6 hours Ago
When Spurwink Services began hosting an annual Humanitarian Awards event to honor community leaders who make Maine a healthier place to live and work, Ronald Reagan was president, “The Simpsons” were the newest thing on television, and Gun N’ Roses was about to release a debut album. A lot has changed since 1987, when Spurwink provided residential and day treatment services for about 125 clients, mostly in Cumberland County. Since then, the agency has grown to provide a wide array of behavioral health, co-occurring substance use disorder and education services to 10,000 Mainers.
Having decided to give the Humanitarian one last hurrah, Spurwink chose an Enchanted Evening theme and invited past honorees to the April 8 event at the University of New England in Portland. Past Humanitarians of the Year in attendance included Maine Needs founder Angela Stone (2024), Maine Immigrants’ Rights Coalition Executive Director Mufalo Chitam (2023), MaineWorks founder Margo Walsh (2022), and Community Housing of Maine Executive Director Cullen Bryan (2021). “This evening we have come together to celebrate our past Humanitarians, celebrate the present and look to the future,” said board chair Cathy Breen, a Spurwink parent.
“Next year, this event will highlight the work that our amazing team does every day in our communities.” Through an intimate video by Praxis Motion Pictures, Humanitarian guests heard about Spurwink’s Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams, which provide a variety of services for clients who are at risk of hospitalization or homelessness. Spurwink President and Chief Executive Officer Eric Meyer highlighted other efforts, including providing therapists at 40 Maine schools, conducting mental health assessments when police suspect that someone with a firearm is a danger to themselves or others, and opening an around-the-clock behavioral health crisis receiving center in Portland.
“These are uncertain times for many people,” Meyer said, noting that nearly three-quarters of Spurwink clients receive Medicare (known in Maine as MaineCare). With support from a large host committee and corporate sponsors as well as a robust live auction and paddle raise for donations, more than $200,000 was raised to sustain and expand access to care. Amy Paradysz is a freelance writer and photographer based in Scarborough.
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