Saint Andre Home Bangor
Sharon came to Saint Andre’s in 1988 as a student intern. Soon after, she joined the Saint Andre team as a group life worker. Today Sharon is the supervisor of the Bangor Group Home. Her responsibilities include providing support to staff members, coordinating the home's activities, and working with young mothers to help them develop independent living and positive parenting skills. Sharon is a long-time resident of Maine and a graduate of the University of Maine with an Associate's degree in Human Services.
In 1973, Eileen began her career as a social worker for Saint Andre Home during the transition from institutionalized care to group homes. The following year, she joined the staff at the first group home in Bangor. 18 years later, she and her staff moved into the newly built Bangor home. Prior to joining the Saint Andre Home team, Eileen worked in the field of education as a teacher in both middle and high schools. Eileen assumes all operational responsibilities of the Bangor Group Home, provides leadership by overseeing goal development and outcome attainment for Bangor’s residential programs and services to residents, and works closely with the group home supervisor in day-to-day operations. A Clinical Licensed Social Worker, Eileen graduated from Boston College with a Master’s degree in Social Work.
Ty has been working with teens and young adults for well over a decade. She has been with Saint Andre Home in Bangor since 1995. Her contributions have varied between administrative functions, such as scheduling and record keeping, to educational programs, such as developing and facilitating classes. Ty also teaches Life Skills and Positive Parenting (a hands-on approach). Currently working toward her Bachelor’s degree at University College in Bangor, Ty is majoring in Mental Health and Human Services
Andrea worked with the Saint Andre Home team in 1994 as a student intern. Five years later, she accepted the position of group life worker at Saint Andre Group Home in Bangor, Maine. As a group life worker, her duties include providing support and education to young mothers as they learn about healthy parenting, relationships, and independent living. Andrea received her Associate's degree in Human Services from the University of Maine and is a long-time Maine resident.
In 2005, Kelly accepted the position of group life worker at Saint Andre Home in Bangor, Maine. Her duties include teaching young mothers the responsibilities and skills necessary to raise children in a healthy environment. Her professional history includes work as a fitness supervisor and a kickboxing instructor. Kelly is a life-long Maine resident. In her spare time, she works as a firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician for the Hampden Fire Department. Kelly received her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Southern Maine, and her Master of Science degree in Psychology from Walden University.
Mary Ann began her career with Saint Andre Home in 2001 as a group life worker in the Bangor group home. She previously worked as a psychiatric technician at the Acadia Hospital in Bangor, where she assisted doctors and clinicians and acquired valuable field experience in behavioral health care services. Mary Ann’s position as group life worker utilizes her strengths in collaboration, self-management, initiative and flexibility. Her duties include providing support and education to young mothers as they learn about healthy parenting, relationships, and independent living.
Welcome to the Bangor Group Home!
We're glad you decided to stop by. We're very proud of this beautiful residence and it's our pleasure to show you around.
The young women, infants, and toddlers who live here -- for however long or short a time -- usually find this to be a "homey" place where they can find support and be who they are. That's the way it should be.
This is a group home where the accent is as much on the word home as it is on the word group. We hope you enjoy your tour and feel free to contact us if you have any questions.
Eileen Ward,
Director
Bangor Group Home
Saint Andre Home Biddeford
Amie joined St. Andre’s as a Group Life Worker in May 2010 at the Biddeford Group Home. Amie spent her college internship in juvenile probation and at juvenile resource centers. She also studied abroad in Queensland, Australia for several months. Amie’s experience is working with children and teens in afterschool recreational programs. Amie graduated from Lasell College in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science.
Cheri’s past experiences include working with teenagers in crisis, caring for young children, and participating in living situations with therapeutic foster children. She enjoys using skills learned from these experiences in her daily work with the mothers and children at the group home. Cheri also enjoys drawing from her educational experience in order to help young mothers understand and cope with daily life issues. Cheri received her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Southern Maine in 2005.
Denise Coutu began work in 2001 as a group life worker at Saint Andre Group Home in Biddeford. As a group life worker, Denise's responsibilities include providing support and education to young mothers as they learn about healthy parenting, relationships, and independent living. Working at Saint Andre's allows her to combine her love of teaching with the satisfaction of being a support person for the residents she serves. Denise received a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from the University of Maine.
