Serving Up Support: Maine Continues To Grow!

The Hospitality Mental Health Initiative in Maine is growing and thriving thanks to your continued support!

Author

Nio DiPietrantonio
July 31, 2024

Hey there, Serving Up Support: Maine Community!

Summertime is here, and we know it’s one of the busiest seasons for you all. Whether you’re serving up refreshing drinks, cooking up delicious meals, or making sure guests have an unforgettable experience, we want to give a huge shoutout to each and every one of you. Your hard work and dedication are what make the hospitality industry shine, especially during these sunny months!

A Big Thank You! 🙏

We also want to take a moment to thank everyone for their continued support. Because of you, Serving Up Support: Maine has reached an incredible milestone—3,000 followers on Instagram! 🎉 Your engagement and enthusiasm mean the world to us, and we’re so grateful to have such an amazing community.

Social Media Updates 📱

We’re excited to announce that we’re expanding our social media presence! In addition to Instagram and Facebook, we’ve just launched new channels on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter). We can’t wait to connect with you in even more ways and bring you the latest updates, fun content, and valuable resources.

By following us on these platforms, you’ll stay in the loop with all our exciting news, events, and helpful tips. Plus, you’ll get to see behind-the-scenes moments and connect with fellow hospitality workers who share your passion.

Thank you for being such an incredible part of our community. Here’s to a fantastic summer filled with support, growth, and plenty of sunshine! 🌞


We are thrilled to announce that Serving Up Support: Maine will be launching a brand-new website within the next few weeks! Our new digital home is designed to better serve our community and provide easy access to the resources and support you need.

What to Expect:

  • User-Friendly Design: Navigate our site with ease and find the information you need quickly.

  • Comprehensive Resource Center: Access a wide range of mental health resources tailored specifically for hospitality workers.

  • Upcoming Events and Workshops: Stay updated on our latest events, workshops, and support group meetings.

  • Volunteer and Donation Information: Learn how you can get involved and support our mission.

Stay tuned for the official launch date! We can't wait to share this new chapter with you and continue supporting our incredible hospitality community.

Future Projects: Our Mobile App 📲

In addition to our new website, we are excited to share that we are in the early stages of developing a mobile app! This app will be your go-to resource for accessing mental health support, staying informed about our latest events and health articles, and connecting with the Serving Up Support community—all from the convenience of your smartphone. The development is still in its early stages, but we’ll update on progress as it comes along!

New Partnership: Allied with The Safe Space Alliance

We are thrilled to announce our new Allied Partnership with The Safe Space Alliance! The Safe Space Alliance is dedicated to creating safe spaces for the LGBTQI+ community. Their mission aligns perfectly with our own values of empathy, respect, and collaboration. Together, we aim to foster inclusive environments where everyone feels safe and supported. Learn more about The Safe Space Alliance here.

Health and Wellness Tips for Hospitality Workers

Mental Health Tips: Managing Stress in High-Pressure Environments Working in hospitality can be incredibly rewarding but also stressful. We’ve got some Expert Advice from respected Hospitality Industry Professional, Mia Bronotte, about managing health and wellness as an industry worker. Here are some quick tips to help you manage stress and maintain your mental health:

  • Practice Mindfulness: Take a few minutes each day to focus on your breathing and center yourself. There are many ways to do this, either through grounding techniques, journaling, talking a walk in a quiet place, or even just listening to music to help calm your mind. Make some time to focus on you and center yourself.

  • Stay Connected: Reach out to colleagues or friends when you need support. In the full swing of Summer, it’s a very demanding time for the Hospitality Industry as a whole and there often is little time to enjoy the nice weather. Make sure to stay in contact with your support system and make time to enjoy the beautiful season!

  • Take Breaks: Don’t forget to take regular breaks to rest and recharge.

Prioritize Daily Acts of Self-Care

  • Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get enough rest each night to recharge your body and mind.

  • Proper Nutrition: Maintain a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

  • Regular Exercise: Incorporate physical activity into your routine, whether it's a morning jog, yoga, or a gym session.

Effective Time Management

  • Schedule Breaks: Plan regular breaks during your shifts to relax and reduce stress.

  • Task Prioritization: Focus on the most critical tasks first to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

Build a Supportive Network

  • Connect with Colleagues: Foster positive relationships with your coworkers to create a supportive work environment.

  • Seek Professional Help: Don't hesitate to reach out to mental health professionals if needed.

Establish Work-Life Boundaries

  • Set Limits: Clearly define your work hours and personal time to ensure a healthy balance.

  • Unplug After Work: Disconnect from work-related communications during your off-hours to fully relax.

Engage in Relaxing Activities

  • Hobbies and Interests: Spend time on activities you enjoy, such as reading, cooking, or gardening.

  • Mindfulness Practices: Incorporate mindfulness exercises like meditation or deep breathing to manage stress.

Upcoming Events:

NAMI: Maine Walks in Augusta Join us in September for the NAMI: Maine Walks event in Augusta. It's a fantastic opportunity to support mental health awareness and connect with the community. So far, our team has raised $325 for NAMI: Maine, above our goal! Thank you to everyone who has helped us support an amazing cause and support local mental health initiatives right here in Maine!

If you’d still like to donate and help us make an impact on mental health in Maine, please go to our team’s page here. Anything helps and we are humbled and grateful for your support!

We would LOVE it if anyone would love to join us for the walk! We’re meeting at the event on Saturday, September 28th at 9am in the Augusta Capitol Park Plaza! Come join in on the fun, enjoy a beautiful September day in Maine, and walk with our organization to help support hospitality workers and mental health support! If you’d like to join us, shoot us an email here!

Employee Wellness Summit We’re excited to participate in the 2nd Annual Employee Wellness Summit in Biddeford. Join us on Wednesday, August 21st, at City Theater, 205 Main Street, Biddeford. We will be there from 2-3:30PM to learn more about Maine’s available wellness resources, to introduce The Burnt Chef Project to program directors, and spread the word about mental health in the Hospitality Industry!

Support Us Through Our Merch Store! 🛍️

We are excited to announce the launch of our merch store! You can now support Serving Up Support: Maine by purchasing our exclusive merchandise. Every purchase helps fund our mission to provide mental health support and resources to hospitality workers.

Skeleton Crew Merch To Support Hospitality Workers in Maine!

  • Skeleton Crew Hoodie: Our stylish and comfortable Skeleton Crew hoodie is available for $40.99 in various colors. Perfect for showing your support and acknowledging the struggles of being a permanent member of the Skeleton Crew (because when was the last time we EVER had a full staff?) Also available as a tee-shirt, tanktop, windbreaker, totebag, and more! Check out the link for it here!

  • T-Shirts, Mugs, and More: Check out our range of apparel and accessories designed to show your support.

Visit our merch store here: Serving Up Support: Maine Merch Store

Thank you for your continued support! All proceeds from our store go directly to funding mental health initiatives in Maine. 💙

We would love to hear from you!

Share your stories, feedback, or any topics you’d like us to cover in future newsletters. Reach out to us at [email protected].

Stay connected with us on social media:

Stay Connected and Take Care! 💙

As we continue to grow and support each other, remember that you are never alone. Serving Up Support: Maine is here for you, through every challenge and every triumph. Together, we can create a stronger, healthier, and more supportive hospitality community.

Thank you for being part of our journey. We look forward to sharing more exciting updates, resources, and stories with you. Until next time, take care and keep shining!

Warm regards,

The Serving Up Support: Maine Team