NEWS: Sweetser’s CEO named in the Top Women Leaders of 2025

Posted March 7, 2025 by Liz Smith

Sweetser’s President & CEO Jayne Van Bramer was recently named in the Top Women Leaders of 2025 by Women We Admire, an internationally recognized women’s news outlet. This honor is awarded to leaders who inspire those around them and cultivate a culture of innovation, collaboration, and success in the organizations and communities they serve.

Jayne’s dedication to leading the charge for change in Maine’s behavioral health landscape, her commitment to implementing evidence-based practices into treatment options, and her drive in eliminating the mental health stigma in our communities, are just some of the ways Jayne’s efforts merit this powerful recognition.

To learn more about the awardees and to see Jayne’s feature, check out the article below:

https://thewomenweadmire.com/2025/03/the-top-women-leaders-of-2025/

In The News: PRTF, Workforce, & Lewiston Center

Posted March 3, 2025 by Liz Smith

Sweetser’s President & CEO Jayne Van Bramer was recently interviewed by News Center Maine’s Vivien Leigh about the organization’s bid for Maine’s first psychiatric residential treatment facility.

Sweetser’s President & CEO Jayne Van Bramer was interviewed by The Maine Monitor and the Press Herald about the behavioral health system workforce challenges and the potential solutions being discussed.

Read the full article

In a recent Mental Health Minute with Lori Voornas from 94.9 WHOM, spokesperson Justin Chenette discusses the impact of Sweetser’s new Lewiston Hope & Healing Center.

NEWS: Sweetser’s Frankin County OPTIONS program makes headlines

Posted March 1, 2025 by Liz Smith

“In my time in this role, I have helped many people take those first steps and watched them build success in their recovery,” said Manny Reis, Sweetser Recovery Coach and Frankin County OPTIONS program lead. “It’s incredibly rewarding to see lives change through support and connection, and it has been my honor to do so.”

Read the full article

2025 Jam for Mental Health Raises Over $17,700

Posted February 23, 2025 by Liz Smith

Sweetser recently hosted its 6th annual Jam for Mental Health at the Elks Lodge in Sanford. The event boasted its largest turnout yet and raised over $17,700 for mental health services in York County.

Participants enjoyed live music from local bands, a 50/50 raffle, dancing, T-shirt sales, and light refreshments. Several guest speakers opened up about their own experiences with mental health challenges, sharing stories about their journey to accessing treatment and support.

WMTW TV Segment: Recovery Coaches

Posted February 18, 2025 by Beth Randall

Sweetser’s Director of Recovery Services Alaina Knox appeared on WMTW’s Mental Health Moment segment to discuss how Sweetser’s recovery coaches help Mainers create their own self-determined pathway of recovery. Sweetser currently has six Recovery Coaches that deliver services across Franklin, York, Kennebec, and Oxford counties, supporting Mainers with substance use disorders where they are at, connecting the recovering person with community resources and harm reduction strategies.

Sanford Masonic Lodge Supports Sweetser Mental Health Services

Posted February 14, 2025 by Beth Randall

Sanford Masonic Lodge members and Sweetser employees hold oversized check during presentation.

Members of the Sanford Masonic Lodge, Preble Lodge #143 presented Sweetser with a check for $3,000 to support mental health services in the Sanford/Springvale communities. The group raised funds with a hugely successful bowling tournament. The lodge is an extremely philanthropic organization, raising a great deal of money for local charities.

Sweetser Presents to Brunswick Rotarians

Posted February 11, 2025 by Beth Randall

Jayne Van Bramer addresses Brunswick Rotarians

Sweetser’s President & CEO Jayne Van Bramer recently spoke to the Brunswick Rotary Club, informing Rotarians about the 476 Brunswick residents that benefited from our services in 2024 and highlighted some of the important new programs we’ve launched this past year. She also discussed our Brunswick Hope & Healing Center, reminding Rotarians that Brunswick residents and Cumberland County residents have walk-in access to the clinic Monday-Friday, 10 AM-3 PM.

WMTW TV Segment: Using AI to Support Clinical Success

Posted February 10, 2025 by Beth Randall

Sweetser’s President & CEO Jayne Van Bramer announced on WMTW Channel 8 that Sweetser is the first behavioral health organization in Maine to adopt AI as a tool for clinical success. We partnered with a company called Eleos to implement a tool that:

Fosters active listening to take notes throughout the session
Ensures clinical accuracy & relevance
Helps identify discussion themes

WMTW TV Segment: Sweetser Program Openings

Posted February 5, 2025 by Beth Randall

In the latest Mental Health Moment segment on WMTW, Sweetser’s Chief Financial Officer John McAnuff discusses the programs that have immediate openings. These include our special purpose K-12 school, crisis residential units, eating disorders program, and home-based services like targeted case management.

Sweetser CEO on Lewiston Podcast

Posted January 30, 2025 by Beth Randall

Jayne Van Bramer in recording studio for a Lewiston-based podcast.

Sweetser’s President & CEO Jayne Van Bramer joined the crew at Lydia’s Lunch Bunch podcast to talk about her 30-plus years working in behavioral health, reducing stigma, and Sweetser’s new Hope & Healing Center in Lewiston.

Listen to the L/A podcast episode: https://rss.com/podcasts/lydiaslunchbunch/1840212/