Stories of Excellence

Sweetser Staff, Programs and Services have touched many lives. Here are some stories we want to share with you.

A MOTHER APPRECIATES SWEETSER SUMMER CAMP

October 7, 2008

Albert Einstein had it...Robin Williams has it...Michael Phelps has it...our son David has it. The 'it' is Attention Deficity Hyperactivity Disorder - otherwise known as ADHD. Not only does our son have ADHD, but he also struggles with other diagnoses. Children like our son have impaired functioning in multiple settings including the home and family, school, and in relationships with peers in summer camp.

For 11 years, finding the right summer camp was a struggle, which usually ended in lost work, time and frustration. We've tried several different summer programs - all unsuccesful. At first, David was labeled the 'problem kid' and then we would receive that dreaded phone call to come and pick up our son, because he was being disruptive. Or even worse, to hear our son describe his day, and the apparent lack of understanding regarding his ADHD needs and inappropriate camp interventions. Needless to say, each and every summer program experience was not acceptable to us. And by spring, once again, we began to feel the pressure to find just the right summer program...until now!

Our Sweetser School Based Clinician, Mary Lynn Corradi, LCPC, told us that Sweetser was starting a new summer camp. Immediately, I went to sweetser.org and signed him up! We felt a sudden sense of relief and hope that this summer would be a different one. Finally, a place where we could take our son to be safe, have fun and be treated respectfully around his emotional issues.

When asked to describe his first day at Sweetser summer camp, David said, 'Sweetser Camp was awesome! I love it! Can I go tomorrow?' This was the first time we had ever heard him say this about any leisure activity. Throughout the summer, he would get up two hours early, ready to go. He would come home happy and - here's something new - TIRED! He did things that he had never tried before like climbing trees, sitting in a yurt, riding a BMX bike on a play track - but also, he did things like each lunch with the other kids, laugh out loud and not get out of control. Most of all, he felt safe and comfortable to express himself and his creativity. For the first time, we had a productive summer and peace of mind, knowing he was in capable hands.

We are truly grateful to the Sweetser camp staff under the direction of Kate Winant. There is no other camp quite like this one! Sweetser's summer program has the right perspective. Rather than the usual negative comments about our son's behaviors, Sweetser camp gave David an award for "The Most Eager To Learn!"

Don't let Sweetser camp be Maine's best kept camp secret! We need to let other families, like ours, enjoy this valued community resource. We need to find enough funding so that this camp experience can be shared.

~ Lillian Scenna, Saco Resident

A PARENT'S EMAIL SHOWS GRATITUDE FOR HER DAUGHTER'S EXPERIENCE AT THE PLYMOUTH CAMPUS

September 29, 2008

I would just like to thank Chris Kerr and the entire staff at the Plymouth location for helping our children learn some "real-life" coping skills. Every other program we have been involved with just perpetuated the problem, generation after generation, by refusing to allow these kids to accept any responsibility for their actions or words. Thanks to Chris, Toni, Terry and the crew at Plymouth, my daughter now has a good chance of surviving and thriving in the real world.

~ a Dexter parent

ONE FAMILY IS VERY PLEASED WITH THE SERVICES SWEETSER PROVIDES

July 22, 2008

At four days old, Troy had a stroke that rendered him completely disabled. Today, at 15, although still non-verbal and quadriplegic, he has learned to respond to Yes-No questions with a switch that he can manipulate by hand.

His mother, Linda, said she has been assisted by Sweetser's Case Manager, Lennie Eichman, for nearly four years. She reported that Eichman opened her eyes to recreational opportunities for her son. "Troy thinks the world of Lennie."

"I just love her," Linda added. "Lennie got Troy tickets to Story Land and a trip to Pine Tree Camp. She's just the best." Today, Troy attends SAD 21 classes with his Ed Tech, Diana Jones, who has been with him three years. A CNA also has helped the family for the last seven years. "She's great with him, too," Linda said. "Troy loves to eat but he only weights 60 pounds," his mother said.

Troy will turn 16 in September.

ACT CLIENTS TRADE FARM LABOR FOR VEGETABLES

June 30, 2008

Five ACT Program clients in Brunswick trade their labor on a Wiscasset organic farm for shares of the vegetables they grow. One client, Jason S., shows up to garden every Friday afternoon, rain or shine. The others come when their lives and their mental illness allow them to participate, said Alan McKelvy, a Sweetser vocational specialist.

