“In my time in this role, I have helped many people take those first steps and watched them build success in their recovery,” said Manny Reis, Sweetser Recovery Coach and Frankin County OPTIONS program lead. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see lives change through support and connection, and it has been my honor to do so.”
2025 Jam for Mental Health Raises Over $17,700
Sweetser recently hosted its 6th annual Jam for Mental Health at the Elks Lodge in Sanford. The event boasted its largest turnout yet and raised over $17,700 for mental health services in York County.
Participants enjoyed live music from local bands, a 50/50 raffle, dancing, T-shirt sales, and light refreshments. Several guest speakers opened up about their own experiences with mental health challenges, sharing stories about their journey to accessing treatment and support.
WMTW TV Segment: Recovery Coaches
Sweetser’s Director of Recovery Services Alaina Knox appeared on WMTW’s Mental Health Moment segment to discuss how Sweetser’s recovery coaches help Mainers create their own self-determined pathway of recovery. Sweetser currently has six Recovery Coaches that deliver services across Franklin, York, Kennebec, and Oxford counties, supporting Mainers with substance use disorders where they are at, connecting the recovering person with community resources and harm reduction strategies.
Sanford Masonic Lodge Supports Sweetser Mental Health Services
Members of the Sanford Masonic Lodge, Preble Lodge #143 presented Sweetser with a check for $3,000 to support mental health services in the Sanford/Springvale communities. The group raised funds with a hugely successful bowling tournament. The lodge is an extremely philanthropic organization, raising a great deal of money for local charities.
Sweetser Presents to Brunswick Rotarians
Sweetser’s President & CEO Jayne Van Bramer recently spoke to the Brunswick Rotary Club, informing Rotarians about the 476 Brunswick residents that benefited from our services in 2024 and highlighted some of the important new programs we’ve launched this past year. She also discussed our Brunswick Hope & Healing Center, reminding Rotarians that Brunswick residents and Cumberland County residents have walk-in access to the clinic Monday-Friday, 10 AM-3 PM.
WMTW TV Segment: Using AI to Support Clinical Success
Sweetser’s President & CEO Jayne Van Bramer announced on WMTW Channel 8 that Sweetser is the first behavioral health organization in Maine to adopt AI as a tool for clinical success. We partnered with a company called Eleos to implement a tool that:
- Fosters active listening to take notes throughout the session
- Ensures clinical accuracy & relevance
- Helps identify discussion themes
WMTW TV Segment: Sweetser Program Openings
In the latest Mental Health Moment segment on WMTW, Sweetser’s Chief Financial Officer John McAnuff discusses the programs that have immediate openings. These include our special purpose K-12 school, crisis residential units, eating disorders program, and home-based services like targeted case management.
Sweetser CEO on Lewiston Podcast
Sweetser’s President & CEO Jayne Van Bramer joined the crew at Lydia’s Lunch Bunch podcast to talk about her 30-plus years working in behavioral health, reducing stigma, and Sweetser’s new Hope & Healing Center in Lewiston.
Listen to the L/A podcast episode: https://rss.com/podcasts/lydiaslunchbunch/1840212/
WMTW TV Segment: How exercise can improve your mental health
In the latest Mental Health Moment, Sweetser Senior Director of PR & Advancement Justin Chenette talks with WMTW’s Jacob Murphy about how physical activity has been shown to have a positive impact on our mood. It can make us feel good. Even a short burst of movement can:
- Release endorphins to relieve stress
- Increase energy
- Improve sleep, which helps manage mood
- Create mental reset
- Outlet for negative emotions
- Improve self-esteem and mood
- Give you a sense of achievement
2nd Annual Skate for Sweetser
Appreciate all the staff and community members who came to our 2nd annual Skate for Sweetser event. Thanks to our corporate sponsors Martin’s Point and Benchmark Construction and donations made at the door, we raised $3,300 for Sweetser. We appreciate the Family Ice Center in Falmouth for donating the ice time.


