About Us

A Beacon Of Hope And Resilience!

Serving Up Support: Maine is dedicated to providing a supportive environment where hospitality workers and professionals can thrive and prioritize their mental health. We aim to create a culture of care, mindfulness, and resilience so our industry workers can be their best!

Our group was founded by a small gathering of workers and industry professionals who found themselves struggling with various life responsibilities; some made harder by the pressures of working in the hospitality industry. We came together to talk and find solutions to problems that plague our industry workers: substance use addiction, food insecurity, postpartum depression, high-stress, anxiety, depression, and even dealing with self-harm. Over time, our group grew to include our co-workers and friends from various hospitality roles from all walks of life– from young teens entering the workforce, to Veterans re-entering civilian life. We decided to come together and make the support group official, and turn it into an organization dedicated to finding resources to support those in need.

All workers, from the front lines to executive board rooms, deserve mental health support. Our goal is to create a safety net so those who are struggling no longer fall through the cracks, and can find resources to get the support they need to thrive!

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About Founder

Nio DiPietrantonio

Nio has been in the restaurant industry for over seventeen years and has a lot of experience in many areas of the kitchen, management, and customer service. She was driven to create the
Serving Up Support: Maine support group to help her fellow industry workers gain access to valuable resources to assist with their mental health and to help fight the stigma associated with the hospitality industry. She is also an Ambassador for The Burnt Chef Project, a non-profit group advocating for better mental health and better conditions for all hospitality workers worldwide.

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About Treasurer

Garrett Kennedy

Garrett Kennedy serves as the Treasurer and Chief Financial Officer of Serving Up Support: Maine. With a strong background in finance and a passion for supporting mental health initiatives, Garrett plays a crucial role in overseeing the financial health and sustainability of the organization. His expertise ensures that resources are effectively allocated to maximize impact and reach within the hospitality community.

Garrett’s commitment to the mission of Serving Up Support is driven by his dedication to fostering a supportive environment for hospitality workers. His strategic financial planning and leadership skills have been instrumental in securing funding opportunities and managing the organization’s financial operations. Outside of his professional role, Garrett is an advocate for mental health awareness and enjoys connecting with the community through various outreach programs.

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About Vice President/Secretary

Mary Foreman

Mary Foreman serves as the Vice President and Secretary of Serving Up Support: Maine. With a strong background in mental health advocacy and animal welfare, Mary brings a wealth of experience and compassion to her role within the organization. Her dedication to fostering a supportive community is evident in her efforts to address the unique challenges faced by hospitality workers.

Mary is particularly passionate about supporting working parents in the hospitality industry, understanding the pressures and demands they face. Her advocacy work extends beyond mental health, as she actively engages in initiatives that promote balance and well-being for families. Mary’s leadership and commitment to the mission of Serving Up Support are instrumental in driving the organization’s vision forward, ensuring that all hospitality workers have access to the resources and support they need.

Our Mission

Empowering Hospitality Workers, Building Resilience, & Fostering  A Culture of Care!

Our goal is to revolutionize the hospitality industry by fostering a supportive and inclusive community that champions mental health awareness, empowers workers through comprehensive resources, and dismantles stigma. We strive to create a national network of support, ensuring every hospitality professional has access to the tools and community they need to thrive both personally and professionally.