A few years ago, McKelvy bought the first 'share' of garden produce from his neighbor, Craig Collins, who owns a Maine Community-Supported Agricultural (CSA) Farm. A former social worker, Collins got to know McKelvy and his work at Sweetser, and decided to combine gardening with public service. "It's the best way to affect change with clients," he said of vegetable farming.

To help Sweetser clients learn marketable skills, Collins plowed a 160' x 30' garden plot at his "Two Sisters Farm" in Woolwich and taught Sweetser clients how to plant, tend and harvest.

According to clinical supervisor Rita LaBarbera, gardening teaches skills such as timelines, trust, commitment, following instructions, initiating ideas and follow through. The new gardeners plan to sell extra vegetables to Sweetser employees.

A LETTER OF SUPPORT
June 2, 2008

May 28, 2008

To whom it may concern:

In my job as a Probation Officer, I have had the opportunity to work with the Sweetser group home in Plymouth and the Healthy Seeds Program. One of my probationers participated in this program during his stay last summer. This program was a very positive experience for this young man. In participating in this program, he was able to grow in many areas. His self-esteem and confidence level improved greatly. He also learned to interact socially with others and was able to "come out of his shell" which has improved his chances for a more positive outcome. He was able to learn many coping skills through his participation in these activities to help him deal more appropriately with the stressors of every day life. His participation in the Healthy Seeds Program was a very valuable lesson and has increased his chances for a more successful future.

I highly support the Healthy Seeds Program at the Plymouth Sweetser group home.

Sincerely,

Deborah Reynolds

Juvenile Community Corrections Officer

A MENTOR WRITES A LETTER OF GRATITUDE
May 5, 2008

Linda Walker served as a mentor for a young woman in the Brunswick area for more than a year. Recently, Linda sent a letter to Volunteer Services describing her relationship with her mentee. She called it "a learning experience." The two enjoyed the time they spent together, she wrote.

Because of family changes, Linda cannot continue mentoring, but she wanted us to know "that mentoring has been very fulfilling for me."

From Linda's letter: "Even though I raised three kids of my own and thought I knew it all, I know now that I didn't know it all. I have learned so much. People are mean to kids that don't look like they think teenagers should look. My mentee sometimes looks like a tough little punk kid. Underneath is a heart of gold and the sweetest little girl you would ever want to meet. It has been an honor for me to volunteer for this organization. If in the future my situation changes, I won't hesitate to contact you again."

Linda has been nominated to receive an award at Sweetser's Volunteer Recognition Dinner on April 30. The purpose of the award is to honor someone for the difference they make in a young person's life and for the many opportunities they provide for those under their care.

~ Staff

THANK YOU FOR HELPING MY DAUGHTER
April 28, 2008

I am enclosing a donation in thanks for all your staff did to help my mentally ill daughter, at the time she was in Brunswick (2004-2005). She has multiple problems and resists help. My daughter is now with the Community Correctional Alternatives in Farmington, where she is doing better. She has supervision in her own apartment and I am thankful.

~ Lydia S.

A LETTER OF THANKS
April 21, 2008

April 14, 2008

H. Chris Kerr, LMSW-CC, Clinician

Sweetser Plymouth Staff Intensive Program

1430 Moosehead Trail

Plymouth, Maine 04969

Re: The Gold Standard

Dear Mr. Kerr:

For 30 years I have worked with traumatized children and their families.Your program is one of the few that insists on total congruence of what is said with what is done.It meets the Gold Standard of treatment for kids - they succeed.

It has been my experience that a child succeeds when the staff truly makes every effort to understand the history and then respectfully deals with them in the present moment.This takes an amazing amount of preparation time involving the anticipation of problems and then the possible ways to prevent them from occurring.The structure of your program actually provides each child with a clear framework to learn constructive interactions and to form more positive relationships.Kids learn significantly more by doing and your program begins to sow the seeds of trust and hope for a better future that each child can create simply by doing.

