TV Segment: Fatal Overdoses Down in Maine

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

Maine is seeing real progress in the fight against fatal drug overdoses—a 23% decline this year alone.

What’s behind this hopeful trend? In WMTW’s latest Mental Health Moment segment, Sweetser’s OPTIONS Liaison Johnny Loftus shares how community outreach, expanded treatment, and the life-saving power of naloxone are making a difference across all 16 counties.

But the work isn’t over. Learn how prevention, intervention, and support for families are helping Mainers on their recovery journey with Johnny’s insights.

If you or someone you know needs help, you can learn more at knowyouroptions.me.

Sweetser Recognized by Maine Department of Health and Human Services

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

Sweetser was honored at Maine DHHS’s Delivery System Reform Annual Forum in Portland for our efforts in becoming a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic or CCBHC. Sweetser refers to the CCBHC walk-in clinics as Hope & Healing Centers.

Olivia Alford, Deputy Director of Policy & Programs at the Office of MaineCare Services, presented members of Sweetser’s leadership team with the recognition.

The Sweetser CCBHC team is led by Chief Growth Officer, Joanne Grant:

  • Wendy Anders – Senior Director of Community-Based Services, oversees Sanford Hope & Healing Center
  • Joey Rossingnol – Senior Director of Community-Based Services, oversees Brunswick Hope & Healing Center
  • Kristen Cianelli – Director of Community-Based Services, oversees Lewiston Hope & Healing Center

Maine DHHS recognized Sweeter for the walk-in clinics’ accessibility, opening the Lewiston CCBHC after the tragic mass shooting to meet the needs of the community, and our resource room in Brunswick.

Sweetser is viewed as a leader championing this walk-in care model, which reduces barriers to accessing treatment. We are also a demonstration site, as we work with state officials to expand this service model across the state.

This award is shared with all the dedicated Sweetser team members who help serve our clients each day.

You can learn more about our CCBHC’s here: Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic – Sweetser

Ore Nell’s BBQ Community Night, Nov. 20th – Thank you for joining us!

Posted by Liz Smith

Ore Nell’s BBQ Community Night
Thursday, Nov. 20th, 4 – 9 PM
42 Franklin St, Biddeford
20% of in-house sales benefit Sweetser.

Thank you for joining us for an evening of delicious barbecue and community spirit – all for a great cause. On that special night, 20% of all in-house sales were donated directly to Sweetser, supporting mental health and wellness programs across Maine. Guests came hungry, enjoyed great food, and helped make a meaningful difference by supporting mental health in our community. Thank you so much to everyone who came out to support us. 

No Comments

filed under: Event

In the News: Sweetser’s Brunswick Peer Center Opening

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

Sweetser has been making the headlines over the last month since opening our new SupportME Peer Center in Brunswick, offering Mainers struggling with mental health or substance use challenges a judgment-free community resource.

See the media stories below:

Press Coverage from WMTW Channel 8, NEWS CENTER Maine, & WGME Channel 13:

Mental Health Moment on WMTW Channel 8:

WGME Channel 13’s Spotlight Segment:

Our Op-Ed was published in the Portland Press Herald and their network of newspapers across the state:

Read the full article

You can learn more about the Brunswick Peer Center at MainePeerCenter.org.

TV Segment: Impact of Food Insecurity

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

As uncertainty grows around federal SNAP benefits, thousands of Mainers are turning to food pantries to meet basic needs. Hunger isn’t just a financial challenge—it’s a mental health issue, too. Justin Chenette, Sweeter’s Chief Communications Officer sits down with WMTW’s Meghan Torjussen for this Mental Health Moment.

Watch the full segment below:

If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone—and support is available:

  • Call 211 to be connected with food banks, pantries, and meal programs statewide.
  • Visit FeedingMaine.org for an interactive map of local food pantries through the Good Shepherd Food Bank network.

Food insecurity can affect any of us at any time. Reaching out for help is a strong first step toward stability and well‑being.

Flatbread Community Night Tuesday, Nov. 11th

Posted by Justin Chenette

Flatbread Community Night
Tuesday, Nov. 11th, 5 – 9 PM
72 Commercial Street, Portland
Flatbread pizza sales benefit Sweetser.

