Empowering Hospitality Workers Through Better Mental Health!

Maine DVR helps people with disabilities that affect getting or keeping a job apply for vocational rehabilitation and employment supports. Eligibility is determined after application.

GO Maine offers free statewide membership for carpooling, vanpooling, transit, biking, walking, and other lower-emission commutes. Active members who regularly carpool, vanpool, take transit, bike, or walk to work and record qualifying trips may request reimbursement for a qualifying emergency ride home, up to four times per calendar year.

Maine Parent Federation helps families of children and dependents with special needs navigate Maine’s systems of care. Call 207-588-1933 or 800-870-7746.

G.E.A.R. offers no-cost parent-to-parent support, education, and advocacy for parents and caregivers of children ages 0–21 with behavioral-health concerns. Call 800-264-9224. This is family peer support, not clinical treatment or crisis response.

Maine Families offers free home visits to people expecting a baby or with a baby under three months old. Request a call from your local program.

Maine Maternal offers counseling and psychotherapy for women, parents, and partners across Maine. Call or text 207-274-7519; posted hours are Monday–Thursday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m. This is not a crisis service.

PSI’s Maine chapter works to increase awareness and education about perinatal mental health across Maine. Email maine@postpartum.net to contact the chapter. This chapter is not crisis care.

MOFGA provides information about organic agriculture and a directory of certified farms and food products. CSA prices and payment options vary by farm; check each farm directly. Browse MOFGA’s certified farm and product directory.

Daybreak Growers Alliance offers paid weekly farm boxes; its site describes SNAP/EBT use with Farm Fresh Rewards for eligible produce purchases.

The Foodscapes Garden Project works with income-eligible households to build raised vegetable gardens. Apply through the Garden Project page or email FGP@mainefoodscapes.org; confirm current service area before relying on availability.

Maine Needs distributes donated essentials through community partners such as caseworkers, teachers, and outreach teams. Visit its site for current ways to request or provide items.

211 Maine is a free, confidential, 24/7 non-emergency information and referral service for people of all ages across Maine. Call 211 or 1-866-811-5695; text a ZIP code to 898-211; or email info@211maine.org. For crisis support, call or text 988. For immediate danger or a medical emergency, call 911.

NAMI Maine offers mental-health education, advocacy, and peer support groups. These groups are peer/community support, not clinical treatment or crisis response. Visit its support-group page or call 800-464-5767.

PRCC offers peer recovery meetings and activities for people in or seeking recovery, plus support for people affected by addiction. This is peer/community support, not clinical treatment. Check the current schedule or call 207-553-2575.

Maine Behavioral Health Organization provides outpatient and other behavioral-health services through offices in Skowhegan and Farmington. Call 888-922-4736, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m., to ask about service eligibility. For crisis support, visit The Opportunity Alliance Maine Crisis Line page.

Sweetser offers behavioral-health and recovery services across Maine. For service access, call its PromiseLine at 1-800-434-3000. For crisis support, call or text 988.

CHCC coordinates community-health and prevention initiatives in Northern York County, including substance-misuse prevention. Call 207-602-3589 or email chcc@une.edu. CHCC is not a clinical or crisis provider.

The Opportunity Alliance is a Maine community-action agency with health and stability programs.

Maine Crisis Line — call or text 988; The Opportunity Alliance also lists 1-888-568-1112. Free, confidential crisis support, 24/7. For a medical emergency, call 911. See The Opportunity Alliance crisis page.

MaineHealth Behavioral Health provides an integrated behavioral-health system serving Maine and parts of New Hampshire. Call 1-844-292-0111 to ask about services and access.

The Maine Suicide Prevention Program provides statewide suicide-prevention information, training, and prevention resources. It is not a direct counseling service.

Maine Crisis Line — crisis support:
Call or text 988. The Opportunity Alliance also lists 1-888-568-1112. Free, confidential support, 24/7.
For immediate danger or a medical emergency, call 911. Visit The Opportunity Alliance crisis page for current Maine crisis options.

EDAM connects Maine individuals, families, and providers with eating-disorder education and recovery resources. Browse its provider directory; EDAM is not crisis or emergency care.

Northern Light Health offers Maine eating-disorder information and an assessment/treatment contact route. Call 1-800-640-1211 or 207-973-6100 to ask about current services and eligibility.

Queerly ME connects LGBTQIA+ adults in Maine with community, local resources, and outdoor programs. It is not a crisis or clinical service.

MaineTransNet offers free trans-led peer support groups and community events. Check its current calendar for format and eligibility; its 18+ Discord is a separate option. This is peer/community support, not clinical care or crisis response.

OUT Maine offers programs and resources for LGBTQ+ children and teens in Maine, with information for parents and adults who support youth. Costs and schedules vary by program. It is not a general adult service or a substitute for clinical or crisis care.

The Portland Vet Center in South Portland offers confidential, no-cost counseling and referrals for eligible Veterans, service members, and their families. Call 207-780-3584; posted hours are Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m. For crisis support, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988, then press 1, or text 838255.