As a Court Appointed Advocate for a young girl in your program, it has been wonderful to finally see her experiencing a relentless focus on truth and accountability for her actions.The consistency provided by living in the Staff Intensive Program has allowed her to begin to assess situations realistically, understand that she has control over her actions and that she is honestly responsible for her behavior.It is often very difficult to help a child understand that their behavior is part of their problem.But it can create great hope for them to discover that merely by choosing different actions they can actually solve their problems.Your program provides that opportunity.

Thanks to you and your team for truly making a positive difference in the lives of children!

Sincerely,

Christine P. Griffin, M.S. Ed., ABSNP, NCSP, GAL, CASA

Certified School Psychological Provider

National Certified School Psychologist

Diplomat & Board Certified School Neuropsychologist

SWEETSER MENTOR PRAISES LESSONS LEARNED
April 14, 2008

For two years, a Bowdoin College student has given mentoring and tutoring services to a Brunswick family. Brian Lockhart sent a letter to Volunteer Services thanking Sweetser for influencing his career choice. Lockhart wrote, "My future plans have been influenced by my volunteering at Sweetser. My interest in teaching was sparked by working with this family. That led me to looking into health care. I believe much of what I have learned while working for your program has prepared me for many of the challenges ahead. Thank you!"

THE STAFF AT SWEETSER SAVED MY LIFE
April 7, 2008

I was the first kid to enter the Portland Cottage Offender Program (in 1992) when I was 12. The staff there saved my life. I could never verbalize the gratitude I have for everyone there who helped me become the kind, honest and sincere man I am today. My hope is, to some day soon, be able to give back to Sweetser for all that was given to me. I still miss my primary counselor, Mary Boothby, who was a second mother to me.

I'm sorry I don't remember my teachers' names, but they were awesome! I do remember the cook, Margaret, a sweet woman. I want you all to know you saved my life. For that I will be forever grateful.

~ Dale J.

WRAPAROUND TEAM GOES ABOVE AND BEYOND
March 31, 2008

A 15-year old young man, who was living in group care and presented with a history of juvenile corrections involvement, had no viable family or guardian to assume responsibility for him or provide a home after his treatment. In a seamless collaboration between Sweetser and another provider, the Sweetser Wraparound team identified a relative of his in Massachusetts, who was willing to relocate to Maine for the purpose of offering legal guardianship and a stable, healthy home in the community where this client grew up. In addition, the youth is being supported in developing athletic skill, after-school work opportunities and a completion of his probationary requirements. None of this would have been possible without the extensive efforts demonstrated by the entire multi-disciplinary, multi-agency Wraparound team.

~ Sweetser Staff

THANK YOU FOR ASSISTING A FAMILY
March 24, 2008

A client reported to Family Focus in Sanford that she only had 36 hours of wood left to heat the house, and was cutting trees in her back yard and burning green wood to keep warm. After many calls to lumber yards, foresters and firewood companies, one company stepped up to help our family. Timberwolf Firewood of Lebanon, on the very day that they were contacted, drove 40 miles to donate a cord of seasoned firewood already cut and split to fit the client's stove. "I couldn't believe you at Sweetser had been trying so long to find someone to help," said Patty Schaffer of Timberwolf. "Depending on how much winter we have left, they should be all set for at least six weeks."

THANK YOU FOR YOUR QUICK RESPONSE FOR HELP
March 17, 2008

Our client, April T. came to us from the Tedford Shelter. She recently moved to this area and presented with a longstanding history of co-occurring services. She was quite surprised by the thoroughness of Sweetser's comprehensive assessment and also about how quickly our Brunswick assessment clinician, Eileen Boardman, was able to get her in to see a therapist (it was within the same week). April left a complimentary message on Eileen's voicemail thanking her for a quick appointment with a trauma-based therapist. Said Eileen, "I do my job the best I can and the system we have then supports the work. It's not all about me. It's about collaboration."

Eileen also suggested that April contact the Bureau of Indian Affairs. Once she did that, the Bureau located family housing for April within the week. This, in turn, opened many other doors for her, including putting her in a position to apply for jobs and to help care for her 15-yr-old brother. "We're hoping to do his success story, too," said April about her brother, who has been living on his own for at least a year.

