Holiday Giving: Help This Maine Nonprofit Tackle the Youth Mental Health Crisis

By now you’ve probably seen the sobering statistics.

Nearly half of Maine girls reported feeling sad or hopeless. 14,000 Maine teens have depression. Maine teen suicide rates exceed the national numbers.

We are in the midst of a youth mental health crisis.

Organizations like Sweetser see it every day as a behavioral health nonprofit that provides evidence-based care through a statewide network of community-based mental health, recovery, and educational services. They served over 15,000 children, adults, and families just last year alone, including prevention-based services directly on school campuses.

To turn this trend around from negative to positive, it will require all of us to put in the immediate work now, to save our youth, to save our collective future.

“There has never been a more important time to invest in the mental health of Maine’s next generation,” says Justin Chenette, Sweetser’s Senior Director of Public Relations & Advancement. “During this season of giving, Mainers can come together to make a positive difference in the lives of children and families in need of treatment, support, and hope.”

In the state of Maine, there are over 7,000 charitable nonprofits, 100,000+ nonprofit workers, over 400,000 volunteers, contributing over $14 billion to the Maine economy. Sweetser relies on the generosity of community partners, businesses, and individuals to help meet the growing need for mental health services across our state. Especially for those who can’t afford treatment.

60% of youth seeking treatment were not able to access it, but there is something that can be done.  Did you know just $100 could cover a session of therapy for a child and their family with a licensed clinician at their school or in their home?

Help support Maine children and families get the treatment they deserve. Consider a donation to Sweetser today: sweetser.org/donate.