TV Segment: Professional Development for Caregivers

Conversations about mental health often focus on the general public, but it’s equally important to consider the well‑being of the professionals who provide that care. Sweetser’s Training Director, Jayne Pelletier sits down with WMTW’s Meghan Torjussen to reminds us that caregivers can only support others effectively when they prioritize their own mental health.

Watch the segment below:

Many workshops are available individually or as part of a series—and several can be taken online. To explore Sweetser’s full catalog of professional development opportunities and register, visit Sweetser.org/training.

OPTIONS Team at Recovery Rallies

Sweetser’s OPTIONS team and fellow Sweetser staff attended the Lakes Region Recovery Center 5th Annual Recovery Rally earlier this month to connect individuals to resources and care.

BRIDGTON

Pictured from left to right:

  • Marissa Smith (Manager of Intentional Peer Support & Training)
  • David Cameron-Rosenfield (Manager of SupportME Peer Center)
  • Carolyn Hall (Crisis Intervention Specialist)
  • Manny Reis (OPTIONS Team – Recovery Coach)

LEWISTON

Sweetser’s Kennebec County OPTIONS team as well as our Oxford County Mobile Crisis team were represented at the Lewiston Recovery Rally.

Thank you to everyone who stopped by our tables to say hello to our teams!

Learn more about our OPTIONS initiative: OPTIONS Initiative at Sweetser

Brunswick Brickyard Hollow to serve up some hope

Thank you so much for joining us! For more community fundraisers in support of mental health, click here

Brickyard Hollow in Brunswick is serving up some hope to support Sweetser!
Join us Tuesday Sept 23rd anytime between 5-9PM as a portion of proceeds from sales at Brickyard Hollow 149 Maine St in Brunswick will be donated to Sweetser.

Rockport Mini Golf Event a Hole-in-One

Thank you Golfer’s Crossing Mini Golf & Ice Cream in Rockport for hosting a day to give back to mental health and help fuel our mission! Our staff enjoyed connecting with community members and of course some tasty ice cream.

Staff included Rockland team members Pauline Miller, Paige Mason, and Gina Martin along with Chief Program Officer Kristie Worster and Community Relations Intern Tyler Jordan.

TV Segment: Political Violence Impacting Mental Health

The recent assassinations of public figures have pushed concerns about political violence and its psychological impact into the national spotlight. According to Sweetser’s Medical Director, Dr. Marc Kaplan, political violence affects far more than the individuals directly involved—it reverberates through entire communities and can shape collective mental health in profound ways.
Watch the full segment below:

Sweetser’s 33rd Annual Auction & Gala set for September 18th

Thank you for supporting our 33rd Annual Auction & Gala. With your help, we raised a record $400,000 to support our mental health mission. 🙂 For information about next year’s event, for sponsorship inquiries, or to donate, please contact Jodie Hansen, Director of Development, at jhansen@sweetser.org. 

Become a champion for children at Sweetser’s 33rd Annual Auction & Gala, to fuel hope for Maine’s most at-risk youth and provide lifesaving mental health treatment for Maine families.

Join our hosts, TV’s Lee Goldberg and Radio’s Lori Voornas, on Thursday, September 18th at 5:30 PM at Brick South on Thompson’s Point for a festive evening benefiting Sweetser’s mission.

Bid on over 300 silent and live auction items and raffles, including trips to Mexico, Ireland, and Alaska.

Enjoy live music by Plush and special guest American Idol’s Julia Gagnon, hors d’oeuvres by Blue Elephant Catering, desserts by the European Bakery, a wine wall, and a fun photo booth.

WHAT: Sweetser’s 33rd Annual Auction & Gala

WHEN: Thursday September 18th, Silent Auction Begins 5:30PM

WHERE: Brick South on Thompson’s Point in Portland

WHO: You!

Your generosity will help fuel lifesaving mental health treatment for Maine families regardless of their ability to pay.

Sea Dogs Host Benefit For Sweetser During Recovery Month

On September 3rd, the Portland Sea Dogs hosted a Mental Health & Recovery Night in partnership with Sweetser. As part of the event, proceeds from ticket sales went to supporting Sweetser’s statewide recovery services. To kick off the night, Sweetser’s CFO John McAnuff had the honor of throwing the first pitch.

Thank you to the Portland Sea Dogs for supporting our mission of providing hope and healing to Maine’s mental health and recovery community.

 

TV Segment: Back‑to‑School Anxiety

As families gear up for a new school year, many children experience a mix of emotions — and anxiety is often one of them. In this Mental Health Moment, Sweetser’s Chief Program Officer, Kristie Worster, explains that back‑to‑school worry is common and can stem from several sources.

You can watch the full segment below: