December 11, 2024

York County's newest My Place Teen Center is set to open in early 2025 in Biddeford's former St. Andre's Church. Local contractor Jim Godbout led the $3.7 million renovation project, personally donating over $1 million. The center will serve over 100 at-risk youth daily, providing meals, academic assistance, and various life skills programs.

A new My Place Teen Center location will open in downtown Biddeford in early 2025, following a celebration attended by over 100 York County community members and leaders on December 10, 2024. Located in the renovated former St. Andre's Church on Bacon Street, this free, year-round center will serve as a haven for at-risk youth aged 10-18 from throughout York County.
The $3.7 million renovation project was spearheaded by Biddeford contractor Jim Godbout, who personally donated over $1 million to the cause. Godbout's team preserved many historical elements of the church, including repurposing pews as benches. The project had special significance for Godbout, as his family has deep connections to the former church - his wife's mother and grandmother were married there, and his son was baptized in the building.
The center will accommodate more than 100 kids daily, five days a week, and will serve 80 meals each day from its new state-of-the-art kitchen. Beyond providing meals and shelter, the center offers comprehensive support programs including academic tutoring, STEM education, character development, leadership skills, life skills, job training, and financial literacy.
This marks the third My Place Teen Center location, joining existing centers in Westbrook and another in Biddeford. The project was made possible through over $2 million in donations, with Godbout covering the remainder of costs. The Biddeford Housing Authority, particularly Executive Director Guy Gagnon, played a crucial role in finding and securing the location.
According to My Place Teen Center Board Chair Tim Higgins and President/CEO Donna Dwyer, the center will provide acceptance, love, mentorship, and tools for at-risk youth to thrive, continuing the organization's missi