Serving Up Support: Maine Launches New Mental Health Initiative for Hospitality Workers
Serving Up Support: Maine announces a comprehensive mental health program designed to support hospitality workers, addressing industry-specific challenges.
United States, 7th Oct 2024 – Today, Serving Up Support: Maine, a non-profit organization dedicated to the mental health and well-being of hospitality workers, announced the launch of its new comprehensive support program aimed at addressing the unique mental health challenges within the industry. Led by co-founders Nicole “Nio” DiPietrantonio, Garrett Kennedy, and Mary Foreman, this initiative provides targeted resources, counseling, and wellness programs specifically designed for the high-stress, fast-paced hospitality environment.
The program is rooted in the founders’ personal experiences working in hospitality and their deep understanding of the industry’s mental health crisis. DiPietrantonio, who has spent years in the kitchen as a chef, recalls how unspoken emotional struggles were common among her peers. “Hospitality workers are some of the strongest people I know, but too often, they’re battling stress and burnout alone. We want to change that,” she says.
Comprehensive Support Tailored to Hospitality
The new initiative includes a range of services that go beyond traditional mental health support. Hospitality workers will have access to crisis management services, substance use counseling, and resources for depression and anxiety. What makes the program unique is its holistic approach, offering financial literacy workshops, stress management tools, and mental health training tailored to the specific pressures of the hospitality sector.
“Our goal is not just to provide support in times of crisis, but to equip workers with the tools they need for long-term well-being,” explains DiPietrantonio. “We’re addressing mental health from all angles—emotional, financial, and professional—because we know that these areas are deeply interconnected.”
Addressing Mental Health Stigma in the Industry
One of the core missions of Serving Up Support: Maine is to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the hospitality industry. Historically, hospitality workers have been reluctant to seek help, often viewing mental health struggles as a personal weakness. This initiative is designed to change that narrative by fostering an environment of openness and support.
“Hospitality workers are used to being in the background, working under pressure without showing vulnerability,” says DiPietrantonio. “We’re here to tell them it’s okay to ask for help. Our program creates a safety net so they don’t have to face these challenges alone.”
The organization will also host community summits, training sessions, and workshops aimed at normalizing conversations around mental health within the industry. By bringing workers together, these events will provide a space for shared experiences, education, and peer support, helping to dismantle the long-standing stigmas.
Strategic Partnerships for Broader Impact
In addition to its in-house programs, Serving Up Support: Maine is partnering with several local organizations, including The Maine Association of Non-Profits, Hospitality Maine, and The Safe Space Alliance, to further expand its reach and resources. These partnerships allow the organization to connect hospitality workers with a broad range of services, including mental health professionals, community advocates, and financial advisors.
“We believe in the power of collaboration,” says Garrett Kennedy, co-founder and board member. “By partnering with other organizations, we can ensure that hospitality workers across the state—and eventually the nation—have access to the resources they need, no matter where they are in their personal or professional journey.”
As part of its long-term vision, Serving Up Support: Maine is planning to extend its services beyond New England, with the ultimate goal of creating a nationwide support network for hospitality professionals. The organization is also expanding its digital presence to make resources accessible to workers regardless of their location.
A New Chapter for Mental Health in Hospitality
With the launch of this new initiative, Serving Up Support: Maine is setting the stage for a cultural shift within the hospitality industry. By prioritizing mental health and well-being, the organization aims to create an industry where workers feel valued, supported, and empowered to seek help when needed.
“Our goal is to build a community of support where workers can thrive, not just survive,” says Mary Foreman, co-founder. “This is about changing the way we think about mental health in hospitality, one worker at a time.”
Through its comprehensive mental health program and commitment to collaboration, Serving Up Support: Maine is poised to make a lasting impact on the lives of hospitality workers across the country.
About Serving Up Support: Maine
Serving Up Support: Maine is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing mental health resources and support for hospitality workers. Founded by industry professionals, the organization offers a range of services including crisis management, substance use counseling, and financial literacy workshops. Its mission is to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the hospitality industry and create a nationwide network of support. For more information, visit www.servingupsupportmaine.com.
Phone: (207) 555-1234
Website: www.servingupsupportmaine.com
Instagram: @servingupsupportmaine
LinkedIn: Serving Up Support: Maine
Media Contact
Organization: Serving Up Support: Maine
Contact Person: Nio DiPietrantonio
Website: http://www.servingupsupportmaine.com
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Release Id: 07102418004