Thank you for joining us for an evening of delicious wood-fired pizza in support of mental health! A portion of all flatbread pizza sales during the evening went to support Sweetser’s mental health mission, helping provide vital behavioral, emotional, and wellness services to members of our community. We’ll see you next year!

No Comments

filed under: Event

TV Segment & Resource Table for the Lewiston Region

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

Sweetser was on hand as Lewiston marked the two-year remembrance of the mass shooting with a public gathering on the Longley Bridge. Sweetser Crisis Intervention Specialist Carolyn Hall and our Senior Director of Adult Crisis & Residential Services Mike Andrick were there to assist community members who needed a professional to talk to. Community members are invited to gather at the bridge near Veterans Memorial Park for a visible show of remembrance with a sign-making station, candles, and Remembrance Bags. 

Sweetser’s Chief Growth Officer, Joanne Grant, appeared on WMTW Channel 8’s Mental Health Moment segment to discuss our Lewiston Hope & Healing Center and available mental health resources for the wider community. Watch the segment below…

Sweetser’s Comedy Show Brought the Smiles

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

We had an absolute blast at our Smiles for Sweetser Comedy Show. Thank you to everyone who came out to support us—it was a night filled with laughter and goodwill.

A huge, heartfelt thank you goes out to all the incredibly talented comedians Will Noonan, Rob Steen, Amy Tee, and Gabriel Perez, who all had the crowd roaring!

Thanks to the incredible support from our community, we are thrilled to announce that we raised close to $11,000 to help fuel our mission.

We appreciate our amazing sponsors. This event would not have been possible without them. We are immensely grateful to:

  • Aquabogan
  • Gridiron Restaurant
  • Ossipee Garage Doors
  • Intermed
  • University Credit Union
  • One Stop Rentals

We also want to give a special shout-out to Binnie Media and their fantastic radio stations, including Frank FM and The Wolf, for helping us spread the word and ensure a great turnout. We had over 270 people in attendance.

Sweetser Opens New Peer Center in Brunswick

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

Sweetser has officially opened our SupportME Peer Center in Brunswick, offering Mainers struggling with mental health or substance use challenges a free, judgment-free community resource.

Located at 329 Bath Road next to our Hope & Healing Center, the facility will serve residents in Brunswick and throughout Sagadahoc, Knox, Waldo, and Lincoln Counties. The center is the sixth of its kind in Maine and the only peer center serving the Midcoast.

The purpose of a peer center is to create a welcoming, judgment-free space where people come together to connect, share, and support one another at all stages of their recovery journey.

The center offers daily peer-run groups, life skills workshops, and one-on-one support, all staffed by trained peer support specialists—individuals who have their own personal connection to mental health or substance use challenges. The facility is entirely free to use, with no payment, insurance, or barriers required. Community members don’t even need to provide their full name—they can simply “come as you are.”

This expansion builds on Sweetser’s existing peer support infrastructure, including a 24/7 Peer Support Warm Line that fielded 30,000 calls last year alone. We currently employ 53 peers with lived experience in roles across Maine, working in emergency rooms and various mental health programs.

The SupportME Peer Center is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Community members can connect with staff at 207-373-3005 or email PeerCenter@sweetser.org. More information is available at Sweetser.org/PeerCenter.

Check out the news stories from our opening:

WMTW Channel 8

NEWS CENTER Maine

WGME Channel 13

TV Segment: How Humor Can Improve Your Mental Health

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

Laughter is truly the best medicine!

It’s a vital coping strategy and a powerful tool to bring joy into your life. Did you know laughing can:

  • Uplift Your Mood: It triggers endorphins—your body’s natural feel-good chemicals.
  • Reduce Stress: It lowers stress hormones, leading to a state of calmness.
  • Foster Social Connection: It’s a powerful tool to combat loneliness!

Life’s too short not to laugh! Let’s share some laughs for a great cause—fueling mental health treatment for those who need it most at our Smiles of Sweetser Comedy Show.

We’ve got a stellar line-up of New England talent, including headliner Will Noonan (named “Boston’s Best Comedian”!), Rob Steen, Gabriel Perez, and Amy Tee, who brilliantly uses her humor to advocate for mental health.