THANK YOU FOR HELPING DURING A DIFFICULT TIME
March 10, 2008

Thank you and your agency for making yourself available to come to our school. Mrs. Dayn and I greatly appreciated your kindness and expertise in helping our community cope with the death of our friend and colleague. With your support, and the help of others, we were well prepared to respond to the needs of our staff and students.

We invite you to come back to East End Community School to see the mural that our community created to express our warm memories and caring for Mrs. Donovan.

~ Larry Herdade, Social Worker

THANKS FOR ALL THE HELP AND SUPPORT
March 4, 2008

I miss you guys a lot. I still can't believe that I graduated! Thanks for all the help and support that I needed to survive in life. Without you, I would not be able to stay calm in situations like I do now. Sweetser is one true family!

~ C.J. G.

THANK YOU FOR HELPING MY BROTHERS AND FAMILY
February 25, 2008

Sweetser is forever in my heart for taking my brothers in, back in 1956, when my mother was so sick. I was only six years old at the time, but I remember it still. You were very good to them. I have tried to help Sweetser whenever I could. God bless each and every one of you for all the good work that you continue to do and for all the children you have saved.

~ Sara B.

SWEETSER CHANGED MY LIFE
February 18, 2008

You guys changed my life. I will always remember my time at Sweetser. I lived in Portland Cottage in Saco and Bob Gauthier was the best male role model I have ever had.

~ Mike B.

SWEETSER EMPLOYEE GOES ABOVE & BEYOND TO HELP A CLIENT
February 11, 2008

It is not often that you encounter a young man who performs his given responsibilities exceptionally, but goes the extra mile to make someone's life a little easier. That person is Jeff Gilman, Community Support Specialist, in your Brunswick office. He helped my sister, who suffered from mental and physical disabilities that made her life difficult, at best.

Living in Virginia and (facing) my sister's deteriorating mental condition made it very difficult for me to communicate with her. Jeff became my eyes and ears as an advocate. The list is long for situations that Jeff resolved. Without Jeff, my sister's situation would have unraveled, but it stabilized over the two years that Jeff was involved. Unfortunately, my sister died in 2002.

I thanked Jeff for his dedication, but I want you to know that you have an exceptional individual working in Brunswick. Sweetser is a wonderful program, and I thank you and Jeff for allowing my sister the opportunity to participate.

~ Ted S.

SWEETSER EMPLOYEE HELPS OUT IN A TIME OF NEED
February 5, 2008

Our patients have many needs so Jeanette called the unit to offer her time. She spoke with a patient who had been having extreme difficulty. Jeanette was able to sit with her for a consistent amount of time, allowing this woman to feel safe enough to share her thoughts and fears. The patient told us later that she really enjoyed the interaction with Jeanette.

Jeanette took extra time to distribute pamphlets and cards. There are times that our unit cannot provide these extra services, but, at times like this one, Jeanette's help was very valuable and greatly appreciated by staff. Nice work!

~ Denise Mathieu, RNC, Behavioral Health

A HEARTFELT TESTIMONIAL WRITTEN WITH DEEP APPRECIATION
January 31, 2008

It is with deep appreciation and heartfelt thanks that my husband and I write this testimonial. Our entire family has benefited tremendously by being a part of the Sweetser "Family."

We had just hospitalized our son, Josh, for the fourth time when we met our assigned Sweetser case manager. It was a very emotional time for us and we felt hopeless and helpless. It was through the highly professional and dedicated efforts of our case manager that we were able to get the help our family so desperately wanted and needed. So many doors were opened for us that would not have been possible without her.

Josh had to stay at the Sweetser Crisis Unit for a few months. It was a hard time for him and for us. We never had him away from home for so long but he did adjust and we went to see him every day. All of the staff were so good to the children there.

No matter how stressful a situation seemed to be the staff stayed calm and firm. I admired their commitment to these children. I made many calls and every time the staff was polite, patient and caring. They knew it was hard for us to have to leave Josh, but we did feel he was in a safe and kind environment.

Our case manager arranged for us to be able to join the Family Focus Program. It has been such a positive turning point in our lives! It helped me, and my husband, understand even more clearly that emotional and behavioral problems are not just our child's problem. The entire family needs to work together to make the outcome successful and also continue to be consistent and successful at home. Josh worked very hard to learn and use more appropriate coping skills and we learned more effective ways to communicate with Josh, and our daughter, to lessen the level of frustration. It is a work in progress that we continue to work on each and every day.

