance of greater understanding around postpartum mental health.
Sweetser’s Chief Growth Officer, Joanne Grant, joined NEWS CENTER Maine for a conversation about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, in recognition of National 988 Day. Joanne emphasized that no concern is too small to reach out for support. Whether someone is experiencing an immediate crisis or simply feels overwhelmed and needs someone to talk to, calling or texting 988 can connect them with support.
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.
