Saco School Featured on WGME Segment

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

For many parents and educators, ensuring students’ emotional and academic well‑being is essential—but some children need more support than traditional public schools can provide. Sweetser’s Director of Education, Kimberly Holmes, joins WGME’s Adrienne Stein to share how the special purpose school in Saco offers a highly therapeutic, individualized environment for students with complex social, emotional, behavioral, and mental health needs.

Learn how this transformative program is changing lives and how families and districts can get connected.

School officials and families can learn more by visiting Sweetser.org/SacoSchool.

Sweetser Named Nonprofit of the Year by the Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

Sweetser has been awarded Nonprofit of the Year!

For an organization that has been around since the early 1800s, this award is meaningful to us. For nearly two hundred years, we’ve been adapting to meet the ever-changing behavioral health needs of Maine children and families. Our work creating walk-in care clinics called Hope & Healing Centers, launching the state’s only Child ACT team, opening a free peer center, and soon to be constructing Maine’s first psychiatric residential treatment facility, demonstrates our collective ability to innovate and meet the moment to increase access and reduce stigma.

Thank you to the Biddeford Saco Chamber of Commerce + Industry for this honor and recognition!

Sweetser’s Chief Communications & HR Officers Justin Chenette and Holly Hall accepted the award from Chamber board members & Executive Director Alex MacPhail.

TV Segment: Big Game, Big Feelings

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

Did you catch the Big Game?

Whether your team took home the trophy or you’re already looking toward next year, it’s a great time to check in on your mental “postgame” recovery.

Sweetser’s CFO, John McAnuff, sat down with WMTW to discuss why high-stakes events like the Super Bowl can impact our mental health. Between intense emotions, social pressure, and a total lack of control over the final score, the day can quickly become overwhelming.

WATCH the full segment here below…

Halftime for Hope Scored a Touchdown

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

12 hours of broadcasting hope!

Our friends at Q97.9 and 92 Moose hosted our first-ever Halftime for Hope Radiothon.

Radio hosts, Matt James and Allyssa Marson, were fabulous in amplifying our impact and interviewing our various leadership team members regarding available mental health resources and treatment programs.

Ice Skate for Sweetser Warms Community Spirit

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

What a day on the ice! Sweetser appreciates the Kennebunk community for embracing our Ice Skate for Sweetser event this year at their Waterhouse Center.

Thank you to the following sponsors for making this possible:

  • Kennebunk Savings
  • Martin’s Point Health Care
  • Canvasworks, Inc.
  • Norway Savings Bank
  • Cole Harrison Insurance

Thanks to all who stopped by, we hope you enjoyed it! ⛸️

WMTW Channel 8 was there to feature the event:

TV Segment: Physical Depression Symptoms

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

When most people think of depression, they picture sadness, hopelessness, or a loss of interest in daily life. But depression doesn’t always look the way we expect it to. In fact, many symptoms show up physically—long before someone recognizes the emotional signs.

In the latest Mental Health Moment, Sweetser’s Medical Director, Dr. Marc Kaplan, sits down with WMTW’s Meghan Torjussen to shed light on the lesser‑known ways depression can affect the body and mind.

If you or someone you know may be struggling:

  • Urgent Support: Call or text 988, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
  • Peer Support in Maine: Reach the Maine Intentional Peer Support Warmline at 1‑866‑771‑9276.
  • Connecting With Sweetser: Email info@sweetser.org to explore local treatment options and learn how screening tools can help you begin your path toward wellness.

Free Event: Sanford Elks Lodge Hosts Jam for Mental Health

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

Mark your calendars! On Sunday, February 22, 2026, from 2–7 PM, we’re coming together at the Sanford Elks Lodge for an afternoon filled with music, connection, and purpose.

This event raises awareness and funds for Mental Health Awareness and Suicide Prevention — a cause that touches so many lives.

Live Bands Performing:
• Texas Pete
• Middleman
• Straight Up No Ice
• Hott Messs
• The Road Crew

💛 Donations accepted at the door
🎟️ Raffles • 50/50 • T-Shirt Sales

Proudly supported by:
Elks- Sanford • Sweetser • Wolves Club

Let’s come together, lift each other up, and ROCK for mental health.

Thank you to our incredible event sponsors!

S. Richer Concrete, Inc.
Plante Excavating & Paving 
Eagles Club
The American Legion

Halftime for Hope Radiothon raises critical funds

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

Tackle the Stigma: Halftime for Hope Radiothon

Thanks for teaming up with us for the Halftime for Hope Radiothon! Your favorite songs helped fuel Sweetser’s mission and make the day a huge success! Through February 4th, listeners requested tracks by making a donation of any amount to Sweetser–and together, you made a meaningful difference.

Thank you to everyone who tuned in, made a request, and supported this important cause. Because of you, more Maine families will have access to the mental health services they need.

Huge shout out to Allyssa & Matt from Q97.9 for hosting us and helping support mental health services for Maine families! We couldn’t do this important work without partners like you! 

TV Segment: Checking in on Our Mental Health

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

In this week’s Mental Health Moment, we focus on a powerful yet simple way to better understand how you’re feeling: a free, science‑based online mental health screening tool. Sweetser Chief Communications Officer Justin Chenette joins WMTW’s Meghan Torjussen to talk about why these tools can be such a helpful starting point—and what to do once you get your results.

Click here to take the mental health screening.

If the screening helps you recognize that you could use additional support, there are resources available:

  • Call or text 988 if you’re experiencing a mental health crisis. The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7.
  • Peer support lines are also available if you need to talk through feelings that haven’t risen to a crisis level. Peer Support Line: 1-866-771-9276
  • If you’d like to schedule an appointment or connect with a mental health professional, you can reach Sweetser directly at info@sweetser.org.