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Sweetser Receives $800,000 from Next Generation Foundation

Sweetser, a nonprofit mental health organization with locations throughout Maine, has recently been awarded two grants, totaling $800,000 from the Next Generation Foundation, a charitable organization located in Blue Hill, Maine supporting education, health enhancement, and basic human needs.

The awards will be used to improve safety and security systems for Sweetser employees and at The School at Sweetser in Saco, as well as for necessary updating to residential units. These grant funds will also be utilized to increase the energy efficiency of many outdated heating and insulation systems at the Saco campus facilities.

 A Next Generation Foundation Trustee said, "During our visit to Sweetser's expansive campus in Saco, the trustees of the Next Generation Foundation came to appreciate not only Sweetser's role in the lives of some of Maine's most vulnerable children but the ways in which facilities must change to keep up with the times. The Foundation is thrilled to be able to help Sweetser make the campus safer for both staff and students, and more energy efficient."

 Debra Taylor, Sweetser’s President and CEO said, “This incredibly generous gift allows us to make necessary upgrades to our facilities, which we have only been able to plan for in previous years and make small advances toward. We are grateful to the Next Generation Foundation for these monies, which will be used to significantly enhance our ability to serve our clients, as well as increase our safety and security for all who visit Sweetser, whether they are clients, family members or our employees.” 

 Since 1828, Sweetser has been providing mental health services to some of Maine’s most vulnerable populations, and these grants allow the organization to move toward a more efficient operation. Sweetser helps over 20,000 children, adults and families annually, at locations throughout Maine, providing services addressing substance use issues and mental health concerns ranging from depression and anxiety to persons with severe mental illness.  

Health Care