CONTRIBUTED STORY | Biddeford + Chamber of Commerce
The Biddeford+Saco Chamber of Commerce is partnering with Sweetser to launch The Hope Challenge —a community‑wide effort inviting local businesses to support the development of Sweetser’s new psychiatric residential treatment facility for Maine youth.
According to Sweetser, the new facility will fill a critical gap in Maine’s behavioral health system by providing 24/7 therapeutic residential treatment for young people who need intensive, structured care.
Currently, families across Maine are often waiting months and sometimes years for appropriate placement, and many children are sent out of state for services.
The Chamber is hoping to change that dynamic by leading a multi-tiered community fundraising effort that will also help raises awareness about the need for the new facility.
The Chamber is asking its members and other community leader to make a one‑time impactful leadership gift to help get the project built and operating.
RELATED | Local businesses donate $20k to support new facility
“We are challenging our members’ employees, business partners and customers to participate in fundraising,” said Alex MacPhail, the chamber’s executive director
“Standing alongside other local businesses committed to improving youth mental health and strengthening our community is the perfect opportunity for businesses to make a tangible, lasting impact on young lives,” MacPhail added.
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