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.

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’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.

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

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’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/

In the latest Mental Health Moment, Sweetser Senior Director of PR & Advancement Justin Chenette talks with WMTW’s Jacob Murphy about how physical activity has been shown to have a positive impact on our mood. It can make us feel good. Even a short burst of movement can:

• Release endorphins to relieve stress
• Increase energy
• Improve sleep, which helps manage mood
• Create mental reset
• Outlet for negative emotions
• Improve self-esteem and mood
• Give you a sense of achievement

Appreciate all the staff and community members who came to our 2nd annual Skate for Sweetser event. Thanks to our corporate sponsors Martin’s Point and Benchmark Construction and donations made at the door, we raised $3,300 for Sweetser. We appreciate the Family Ice Center in Falmouth for donating the ice time.

Two in five Americans say their mood worsens in winter. Sweetser’s Medical Director Dr. Marc Kaplan appeared on WMTW’s Mental Health Moment segment to discuss ways to combat isolation during the winter months suggesting things like:

• Start a new hobby or project to work on
• Seek natural light like a short walk outdoors
• Maintain a regular sleep schedule
• Engage in physical activity
• Practice meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises

1 year anniversary! We opened our Sanford Hope & Healing Center, a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, last January.

Since then, we have helped more Mainers get access to mental health and substance use treatment. We are so proud of our team in Sanford for their dedication to serving York County.

We accept walk-in clients without an appointment Mondays and Wednesdays 10AM – 3PM at 863 Main Street.

Here’s a look back at the grand opening: