Sweetser’s team was out in full force at Brunswick Pride! Always such a wonderful event to showcase our love for our LGBTQ+ community.
TV Segment: Advocates Push Maine Lawmakers to Fund Mental Health Support Bills
The Maine Legislature is wrapping up its session, and key decisions on funding children’s mental health initiatives are still on the table. Sweetser President & CEO Jayne Van Bramer joins WMTW’s Meghan Torjussen to discuss two critical bills: expanding Child ACT teams to keep kids out of ERs and saving school-based therapy programs that provide vital support to thousands of students. With youth mental health at crisis levels, these measures could make a real difference—but they need funding. Watch the latest Mental Health Moment to learn what’s at stake and how you can help.
TV Segment: Impact of Loneliness on Mental Health
We need connection in our lives. Research shows that 1 in 3 Americans experience loneliness, a factor linked to mental health challenges such as depression and anxiety. Our Senior Director of Public Relations & Advancement, Justin Chenette, spoke to WMTW on their Mental Health Moment segment to discuss the topic and ways individuals can cope.
To combat loneliness, consider these strategies:
💻 Limit screen time
🤝 Engage in volunteering
💡 Explore shared interests in a community
💚 Prioritize self-care & compassion
🗣 Connect with loved ones
💃 Cultivate a new hobby
🐱 Ponder pet ownership
During tough times, seeking professional help is crucial. Remember, reaching out is a sign of strength. You’re not alone. Support resources include:
☎️ Free Peer Support Line: 866-771-9276
📱 Suicide & Crisis Hotline: 988 (Call/text)
📞 Ongoing services: 1-800-434-3000
WGME Podcast: Kids & Cell Phones
When is the right time to give your child a cellphone — and how do you know they’re truly ready? It’s one of the most common and complicated questions parents face. Sweetser’s Chief Growth Officer Joanne Grant appeared on WGME’s Raising ME podcast, hosted by Adrienne Stein, to discuss real-life examples and tips for parents to consider.
Sea Dogs Mental Health Night & Fireworks Show
Sweetser staff hosted a resource table at the Sea Dogs Mental Health Awareness Night at Hadlock Field in Portland. With doors open to the public at 4:30pm and the game start time at 6pm, Sweetser and other wellness organizations had the opportunity to share mental health advice and connect fans to treatment. The game ended with the first fireworks show of the season.
Events like this help reduce the stigma attached to seeking support and treatment and create a sense of community for those in recovery.
News: Maine Points Podcast hosts discussion about Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and our Senior Director of Public Relations & Advancement, Justin Chenette, appeared on Newsradio WGAN‘s Maine Points to talk about the important work Sweetser is doing to reduce stigma and increase access to mental health across our state.
Take a listen: https://wgan.com/podcasts/102771-2/
Child ACT celebrates one year of impactful service
This May marks the 1-year anniversary of the Child Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) program! Since its launch, the ACT Team has supported 33 youth on their mental health journeys, successfully discharged 11 clients, with 9 stepping down to a less acute level of care, and 2 entering residential programs where they can continue their progress in a supportive environment.
Over the past year, we’ve expanded our staffing and introduced specialized roles to more effectively meet the needs of both older and younger youth. This is demonstrated in the way that our older participants benefit from our Youth Peer Support and Employment Specialists, while younger youth and their families often thrive through the guidance of our Behavioral Health Specialists and Family Support Specialists.
Meet Our Core Team
Wendy Anders – Senior Director
Taylor Paquin – Clinical Supervisor
Sonya Hawkins – Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Eve Palmatier – Team Clinician
Arie Salisbury – Case Manager
Kayli Gertsen – Behavioral Health Professional
James Howard – Employment Specialist
Stephanie Lacourse – Nurse Care Manager
Becky Place & Tina Simas – Family Support Specialists
Hayleigh Bolduc & May Hohman – Youth Peer Support Specialists
Katreena Keefe – Program Administrative Support.
Relief Team
We are also grateful for our Relief Clinicians:
Willa Stockwell, Linda Berg, Meghan McCrillis, Chelsea Rose, Ellen Haney, and Terri Wentworth Bennett.
We appreciate our dedicated Relief Case Managers:
Laine Tapan Kane, Kris Gross, Meghan Kerry, Eileen Quimby, and Bridget Hester.
Thank you to all our staff, partners, youth, and families for making this year one of growth, resilience, and healing. We look forward to continuing this important work and celebrating many more milestones to come.
Radio Segment: 988 Crisis Line
Take a listen to our latest radio Mental Health Minute with Lori Voornas from 94.9 WHOM and Sweetser’s Justin Chenette discussing how the new 988 text/call line will help save lives.
The Spring Into Hope Fashion Show was a blast
What a night in Old Orchard Beach! Our Spring Into Hope Maine Fashion Show, organized with our friends at WMTW Channel 8, was a big hit. Together, we were able to raise over $14,000 for Sweetser. Everyone had a blast walking the runway, enjoying the live DJ music, and hopping in front of the fun photobooth.
Check out some of the highlights of the night!
Sweetser Attends Mental Health Matters 5k
On Sunday, Sweetser took part in the Mental Health Matters 5K at Greely High School in Cumberland to raise awareness for youth mental health and suicide prevention. The morning kicked off with a welcome ceremony at the school’s newly planted Hope Garden, a symbol of hope for those in mental health and substance use recovery. Dozens of students, faculty, and community members made their way to the school’s track where Sweetser and other partner organizations passed out mental health resources along the way.
Thanks to Greely High School for hosting this important event!