A Sweetser tradition continues!

Our Special Purpose School recently celebrated its annual Ruel Ricker Country Fair, a special day honoring Ruel Ricker, who served as Sweetser’s farm manager from 1941 through the 1970s.

The fair brought our students, families, and staff together …Read morefor a day filled with games, activities, fun, and plenty of great memories!

A huge thank you to our incredible staff who helped bring the celebration to life, including Director of Education Kimberly Holmes, Farm Manager Julia Birtolo, and Administrative Coordinator Betty Hood, along with the many volunteers who helped run activities and make the day so special for our students. Shout out to our board members Jess Demers, Todd Valentine, and Margaret Shepp for being stationed at various activities.

We’re also incredibly grateful to Unum for helping make this wonderful tradition possible. Thank you for supporting Sweetser and creating a memorable day for our students and their families!

Ready to advance your skills and grow your impact? 🌱

Sweetser Training Institute’s new 2026–2027 Professional Development Workshop Catalog is here! Explore practical, engaging trainings designed for behavioral health professionals, including:

🔹 Fresh approaches to …Read moreclinical practice
🔹 Leadership, ethics, & team development
🔹 Youth & family-focused care
🔹 Mindfulness, art, & more
🔹 A new Substance Use Disorder Certificate Program

Most workshops are offered online, making it easier to learn from wherever you are.

Explore the catalog, find the courses that inspire you, and reserve your spot today: Sweetser.org/Training.

We're spreading hope in Sanford, one wall at a time.

The halls of our Sanford Hope & Healing Center have been transformed thanks to the talent and vision of our own Art Educator, Nick Blunier, who designed and painted a series of inspiring murals throughout our Certified Community…Read more Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC).

From the moment clients walk through the doors, they are surrounded by a vibrant Maine-inspired mural anchored by one simple but meaningful word: HOPE. As they make their way to the lobby, individuals will be welcomed by a powerful reminder that 'Recovery Is Possible'.

These murals do more than brighten the space; they reflect the heart of the work happening inside our clinic every day. They serve as a visual reminder that healing is possible, recovery is real, and no one has to face life's challenges alone.

At Sweetser, hope isn't just something we talk about; it's something we strive to make visible. Thanks to Nick's incredible work, that message now greets and inspires everyone who enters our Sanford Hope & Healing Center at 863 Main Street. Walk-in hours are Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 4 PM. No appointment needed.

Our team at Sweetser’s Saco K–12 School celebrated Dolly Parton Day in true Sweetser style by bringing out our own Dolly the Donkey to greet youth and staff! With a name like Dolly, she was clearly born for the “9 to 5.”

A big THANK YOU to @burnt_ends_barbeque for hosting a Community Day in support of Sweetser! 🍖

We’re grateful to Burnt Ends Barbecue and everyone who came out to enjoy a great meal while giving back to an important cause. Funds raised from the event will help support Sweetser’s …Read moremission of providing hope and healing to children, adults, and families across Maine.

Thank you for being a partner in strengthening mental health and building healthier communities! 💚

You helped turn hope into action. 💙

Our hearts are full after Sweetser’s 34th Annual Auction & Gala! More than 550 people gathered at Brick South and together made it our most successful Gala ever, raising approximately $600,000 for youth mental health!

Thank you to …Read morespeakers Jameson Harper and Amy DesRoberts for courageously sharing your stories; President & CEO Jayne Van Bramer; co-hosts Meghan Torjussen and Jon Chrisos of WMTW; Blake Hayes of Coast 93.1; and live auctioneer William Zafirson.

👏 Auction Committee: Zach Blanchard, Ed Bull, Erin Collins, Joan Harrigan, Renee Jordan, Michelle LaChapelle, Amy McGarry and William Zafirson.

💙 PR & Advancement Team: Justin Chenette, Jodie Hansen, Sara Towle, Liz Smith, Jessica Tornatore, and Markus Sawczyn.

🙌 To every volunteer: thank you for making the evening shine!

Our Corporate Partners:

🌟 Presenting: Maine Community Bank
💛 Hope & Help: Unum • CGI Business Solutions • Clark Insurance • Central Maine Power • Saco & Biddeford Savings • Paquin & Carroll Insurance • Dr. Amy Yasko • WMTW-TV • Coast 93.1
💙 Sold on Kids: ATX • Kennebunk Savings • Vinegar Hill Music Theatre • The ViewPoint Hotel • Oxford Casino Hotel • Sanford Elks Lodge • R.M. Davis Private Wealth Management
✨ Promising Futures: Corient • Little Snoring Cottage • Marc Motors • Casco Bay Insurance Agency • Lebel & Harriman • Northeast Delta Dental • Preble Lodge 143 • Shoreline Construction • Tapley Insurance Agency • Tyler Technologies • Haven’s Candies
🌈 Champions for Children: Aroma Joe’s • Day’s Jewelers • Bangor Savings Bank • Trademark FCU • Binnie Media • GEICO Local Office • GoodNylund Wealth Management • Inspired Nation • Mainebiz • McGarry Law Offices • Northern Light Mercy Hospital • One Stop Event Rentals • Portsmouth Quality Flooring • InterMed

Special thanks to One Stop Event Rentals, AV Technik, Blue Elephant Catering, Aull That Entertainment, Pippy’s Poppin Balloons, Plush, and everyone who donated an auction item.

Whether you attended, sponsored, volunteered, shared your story, raised a giving wand, bid, or cheered us on, you helped bring higher-level mental health treatment for Maine youth closer to home.