We’re stronger together. 💙

By joining forces, Sweetser and Common Ties are expanding access to care, strengthening services, and ensuring stability for both clients and staff—right when our community needs it most. Together, we now form Maine’s largest Certified Community …Behavioral Health Clinic—bringing more services, more access, and more support to the Lewiston community and beyond.

BIG NEWS: Common Ties merges with Sweetser to strengthen behavioral health in Lewiston

Common Ties Mental Health Services, a staple of the Lewiston community for over 40 years, is officially merging into Sweetser, a leading statewide behavioral health organization with a nearly 200-year …history.

This strategic partnership establishes Sweetser as the largest Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) provider in the state, ensuring long-term stability and expanded access to care for the entire Lewiston region. The merger comes at a critical inflection point for behavioral health as smaller organizations face rising operational complexities and funding uncertainties from Augusta and Washington.

"This merger was a necessity to ensure we continue to serve the Lewiston area for decades to come. It provides our team and our clients with an incredible sense of security in an otherwise volatile time,” said Karen Bate, Executive Director of Common Ties. "Choosing a partner to carry forward our legacy was a weighty decision, but Sweetser shares our values and our deep commitment to evidence-based treatment. We are thankful for bringing us on board.”

Of the 18 staff at Common Ties, all but 3 are continuing with Sweetser after the merger. All employees were offered roles at Sweetser in addition to Bate retaining a leadership role.

For the approximately 300 individuals receiving treatment through Common Ties, there will be no disruption in care. Clients will continue to work with their case manager but will now have access to a much broader, more coordinated continuum of behavioral health services, a benefit of being served by a much larger nonprofit.

"By uniting as one organization, we are not only growing in size but also strengthening our collective ability to support the mental well-being of individuals and families in need," said Jayne Van Bramer, President & CEO of Sweetser. "For nearly 200 years, Sweetser has adapted to meet the evolving mental health needs of Maine families. This milestone is a vital reminder that we are stronger together, especially as we work to ensure community members don't lose access to essential treatment".

Never a dull moment out on our farm! 🐑

All our animal companions are excited about this being Teacher Appreciation Week. We are so thankful for our dedicated team members at our K-12 special-purpose school in Saco. Our school staff makes it possible for children with a broad range of …behavioral, social, emotional, and mental health needs to get the education and treatment they deserve.

🍕GRAB A SLICE OF HOPE 🍕

Join us at @brickyardhollow at their Yarmouth, Brunswick, Skowhegan, and Portland locations for select dates and times throughout May for tasty fundraisers in support of Sweetser’s mission.

In addition to the community nights, Brickyard Hollow has …named Sweetser the recipient of the Pizza with Potential fundraiser. Throughout the month of May at ALL Brickyard Hollow locations, a portion of Spring Special Pizza sales will be donated to Sweetser. The special pizza is the taco pizza—taco sauce, ground beef, tomato, red onion, sour cream, and melty cheese, topped with crisp lettuce and crushed tortilla chips.

Come grab a slice, bring your friends, and be part of something meaningful.

This May, join @aromajoescoffee at their two Saco locations (1 Moody Street and 933 Portland Road) in support of mental health! Relax with a Beach Bum and support mental health while you’re at it. 😉
On Mondays in May, $1 from every Beach Bum sold supports youth mental health programs.
… Kick back, unwind, and take a mental health day with us 💛

What a great way to kick off May Mental Health Awareness Month, with a gubernatorial bill signing!

Thank you, @governorjanetmills, for signing LD 721 into law. This bill, sponsored by Representative Annie Graham, will help stabilize and strengthen Certified Community Behavioral Health …Clinics across our state. CCBHC is a best practice model that fosters greater access to mental health and recovery services, and Sweetser has been a leader in bringing walk-in care coordination to the state. This new law, state funding, and subsequent matching Federal dollars will help support our Hope & Healing Centers located in Brunswick, Lewiston, and Sanford.

Sweetser’s CFO, John McAnuff, joined other providers for the ceremony with the Governor at the State House. We appreciate everyone’s efforts in getting this bill across the finish line to support the entire behavioral health system.

ONE WEEK AWAY!

A night of fashion, fun, and purpose awaits! Join us for@wmtwtv’s Spring into Hope Maine Fashion Show, a stylish evening benefiting Sweetser and our work to expand access to mental health care across Maine.

🌷 Thursday, May 7 | 6–10 PM
📍 Dunegrass …Country Club | Old Orchard Beach
🎤 Hosted by Channel 8 anchors @mtorjie and @jonchrisos

Enjoy an unforgettable night featuring:
👠 Eye-catching runway fashion
🍽️ Delicious hors d’oeuvres from talented chefs
🎧 Music by DJ @aullthatent
📸 A photo booth to capture the fun

💐 Your night out helps reduce stigma and supports critical mental health services at Sweetser.️ Grab your tickets before they sell out: SpringIntoHope.org.

Our annual Learning Arts Fair at our special purpose school in Saco would not be possible without our longstanding partner, @sbsavings. Check out this fun recap of the event! 🎨

Students at our Saco K-12 School recently explored creativity and curiosity at our annual Learning Arts Fair! The annual event featured hands-on projects and interactive experiences that encouraged imagination, experimentation, and fun.

Students had the opportunity to participate in a wide… range of activities, including:
🪳Bug dioramas
🦋Butterfly displays
🍊Citrus t‑shirt stamping
💎Gem art creations

The day was a wonderful showcase of student creativity and joyful learning! A heartfelt thank-you goes to our friends at @sbsavings for sponsoring this vibrant celebration of learning and creativity.