November 6, 2023

The transformation of the historic St. Andre Church into My Place Teen Center, a community project in Biddeford supported by significant contributions, including those from York County government and Jim Godbout, aims to create a vibrant after-school hub for young people.

Biddeford is witnessing the transformation of the former St. Andre Church on Bacon Street into My Place Teen Center, a major renovation project aimed at creating a vital community space for youth. The church, which closed in 2010 after over a century of service, is being repurposed into an after-school program where young people aged 10-18 can gather for meals, academic support, and learning essential life and job skills. The renovation, managed in-kind by Jim Godbout, includes new wiring, plumbing, heating and ventilation systems, ADA compliance, and the creation of a commercial kitchen. My Place Teen Center, set to open in fall 2024, was funded significantly by York County government, which allocated $1.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, and other contributions, including approximately $650,000 of in-kind support organized by Godbout. Southern Maine Affordable Housing, which owns the building, and the community have shown strong support for the project. The center will occupy the main floor and balcony of the building, with the basement retained by SMAH for future development. Donna Dwyer, President and CEO of My Place Teen Center, emphasizes the center's role in providing a safe, nurturing environment for personal growth, and the project represents a collaborative effort to support and empower the youth in Biddeford and surrounding areas. The project is a testament to the community's dedication to creating lasting, positive impacts on its youth through innovative use of historic spaces.