Call 988, then press 1, or text 838255. Free, confidential support is available 24/7 for Veterans, service members, their loved ones, and supporters.

MMCN is a Maine network that helps military members, Veterans, families, and local communities connect with information and support resources. It is not a direct counseling or crisis service.

Wounded Warrior Project offers no-cost mental-wellness programs for eligible Veterans and family members; services depend on program eligibility and screening. Call its Resource Center at 888-997-2586. For crisis support, call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988, then press 1.

4 out of 5 hospitality professionals report having experienced at least one mental health issue during their career.

The Burnt Chef Project provides education, support, and resources, to tackle mental health stigma and work to ensure the hospitality and leisure industry is healthier and more sustainable by focusing on people’s wellbeing first. They offer many free resources such as a 24/7 support line, an academy full of free training for staff and managers about promoting mental health in the workplace, and have started putting together a global Employee Assistance Program.

Not 9 to 5 is a non-profit global leader in mental health advocacy and training for the hospitality and culinary industry. Since 2018, Not 9 to 5 has been advocating to normalize mental health education and training, workplace accommodations, healthcare benefits, support, and resources for all industry professionals.

Ben’s Friends is a supportive community dedicated to hospitality workers seeking sobriety. Offering a safe space for open dialogue and connection, Ben’s Friends provides peer support meetings and resources tailored to the unique challenges of the hospitality industry. Join a network of individuals committed to recovery, resilience, and creating a healthier lifestyle.

Healthy Hospo is dedicated to improving the physical and mental well-being of hospitality workers. Offering expert advice, workshops, and resources, Healthy Hospo addresses industry-specific challenges such as stress, long hours, and lifestyle balance. Empower yourself with the tools and knowledge to thrive both personally and professionally in the hospitality sector.

Safe Bars’ mission is to create safe, equitable, and welcoming alcohol-serving hospitality spaces. They use active bystander intervention, de-escalation, and allyship strategies to empower the staff of bars, restaurants, hotels, breweries, distilleries, clubs, event venues, suppliers, distributors, and brands to stop sexual aggression and other forms of gender-based violence in their work environments.

Another Round Another Rally is a nonprofit financial and educational resource for the hospitality industry. They provide reimbursement grants and immersive educational scholarships to further the education of historically excluded voices in the community and supply emergency assistance to those employed in restaurants, bars, and hotels who have fallen on unexpected hardship.

Mental Health First Aid is a course that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illnesses and substance use disorders. The training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem or experiencing a crisis.

The Heard program is an online mental health support group for the food and beverage industry. On Monday nights at 7pm ET | 4pm PT, it hosts a free Zoom meeting to make space for issues facing front line workers in the hospitality industry. You don’t have to share, and you don’t have to have your camera on. Enter room 817 5343 6363 with password 12345 to join the conversation.

Focus on Health believes that hospitality begins with taking care of yourself. Their team specializes in developing No and Low ABV cocktail menus suitable for your bar or restaurant’s needs. They also offer a wide range of training to help shape responses to mental health and addiction, as well as provide guidance for creating safe bars.

Southern Smoke exists to take care of all food and beverage workers.

As a nonprofit founded and powered by current and past F&B workers, they’ve felt the heat of our industry firsthand. Their efforts are dedicated to creating a meaningful safety net of support for all restaurant workers nationwide. They offer Emergency Relief Funds for restaurant workers and have recently begun a free counseling movement for F&B workers called the Behind You program. It provides no-cost counseling for industry workers who apply to their program through their website.

CHOW is a community-focused initiative supporting the mental health and wellness of hospitality professionals. With peer support groups, educational resources, and wellness programs, CHOW empowers individuals to navigate the unique pressures of the hospitality industry. Connect with a network dedicated to fostering resilience, balance, and well-being.

Child Care Aware is a national organization committed to ensuring that all families have access to quality, affordable child care. By providing resources, advocacy, and support, Child Care Aware helps families find and choose the best child care options, while also supporting child care providers with training and resources.

For hospitality workers needing reliable child care, Child Care Aware offers valuable assistance and guidance to find safe and nurturing environments for their children.

Feeding America is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States, dedicated to providing nutritious food to individuals and families in need. Through a vast network of food banks, pantries, and meal programs, Feeding America works tirelessly to combat hunger and food insecurity nationwide.

For hospitality workers facing food insecurity, Feeding America offers essential resources and support to ensure access to healthy meals and improve overall well-being.

7 Cups is an online emotional support platform that connects individuals with trained listeners and licensed therapists. Offering confidential chats and professional counseling, 7 Cups provides a safe space for people to discuss their mental health concerns and receive support.

For hospitality workers facing stress or mental health challenges, 7 Cups offers accessible and compassionate support to help navigate difficult times and improve well-being.

The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting individuals and families affected by eating disorders. NEDA provides a comprehensive range of resources, including a helpline, support groups, educational materials, and advocacy initiatives, all aimed at promoting understanding and treatment of eating disorders.

