Portland Pride 2025: A Day of Community

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

On Saturday, Portland lit up with joy, color, and community as thousands gathered to celebrate Portland Pride. The parade burst through Congress Street with energy and excitement, leading to a lively festival at Deering Oaks Park full of music, dancing, and community love. Sweetser staff even got to pose for photos with Slugger – the Portland Sea Dogs’ mascot and Director of Crowd Entertainment!

The fun continued at the festival, where Sweetser was joined by other nonprofits, wellness groups, activist organizations, and local businesses, contributing to the feelings of unity, togetherness, and collective Pride.

Sweetser Hits the Jackpot with Oxford Casino

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

We appreciate everyone who participated in Oxford Casino’s Give for Change promotion during Mental Health Awareness Month! Your coin slips brought in nearly $3,700 to fuel our mental health programs!

Thank you to Oxford Casino for your commitment in Maine communities and helping make mental health accessible to all.

TV Segment: Day Treatment Options for Families

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

On Sweetser’s Saco campus we have day treatment services at our Special Purpose K-12 school, which can provide comprehensive family, individual and group therapy with individualized special education for students needing an out-of-district placement for serious emotional disturbances. Sweetser’s Day Treatment Clinician Jessica Macomber was interviewed by WMTW Channel 8 about the different types of therapy and services we provide families.

Watch the full segment below:

36th Sweetser Golf Classic repeats record-breaking total

Posted by Liz Smith

What an incredible day! Our 36th annual Sweetser / Jack Chevrolet Golf Classic was a resounding success. We matched last year’s record-breaking total of nearly $113,000.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We want to especially acknowledge our presenting sponsor Jack Chevrolet, for their tremendous show of generosity! Ira, and now David Rosenberg and his family, have partnered with Sweetser for over two decades. Their support has never wavered and continues a family tradition of enriching the lives of the communities served by the Rosenberg family’s car dealerships. The late Ira Jack Rosenberg, for whom this tournament is dedicated, was truly a Sweetser champion. Pictured here: Jack Chevrolet General Manager Mike Gibel and Sweetser’s Jayne Van Bramer, Jodie Hansen, and Justin Chenette.

See our fun video recap:

The tournament would not have been successful without our team of dedicated volunteers who brought enthusiasm and bright spirits to the course:

  • Norm Cantara
  • Anna-Marie DiPaquale
  • Julia Donley
  • Karen Dow
  • Danice Heckathorn
  • Lori Lewis
  • Lynn Leland
  • Nina Marsanskis
  • Carol Mundigler
  • Kara Shamsi

We also want to thank our corporate sponsored teams for their strong support of our mission:

  • Jack- Chevrolet (2 teams)
  • Sanford Elks Lodge
  • CGI Business Solutions
  • ATX Advisory
  • Brian Gilbert Associates
  • Casella Waste
  • Domestiks Cleaning Services
  • Jim Godbout Plumbing and Heating
  • Maine Community Bank
  • Patrons Oxford Insurance
  • PM Construction
  • Seacoast Security
  • Strategic Media
  • Weirs Motor Sales
  • Bangor Savings Bank
  • Ben’s Flooring
  • Bergen & Parkinson
  • Biddeford Saco Old Orchard Beach Transit (BSOOB Transit)
  • Dunham Group
  • Franklin Printing
  • Sunlife / Fullscope RMS (2 teams)
  • HM Payson (2 teams)
  • Horch Roofing
  • KeyBank
  • Lincoln Financial Group
  • Northeast Delta Dental
  • PeoplesChoice Credit Union
  • Ray Labbe & Sons, Inc.
  • Systems Engineering
  • Toyota Financial Services
  • W. B. Mason

We are beyond grateful for each of you. Your support not only made this tournament possible but also strengthened our community. Thank you for being the driving force behind this success!

Check out our photo slideshow of our awesome teams…

 

Sweetser’s CEO on Mainebiz Health Care Panel

Posted by Liz Smith

Sweetser’s President & CEO Jayne Van Bramer was honored to be a panelist at this year’s Mainebiz Health Care Forum in Freeport that brought together business, HR, and mental health leaders to discuss how employers can work to promote employee health and safety. Sweetser joined with fellow panelists from: MEMIC, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Systems Engineering, and SoulBeing. The forum was moderated by Kim Anania, President & CEO at KMA Human Resources Consulting. The topic? “Workplace Safety, Wellness, and Mental Health: The Business Role in Supporting Employee Well-Being.”

Brunswick Pride 2025

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

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

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

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

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

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

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

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.

Check out the full episode. 

Sea Dogs Mental Health Night & Fireworks Show

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

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.