We are so proud of our progress as a family, and each of us as an individual.

Josh is also currently in the Sweetser School. When Josh started at Sweetser School, he was between a 2nd and 3rd grade level in reading. We are SO PROUD to say he is now reading and working on other school subjects on a 6th grade level, just one level below his grade appropriate grade level.

Josh has grown tremendously under the care of all the truly dedicated and skilled teachers, therapeutic counselors, and staff at Sweetser School. He went into the school a very depressed, angry boy who kept mostly to himself. He is now a very popular, well behaved (most of the time) young adult who cares about his fellow classmates. I have been told he is a leader that all the other students in his class look up to!

Josh sees Dr. Kaplan, one of Sweetser's Psychiatrists, for medication management. Dr. Kaplan is a remarkable doctor, whose insight and wit makes parents and children alike open up to him. He truly listens to both the child and the parents and respects their feelings and opinions.

Josh was also blessed with a wonderful behavioral therapist, Jack White, who helped him learn to use his coping skills in the community. Jack is the most committed, patient and kind man, and therapist, we have ever met. We learned so much from him.

As you can see, we have been fortunate enough to have access to all of the best that Sweetser has to offer.

We truly want to give special thanks to our case manager, Jean Rainville, who helped us not only find all the wonderful help through Sweetser, but, also, many other needs we had and continue to have. There have been times when Jean worked well into the night working on something for us, as I am sure she has done for others. Thank you, Jean for going above and beyond the call of duty. You truly are a remarkable person who gives all of themselves to help others in need.

With our deepest gratitude and thanks to all at Sweetser. May you continue to reach out to families in need with your lifeline.

~ Harold and Nancy B.

SWEETSER HAS GONE BEYOND THE CALL OF DUTY FOR MY FAMILY
January 29, 2008

It is with great pleasure that I take my son home today. You see, I have never been able to function on a life level while Josh was in crisis. Your facility has not only done wonders for Josh, it has done wonders for our family. It was nice to know that my son was always in good hands and very well taken care of. I have to say your home and program have gone beyond the call of duty.

I will never forget all that you have done for my son...I will express my deepest thanks to staff and supervisors of Pride Street.

~ Mellette D., mother of Joshua

SWEETSER HELPED ME BECOME THE PERSON I AM TODAY
January 21, 2008

I was a teen at the site in Saco in 1966, and lived in the Brown Cottage. The Sargents were house parents then. I was a horrible kid and hated my time there, until it was time to leave, and then I cried. I didn't learn the value of my time at Sweetser until I became an adult. When you work with a troubled kid, and feel you are not reaching them, hang on. You can never count them out.

I became who I am today in large part because of the caring people at Sweetser. Today, I am the mother of two grown children, grandmother to five, and have fostered 12. We have three children still in our home today. I am earning my graduate degree in clinical counseling. So, you see, you never know what that horrible kid is going to become.

Thanks, Sweetser, and good luck with your wonderful work.

~ Elizabeth M.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR RESPONSE DURING OUR TIME OF CRISIS
January 15, 2008

Please accept this donation with our deepest gratitude. Andy, from Sweetser, responded immediately, in our time of crisis, to help me provide support and counseling to our staff after a very difficult event at our facility. I have worked here at the Androscoggin Animal Hospital for 15 years, and have never experienced such an event. Andy helped us respond to our grief in a timely and efficient manner. We sincerely appreciate his guidance. Although I hope never to need these services again, I have great peace of mind that I have provided my staff with the best support to help them cope and move forward.

~ Rachel R.

THANK YOU FOR HELPING MY SON
December 21, 2007

My son, Ryan, attended Sweetser during the second half of his junior year and most of his senior year. He made an immediate connection with his teachers, and also with the students, who struggled with some of the same issues my son did. Sweetser exemplified a level of patience and genuine concern that I had not seen before. I knew these people were special. Ryan was finally thriving! He would come home and talk to me about school and the friends he made. He was enjoying school for the first time in his life.

The Sweetser team became my partner in this difficult journey to help my son. Sweetser worked so intimately with our family that I wondered if we would have made it through without them. I will be a lifetime donor. You are my heroes.

~ Tammy K.