Hospitality workers often face unique challenges such as high stress, irregular hours, and a focus on food-related environments, which can contribute to the development or exacerbation of eating disorders.

Project HEAL is a non-profit organization committed to breaking down systemic, healthcare, and financial barriers to eating disorder treatment. They provide access to affordable, quality care for individuals struggling with eating disorders through a variety of programs and initiatives.

Project HEAL supports hospitality workers by providing access to affordable, quality care through their Treatment Access Program, ensuring financial barriers don’t impede recovery. They foster a supportive community and offer educational resources to help create a more understanding workplace, empowering workers to pursue recovery confidently.

The Addiction Center’s Dual Diagnosis Page offers valuable insights into the complexities of dual diagnosis, where individuals experience both mental health disorders and substance use disorders simultaneously. This resource is particularly relevant for hospitality workers, who often face high-stress environments and irregular hours, increasing the risk of mental health challenges and substance use.

Understanding dual diagnosis is crucial for hospitality workers seeking to manage their mental health effectively. This page provides comprehensive information on symptoms, treatment options, and support systems available to those navigating these co-occurring conditions. By accessing this resource, hospitality workers can gain the knowledge needed to seek appropriate help and support, fostering a healthier work-life balance.

Explore valuable insights and resources on managing mental health challenges following traumatic accidents. This comprehensive guide by Farah & Farah offers practical advice and support for those navigating the emotional aftermath of such events.

Mesothelioma.net has compiled a list of resources for both mental health support and where to find resources for those battling cancer. This is a great resource for members of the hospitality industry battling cancer and seeking support for both their physical and mental health.

With over 1 in 5 hospitality workers in the US struggling with substance use (Source: Substance Abuse & Mental Health Administration), support for substance use is more needed now than ever. Addictionhelp.com is a great resource for finding help, information, education, and support from recovery groups and medical professionals in your area.

Discover essential resources and support for individuals and families affected by mesothelioma. Mesothelioma Hope provides guidance on mental health care, helping those impacted to navigate emotional and psychological challenges with strength and resilience.

The Trevor Project’s mission is to end suicide among LGBTQ+ young people. The Trevor Project estimates that more than 1.8 million LGBTQ+ young people seriously consider suicide each year in the U.S. Their trained counselors connect with LGBTQ young people 24/7, 365 days a year.

The Safe Space Alliance is a global LGBTQI+ led organization dedicated to creating and identifying safe spaces for the LGBTQI+ community. These spaces provide a welcoming and supportive environment where individuals can feel safe, respected, and free from discrimination.

For hospitality workers seeking a safe and inclusive environment, The Safe Space Alliance offers valuable resources and a network of safe spaces to ensure everyone feels secure and supported.

Gay & Sober is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing a safe and supportive environment for the LGBTQ+ community in recovery from alcohol and drug addiction. Through events, resources, and a strong community network, Gay & Sober helps individuals maintain sobriety and build meaningful connections.

For LGBTQ+ hospitality workers seeking support in their recovery journey, Gay & Sober offers a welcoming and understanding community to foster sobriety and personal growth.

Hire Heroes USA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering U.S. military members, veterans, and military spouses to succeed in the civilian workforce. Through personalized career coaching, job search assistance, and training programs, Hire Heroes USA helps clients translate their military experience into meaningful civilian careers.

For hospitality workers with military backgrounds, Hire Heroes USA offers valuable support and resources to navigate the job market and achieve career success.

Sokolove Law provides valuable resources and support for veterans, which can be utilized by those in the hospitality industry. Offering guidance on accessing healthcare benefits, legal assistance, and mental health support, Sokolove Law helps veterans navigate their unique challenges. Empower yourself with the tools and information to secure the benefits and care you deserve.

Lawfirm.com has compiled a list of important and educational resources specifically tailored to Veterans that are members of the LGBTQ+ community. This list specifically addresses the issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community in terms of facing addiction and provides a host of great resources for support, where to find help, and how to access care in your area. This is a great list for members of the hospitality industry who are LGBTQ+ Veterans in need of substance use support! There is also a fantastic LGBTQ+ family support guide available from them located here.

The Lung Cancer Group has compiled a helpful list of resources dedicated to Veterans battling lung cancer, and offers helpful resources to those seeking advice, support, and where to find legal counsel if needed. This is an important resource for our hospitality industry members who are Veterans who may be battling lung cancer.

The National Foundation for Credit Counseling (NFCC) is the nation’s largest and longest-serving nonprofit financial counseling organization. NFCC offers a wide range of services, including credit counseling, debt management plans, and financial education to help individuals and families achieve financial stability.

For hospitality workers facing financial challenges, NFCC provides expert guidance and resources to manage debt, improve credit, and plan for a secure financial future.

Ramsey Solutions is a trusted financial education and counseling organization founded by Dave Ramsey. Offering a variety of resources, including books, courses, and personal coaching, Ramsey Solutions helps individuals take control of their finances, eliminate debt, and build wealth.

For hospitality workers seeking financial empowerment, Ramsey Solutions provides practical tools and guidance to achieve financial peace and long-term success.