Sweetser’s Medical Director, Dr. Marc Kaplan, was a guest on Newsradio WGAN’s Maine Points radio show to talk about all things mental health, including the importance of seeking professional help for eating disorders. Take a listen below!
Connected Office Technologies Presidents Kyle Romick (left) & Thomas Mitchell (right) present a check to Kelly Thayer, Sweetser’s Development Director
SACO – An office equipment supplier in Portland has donated $20,000 to Sweetser, to provide Mainers with critical mental health services.
Connected Office Technologies is a printer and copier service and document management system provider that is partnering with Sweetser because of shared goals of helping those in need.
“Sweetser’s mission centers around helping people through various challenges and our business reflects those same values,” says Kyle Romick, President of Connected Office Technologies. “Mental health is something we all can grapple with and this partnership ensures more individuals in need of care get the support they need.”
“Partnerships like the one we have with Connected Office Technologies is about a long-term connection with making a difference,” says Jodie Hansen, Sweetser’s Donor and Events Engagement Manager. “Their commitment to mental health and to streamlining our internal printing needs as an organization is greatly appreciated.”
Connected Office Technologies is an official broker of Brother and Sharp.
Learn more about how to access mental health services at https://www.sweetser.org, by emailing info@sweetser.org, or by calling 1-800-434-3000.
Our President & CEO Jayne Van Bramer, joined other mental health professionals in an interview and panel discussion on WMTW Channel 8 around reducing stigma and ideas for improving access to behavioral health services in our state. WATCH:
On the 7th episode of “Not Now, Maybe Later”, listen to the story of a real teen who has been through it – anxiety since she was very young, starting therapy in high school, and finishing therapy too. Hear about this teen’s real experience of COVID and school in the era of school shootings. And her honesty about her therapy and her family playing their part in her mental health getting better. This episode includes one (now) funny story about how anxiety and a haunted trail are not a great combination.
Dr. Marc Kaplan in the studio alongside Portland Radio Group Production Director Steve Schneider
Sweetser and WGAN have partnered to bring mental health moments to the radio! Check our recent two spots voiced by Sweetser’s own Dr. Marc Kaplan.
Kim Grant (right) is presented her award at a recent conference
Congratulations to Kim Grant, Assistant Supervisor of Residential Services, for being named Youth Care Worker of the Year at the Child and Family Provider Network Conference. This award speaks to Kim’s passion and dedication to the clients we serve.
As part of the application process Kim’s supervisor, Elliot Garza, said the following about her impact on campus:
“Over the last year Kim has moved into a new role supporting our campus as an assistant supervisor. Her primary task has been to support the campus during some of the most challenging times of the day, when the children are struggling. Through this work she has been able to take the lead on making sure the children and staff are safe as well as find the time to create opportunities for learning. Kim is able to proactively support by starting her shifts with preplanning in the units and checking in to make sure a plan for the day is in place that will support children in learning and practicing skills. She then follows up at the end of the shift by making sure staff have had an opportunity to be heard and checked in on after a tough shift. In doing this she ensures accurate communication to the unit supervisors and helps support reflective practice among the staff. We can see evidence of the effectiveness these interventions have had in how staff feel more supported and cared for and how clients are able to relax and find safety in her presence. Kim continues to take on new challenges and learn new skills to enhance her work and always does so with a contagiously positive attitude.”
The mission of the Child & Family Provider Network is to improve the quality of life for children, youth and families in Maine.
Sanford landscaping gets a boost from volunteers
As part of the United Way of Southern Maine’s Day of Action on May 23, our Sanford office and Saco Campus hosted volunteers from Unum and Hannaford.
Volunteers landscaped under the guidance of our Facilities team, giving both locations a fresh look for spring.
Volunteers landscape on Saco Campus.
“School-based clinicians are on the front lines of this mental health crisis. By providing mental health services directly in the school setting, clinicians can be more responsive to each student’s needs in the moment and partner with school staff. Offering school-based mental health services is prevention at its best.”
Check out our latest Press Herald OP-ED from Eva Rivers Blethen, LCSW, a Sweetser school-based clinical supervisor.
Our Chief Program Officer Kristie Worster shared some mental health tips on Newscenter Maine just in time for Memorial Day weekend. Watch below…
Portland Sea Dogs Baseball hosted Sweetser for Mental Health Awareness Night on Thursday, May 11th. Sweetser Chief Financial Officer John McAnuff threw the ceremonial first pitch.
Sweetser also had an informational table set up, and many staff attended the game, along with friends and family.