TV Segment: Discussing the Decline in Overdose Deaths

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

New data from the CDC shows encouraging progress in the fight against substance use: drug overdose deaths in the U.S. fell by 27% from 2023 to 2024, with Maine seeing a 20% decline, its lowest level since 2019. While this is positive news, as Sweetser’s Chief Communications Officer Justin Chenette notes, “one overdose death is one too many.” On this Mental Health Moment, Justin discussed with WMTW’s Meghan Torjussen the options that Mainers who are seeking recovery have.

Watch the full segment below:

Help is available across Maine, both in person and virtually:

  • Find your local OPTIONS Liaison: 👉 www.knowyouroptions.me
  • Talk to someone with lived experience: 👉 Peer Support Line: 1‑866‑771‑9276 (free, statewide, confidential)

Recovery is a journey—and no one has to walk it alone.

Moxie Festival: A Day of Food, Fun, and Community

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

It was a rainy day at the Moxie Festival, but Sweetser’s interns Hamda Mohsin and Greta Marchildon brought the energy with their enthusiasm and smiles! The day featured a community parade, delicious local food trucks, a whoopie pie eating contest, and – of course – Moxie!

We’re proud to have been part of such a fun and meaningful event, and we look forward to attending the Moxie Festival again next year!

A Heartfelt Thank You to Aroma Joe’s on Moody Street in Saco!

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

Thank you to the Moody Street Aroma Joe’s for your continued support of mental health in our communities! Once again, through the AJ’s Rush fundraiser, Aroma Joe’s has raised crucial funds to support our local programs and services.

Your dedication to advocating for increased access to mental health services is making a measurable difference in the lives of so many.

Thank you for your support. 

New England Psychologist: Sweetser to open residential facility for youth in April

Posted by Liz Smith

Sweetser’s Chief Program Officer, Kristie Worster, was interviewed by the New England Psychologist about our role in creating Maine’s 1st psychiatric residential treatment facility.

“Kristie Worster, Sweetser’s chief program officer, noted the funding will rehab an existing 8,000 square foot building on their Saco campus. Worster said the construction will continue this year with a goal to open in 2026.” 

Read the full article:
https://www.nepsy.com/articles/leading-stories/sweetser-to-open-residential-facility-for-youth/

WGME Raising ME: Parenting Young Adults with Support

Posted by Liz Smith

Check out the latest episode of WGME’s Raising Me podcast featuring Sweetser’s Chief Growth Officer Joanne Grant. When your child becomes an adult, how do you let go while still showing up? This episode focuses on how to navigate the transition from parenting a child to supporting a young adult, with advice on setting healthy boundaries, adapting to possible changes in communication, and shifting your role from hands-on manager to compassionate mentor. 

Listen below:
https://wgme.com/news/raisingme/how-to-let-go-parenting-young-adults-with-support-boundaries-and-compassion-boundaries-with-adult-children-support-for-parents-of-young-adults-how-to-be-a-mentor-to-your-child-changing-parent-child-relationships-family-teenagers-college-life-skil#

Bonus video clip that aired on TV: 

TruChoice Federal Credit Union Selects Sweetser as Nonprofit Recipient for 70th Anniversary

Posted by Jessica Tornatore

Sweetser is honored to be selected as TruChoice Federal Credit Union’s July nonprofit recipient as part of their 70th anniversary celebration!

Each month this year, TruChoice is giving $700 to a local nonprofit, and we’re grateful to be recognized as one of the recipients! TruChoice has locations in Biddeford, Buxton, and Portland, and is proud to provide mental health advocacy and support to those same communities.

This generous gift helps us continue to offer hope and healing to those in need of our critical mental health services. We’re excited about the opportunity to partner with TruChoice, and we look forward to future community initiatives.

Thank you, TruChoice, for investing in Maine communities and helping make mental health accessible to all.

University of Maine at Augusta recognizes Sweetser leader with alumni award

Posted by Justin Chenette

The University of Maine at Augusta recognized our Senior Director of Public Relations & Advancement Justin Chenette with a Distinguished Alumni Award.

UMA’s Provost Joseph Szakas and UMA’s Vice President of Advancement & Alumni Relations Erin Fogg presented Justin with the award at their commencement ceremony.

UMA described the award as ‘…a celebration of those who inspire others through their leadership, who use their talents to serve their communities, and who truly embody UMA’s mission in action. This year’s honorees remind us that success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about how you lift others along the way.’

Justin was nominated by UMA’s Saco Center for his work in the communications field, community service, and his efforts with Sweetser in helping to reduce mental health stigma through the media. He is a graduate of UMA’s Post-Baccalaureate in Public Administration program.

 

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