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V O L . X X I I N O. X V I I I A U G U S T 8 , 2 0 1 6 26 While other health care is part of a bundled pay- ment approach, behavioral health issues still get paid on an a la carte basis. Finding qualified workers Hiring is also an issue that Taylor deals with on a daily basis. "We have a huge number of people who are committed to providing service to the popula- tion we serve," she says of her 700 employees. But when she looks at the job markets, she sees a thin labor pool. "ere are fewer of them around than we would like. at's true in nearly every industry right now. We're always looking for talented staff," including independently licensed service providers. Its entry level youth-and-family counselors provide guidance for troubled youth. Many of the certified counselors are do not have advanced degrees or even college degrees and consequently receive modest pay. "We have a shortage, especially in the summer. ey can go and wait tables and make double what we pay," Taylor says. "And the work doesn't get more challenging than what they do here." at's a major issue for a nonprofit with a budget of $55 million that serves some 21,000 to 22,000 people a year statewide. Sweetser works with physician practices, pedi- atric clinics and other institutions, but also offers community-based care in schools. It offers training in areas like child- and mental-health first aid, as well as an array of courses and certification. Much of its revenue comes from the fees paid for ser- vices. It also raises money through three signature events: an auction, a golf tournament and a bicycling event. Like the other 7,000 nonprofits in Maine, Sweetser seeks grants from foundations and other institutions. "I think we've done a good job of engaging people. I think our mission, our vision, is something that people can see and especially people who have been touched by the mental health services environ- ment. at's something that resonates with people," she says. "We are also very lucky in that we have an endowment," which is between $25 to $30 million. Sweetser also receives state funding through Medicaid and Maine Care. Some grant funding comes through the state as well. "We are more challenged when the state is more challenged," she says. Sweetser recently received a state contract for recov- ery-based "peer training." In the training, peers with "lived experience" work with Sweetser clients in men- toring roles, something like Alcoholics Anonymous. e peers self-identify as having an issue or problem and consider themselves in recovery. Pe t er Van Al l en, Mainebiz editor, can be reached at pvanallen @ mainebiz.biz and @ MainebizEditor » C O N T I N U E D F RO M P R E V I O U S PA G E 207-989-3410 wsemerson.com With the Giving Guide, nonprofits have the opportunity to showcase their organizations and highlight their mission and needs to the Mainebiz audience of business decision makers at special rates for nonprofits only. Distributed statewide, this ad package includes a full page profile of their organization as well full page ad. Whether you are looking for donations, new board members or volunteers, the Giving Guide will help you share your message. Expand your reach and share your story with the Mainebiz Giving Guide. Are you a member of the Maine Association of Nonprofits? Special discounts are available for MANP members GI V ING GUIDE PAR T NER: SP ONSORED BY National Bank P H O T O / T I M G R E E N WAY Debra D. Taylor, president and CEO of Sweetser, and Julia Birtolo, a special education teacher and farm manager at the Sweetser School, talk about the program while petting Zoe in the school's stables.

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