Processing Your Payment

Please do not leave this page until complete. This can take a few moments.

Sponsored by: Sweetser
Updated: September 26, 2022 2022 Giving Guide

Sweetser

2023 Goals

As we emerge from the challenges created by the pandemic, Sweetser is restructuring to meet the rising demand for behavioral health care in Maine. It is estimated that one in five will experience a mental illness every year, and one in 25 is living with a serious mental illness such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder or major depression. In Maine, rates of mental illness and substance use disorder are actually higher than national averages, according to information from the 2022 Kids Count Data Book. When it comes to youth depression, Maine is one of the 10 worst states. Sweetser’s goal is to have an impact in every corner of our state, helping nearly 20,000 children, adults and their families each year through challenges ranging from anxiety and depression to other forms of mental illness and substance-use disorders, eating disorders and more. Recovery is possible for every person with a mental health challenge or behavioral health diagnosis with evidenced based, holistic and compassionate treatment and support. Sweetser with a nearly 200-year history, is uniquely positioned to expand access, improve outcomes, decrease stigma and provide hope to more Mainers in need of care with your support. Everyone can get better, and getting better is different for everyone. Their wellness journey can start with Sweetser.

Fundraising/Event Opportunities

Sweetser holds three major fundraising events each year with sponsorship opportunities and donor support.

  • Sweetser Stroll for Mental Health – is a family friendly event for people of all ages. Join us in May on our beautiful Saco campus for a walk or ride to support mental health wellness.
  • Sweetser/Jack Chevrolet Golf Classic – is one of the area’s most popular charity tournaments in Maine. The tournament is held in June at Dunegrass Golf Club in Old Orchard Beach with a 37-team scramble.
  • Sweetser/KeyBank Sold on Kids Auction – is our largest annual fundraising event. This year we are celebrating the event’s 30th anniversary at River Winds Farm in September to raise critical funds to support those living with mental and behavioral challenges.

Giving Opportunities

Sweetser appreciates and welcomes donations throughout the year from anyone who wants to support the thousands of Maine children, families and adults in need of care and treatment for their mental and behavioral health. Individuals and families can make outright cash gifts to support Sweetser’s mission or may choose to earmark their gift to a specific program or in honor or memory of a loved one. Sweetser welcomes bequests or legacy gifts as well as endowment and gifts or stocks or securities. Business and corporate partners also have the opportunity to become a sponsor at any of Sweetser’s annual fundraising events. To make a donation today or to connect with the Sweetser Development Team visit: sweetser.org/donate or call (207) 294-4495.

Volunteer Opportunities

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, our roughly 130 volunteers and interns have:

  • Made and donated 18,000 masks
  • Painted 28 walls at our facilities
  • Spent 328 hours cleaning grounds and landscaping
  • Donated over 26,000 hours of time
  • Individual and corporate volunteers add valuable life experience, diverse interests, and unique abilities to our various campuses and clients across our state. We welcome corporate teams and other nonprofit groups to join us in creating ways to give back. We also have opportunities to join our Development Committee, event specific committees, and Board of Directors for those looking to make a significant impact for children and families across our state. Learn more about how you can help support Sweetser with your time and expertise here: https://www.sweetser.org/support.
Sweetser’s Training Institute provides corporate teams and other groups mental health trainings.

Leadership

 

Board officers

Jayne Van Bramer: President & CEO

 

Jessica Demers: Board Chair Attorney, Jessica A. Demers, Esq.

 

Dr. Margaret Shepp, Board Vice Chair: Retired Physician

William Zafirson, Board Secretary: Senior Vice President – Chief Lending Officer, Bellwether Community Credit Union

Michele Del Tergo, Board Treasurer: Portfolio Manager, Bangor Savings Bank

 

Board members

Diane Donaldson: Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Team Lender, Bangor Savings Bank

Michelle LaChapelle: Director of Engineering, Product Strategy, & Compliance, Liberty Mutual

Dr. Robert Lobis: Retired Psychiatrist

Steve McGrath: Retired (former CFO, H.A. Mapes Inc.)

James Nylund: Partner/Vice President, GoodNylund-Wealth Management of Steward Partners

Brenda Piecuch: Retired Vice President of Compliance, People’s Choice Credit Union

Gregory Prince: Account Manager, Franklin Printing

Melissa Richter: Real Estate Broker, Real Estate Performance Group – Keller Williams

Brynn Riley: Clinical Quality Director, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield

Patricia Small: Retired (Education, Retail, and Volunteer Management)

Mary Turgeon: Architecture, Gawron Turgeon Architects

Ludmila Tutunaru: Retired (CFO Volunteers of America NNE)

At a glance

Established: 1828

Employees: 637

Annual revenue: $61,617,000

Top funding sources

58% MaineCare

24% State of Maine (DHHS/DOE)

10% Private insurance and self-pay

4% Local school districts

4% Investment income, fundraising and miscellaneous

Contact

50 Moody St., Saco, ME 04072

https://www.Sweetser.org

https://www.facebook.com/SweetserMentalHealth

https://www.twitter.com/SweetserMaine

https://www.instagram.com/SweetserMentalHealth

https://www.linkedin.com/company/sweetser

Mission Statement

Sweetser’s mission is to provide quality treatment, support and hope to children, families and adults through a network of mental and behavioral health, and educational services.

Service locations

State of Maine