Sweetser

We are pleased to award Denise Labbe and Marise Anagnost from the Sanford Elks Lodge with a Sweetser Star! They have been raising money for Sweetser since 2019 and volunteered even before that. In total, their efforts have helped provide over $51,000 towards our mission through various fundraisers, including raffles, car washes, pallet parties, comedy nights, and a Jam. We are also pleased that they have now been voted into our organization as Corporators. Congrats, you two!

We held Sweetser’s 75th annual meeting alongside our donor appreciation event. The Sweetser Soiree was held at The Landing at Pine Point and was an opportunity to elect board members and corporators, mingle with donors, watch our year-in-review video, and get a state-of-the-organization update. The evening was sponsored by our partners at CGI Business Solutions. The following individuals were nominated and approved to join as new corporators: ✓Marise Anagnost ✓John Downing ✓Barbara Lamont ✓Denise Labbe ✓Michael Thorne The following board members were reappointed: ✓William Zafirson, who was also named as Treasurer. ✓Margaret Shepp ✓Mike Del Tergo was named as Secretary. ✓James Nylund is now Vice Chair. Appreciate all who attended and our many Sweetser supporters.

Lewiston strong is so much more than a couple of simple words. It speaks to the strength of our community and of Mainers supporting each other and holding each other up in times of tragedy.

Anniversaries of tragic events can be really difficult, but there are several ways to process them, to get through them, including: ✅Connecting with family and community. ✅Practice self-care ✅Lean on your support network ✅Be patient and kind with yourself We are stronger together, as one community, one state, one people. #LewistonStrong

Together, we are forever #LewistonStrong. Our hearts go out to the entire Lewiston community as we work on providing long term hope and healing. You are not alone in processing your thoughts and feelings around marking this day. Oftentimes with anniversaries of tragic events, it’s important to find an outlet to talk through what you are feeling on the inside. Having someone who has struggled with mental health, but also happens to be trained in providing support is a great place to start. ✔️Free 24/7 Support Line - 1-866-771-9276 ✔️Text or call 988 if you are in crisis ✔️Call or email the PromiseLine to access services: 1-800-434-3000 info@sweetser.org

As we mark one year since the Lewiston tragedy, know that your feelings are valid, you are not alone, and our greater Maine community is here for you. Surrounding yourself with fellow Mainers can help provide support during this difficult time. If you are struggling with your feelings and emotions and would like to speak to a trained professional, you can call our Free Peer Support Line 24/7 1-866-771-9276.

Our Sanford clinic hosted several lawmakers for a bipartisan mental health roundtable discussion. We appreciate Representative David Woodsome, Representative Dan Sayre, Representative Anne-Marie Mastraccio, and Representative Holly Sargent's interest in and support for our mission.

Thank you to Representative Lydia Crafts for visiting our Brunswick clinic and her continued support for behavioral health legislation that strengthens the system for Mainers needing treatment.

Sweetser’s team was well represented at Saco Main Street’s Pumpkin Harvest Festival. We even participated in the pie-eating contest. The families loved our giant Connect Four game and cornhole board. Staff in attendance included: Beth, Deb, Liz, Marc, and Justin. 🎃

Full peak on our Saco campus. 🍁