BIDDEFORD, Maine — A new chapter is soon to start for My Place Teen Center, an organization out of Westbrook dedicated to offering support for local teenagers through after school programming.
After years of investments and planning, their team is set to open a second location in Biddeford in the coming weeks. Earlier this year, $650,000 was secured by Maine independent Sen. Angus King to make the project happen.
Right now, President Donna Dwyer is overseeing the tail-end of a $3.7 million renovation of the former St. Andre's Church, which will soon become the organization's second home.
"These kids deserve so much more," Dwyer said. "The whole purpose is to mimic a great big living room, home-like setting," she added.
The project was made possible in part through the support of the Biddeford Housing Authority, which donated the space to Dwyer and her team. Executive Director Guy Gagnon says the space is the missing puzzle piece in a larger initiative supported by the housing authority to centralize resources for youth in the area.
"This really [is] just another part that ties in perfectly," Gagnon said.
Homework help, peer support, life skill-building activities and free meals are the pillars of the program. "It's not just hot dogs and hamburgers," Gagnon explained. "It's a meal prepared by a chef, and along with the kids, they learn a culinary trade."
For many teens, the space represents a healthy alternative to risky behaviors. "If the kids were not here, where would they be?" Dwyer asked. "Coming here is their first healthy decision."
The new My Place Teen Center will officially open its doors to Biddeford teens in January.