PRWeek is the leading trade magazine, news website, and information brand for the global public relations and communications industry. To mark Pride Month, PRWeek is recognizing leading public relations professionals who identify as LGBTQ+ on its fifth annual Pride in PR list. Pride in PR is a list of 30 inspirational LGBTQ+ communications professionals who will be profiled one person per day throughout the month of June. Sweetser’s Chief Communications Officer, Justin Chenette, was profiled as part of the series. Here are a few responses from the featured piece below: How has your personal definition of “Pride” evolved over the past few years? ‘My definition of Pride has evolved from a celebration of visibility into an act of sustained, institutional resilience. A few years ago, Pride felt expansive, focusing heavily on public joy and corporate milestone-marking. Today, amid a shifting political landscape and coordinated rollbacks on DEI, Pride has returned to its roots: a deliberate, courageous claim to space. As a communications executive who happens to be a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I view Pride not just as a flag we fly in a given month, but as a framework for protecting people year-round. It is about building lasting infrastructure, from ensuring equitable laws to fostering a greater sense of community. Pride, to me, is no longer just about being seen; it is about being safeguarded.’ Do you view “coming out” at work as a one-time event or a continuous process of navigating professional boundaries? How does a company’s culture influence your decision to be your authentic self? ‘There is an image of my husband and me right on my desk, in plain view for all who walk through my door. This is intentional and it’s personally meaningful. As an openly gay C-suite executive, particularly one at a young age and the only one at my organization, I feel an obligation to set the example of the culture I expect. This helps facilitate a sense of psychological safety for others who identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community in our workplace. There is a Pride flag in my bookcase, visible at every virtual meeting. It’s a gentle reminder that everyone is treated with respect and dignity, regardless of who they are or who they love. This reinforces our shared organizational values and speaks to our mission to serve all who seek mental health treatment and recovery services. Navigating professional boundaries becomes easier when the culture itself is grounded in mutual understanding, respect and acceptance.’ https://www.prweek.com/article/1960677/pride-pr-justin-chenette The post PR Week’s Pride in PR series profiles Sweetser Leader appeared first on Sweetser.

Maine Mental Health Provider Sweetser Advocates on Capitol Hill

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HAHarvey Walden

3 days ago

Maine Mental Health Provider Sweetser Advocates on Capitol Hill

Sweetser’s President & CEO Jayne Van Bramer and Chief Communications Officer Justin Chenette recently traveled to Washington, D.C., for Hill Day with the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. As the only Maine provider, they met directly with Senator Angus S. King, Jr., U.S. Senator Susan Collins, and the Chief of Staff for Congresswoman Chellie Pingree to champion critical behavioral health priorities. Behavioral health is—and must continue to be—a bipartisan area of focus. Ensuring our communities have access to life-saving treatment is a shared responsibility that transcends politics. Our Key Advocacy Priorities: Expanding Access: Advancing the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) model. Bolstering the Workforce: Supporting the professionals on the frontlines of care. Securing Funding: Pushing for robust, level funding in federal appropriations. Protecting Medicaid: Safeguarding essential coverage for the vulnerable populations we serve. Thank you to our congressional delegation and their staff for their continued dialogue and commitment to strengthening the mental health safety net in Maine and across the country! Help us send a message to Congress with these easy action emails on the bills we advocated for: Expand CCBHC Services – National Council for Mental Wellbeing | Ensuring Excellence in Mental Health Act Medicare Equity – National Council for Mental Wellbeing | Mental Health Access and Provider Support Act of 2026 Peers – National Council for Mental Wellbeing | PEERS in Medicare Act Workforce Training – National Council for Mental Wellbeing | Community Mental Wellness Worker Training Act The post Sweetser on Capitol Hill appeared first on Sweetser.

Sweetser Highlights Mental Health Crisis Facing LGBTQ+ Youth in New TV Segment

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HAHarvey Walden

3 days ago

Sweetser Highlights Mental Health Crisis Facing LGBTQ+ Youth in New TV Segment

In recognition of Pride Month, Sweetser and WMTW are highlighting the serious mental health challenges impacting LGBTQ+ youth today. In this Mental Health Moment, Sweetser spokesperson Justin Chenette breaks down eye-opening new data, explores the impact of today’s social climate, and shares how acceptance can truly save lives. Plus, learn about vital resources like 988 and The Trevor Project—and why no one has to face this journey alone. The post TV Segment: The Challenges LGBTQ+ Youth Face Today appeared first on Sweetser.

Community Remembrances

Sweetser's Fashion Show Raises Over $22,000

4 weeks ago

" Sweetser’s 2nd annual Spring Into Hope Maine Fashion Show brought the glam, vibes, and runway looks, thanks to our amazing partners at WMTW Channel 8. They helped organize, alongside our advancement team, an unforgettable night at Dunegrass Country Club in Old Orchard Beach. Around 50 models brought the runway to life as they strutted down with fabulous, eye-catching looks, bringing style and confidence to every step. The event raised over $22,000 to support our mental health mission! The vibes were high with a live DJ (Aull That Entertainment) spinning crowd-favorite jams, keeping the energy going all evening long. And let’s not forget the photobooth—it was a nonstop favorite, capturing smiles, laughter, and plenty of memorable moments throughout the night! Click here to see the full album of photos from the night. https://sweetserwebsite.s3.amazonaws.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/12133539/Fashion-Show-26-Reel.mp4 Thank you to presenting sponsor, PeoplesChoice Credit Union, and Mercedes-Benz of Scarborough. The post Spring Into Hope Fashion Show Was a Total Hit appeared first on Sweetser."

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