Kathy has been a member of the Saint Andre team since 1992. As Case Manager and group home supervisor, she is responsible for the daily operation of our residential group care facility in Biddeford, Maine. Working directly with clients, Kathy employs years of knowledge and experience in the field to provide skilled guidance, emotional support, and life skills education for young mothers. Kathy holds a Bachelors degree in Mental Health and Human Services from the University of Maine.
Meegan has been a member of the Biddeford Group Home team since May, 2007. She works one-on-one with the moms helping them develop a parenting style that best suits them and their children. She also helps each mom develop her own talents, such as photography and cooking. She has been involved with helping teens for most of her life by working as a substitute teacher and also mentoring teens in her neighborhood. She also has worked in daycare facilities and pre-schools which foster her love for children. Meegan brings valuable experience from her work with Maine’s Department of Health and Human Services. Meegan graduated from Baptist Bible College with a Bachelor’s degree in Written Communications with a minor in Children’s Theatre. She loves the stage, and when not busy with work, you can find her on the local stage, which is her second home.
Michelle accepted her position in 2005 as the social worker at Saint Andre Group Home in Biddeford, Maine. As a licensed clinical social worker, Michelle is involved in individual counseling, case management, and interview/referral management. She holds a Master's degree in Social Work from Boston University. Her undergraduate studies in Social Work and Psychology were completed at the University of Maine at Orono.
Hello,
As the supervisor of the Biddeford group home, I want to personally welcome you and invite you to take a small tour of our home. We enjoy the cozy and comfortable atmosphere that comes from our young families who have made this house a home.
We have a dedicated, professional staff that looks forward to being a part of the growth and health of our families every day and is genuinely happy to be working with them.
We also realize that this is a very difficult time in our residents' lives. This is why we're here. Besides being good listeners, we offer in-house counseling as well as classes in life skills, nutrition, ethics, and parenting.
We teach young mothers about their babies' developmental needs and help them develop routines that simplify parenting. We also help them further their education, find employment, or volunteer in a field that interests them. So when they're ready to leave, they have the knowledge and the tools to parent with confidence.
I hope you enjoy the tour. If you have any questions, feel free to call me at (207)284-7436 or send a message to the Biddeford Group Home on the Contacts page.
Kathy Wakefield
Biddeford Group Home
Saint Andre Home Lewiston
Bernice Harrington joined the Lewiston Group Home as Supervisor in August 2010. She comes to St. Andre’s with many years of experience and training in the field of social services and mental health, working with children and adults with severe behavioral, emotional and mental health needs. Her responsibilities at the Lewiston Home include hiring and supervising staff, maintaining program functions, and coordinating with clinical social workers.
Suzanne has been a member of the St. Andre Home team since 1985. Prior to July 2010, Suzanne served as the group home supervisor for more than 20 years. In July 2010, she assumed the role of the group home’s social worker. In her new position, Suzanne is involved in individual counseling, case management, participating in our interview/referral and intake assessments to determine placement, coordinating services to insure meeting our clients’ needs, and networking with families and other support systems. In 1998 she participated in the development and opening of Mary’s Place, a new parenting program located in Lewiston, Maine. Suzanne graduated from Blackburn College in southern Illinois with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Business Administration. She holds a Masters in Social Work degree from the University of Southern Maine.
Nicole joined the Lewiston Group Home in September, 2007 as a Group Life Worker and assumed the additional role as Case Manager in May 2010. Nicole received her Bachelor of Science degree in the field of Social Work from the University of Maine, Presque Isle. Nicole has experience working with children in different schools, daycare facilities, and recreational settings.
Katelyn joined St. Andre’s in September 2010 as a Group Life Worker at the Lewiston Group Home. Prior to coming to St. Andre’s, Katelyn was a Team Leader working for Tri County Mental Health Services in Lewiston, in a group home for adults with mental illness. Katelyn holds a Bachelors Degree in Psychology from the State University of New York in Binghamton.
Donna Rowe has been with the Lewiston Group Home as a group life worker since 2004. As a group life worker, her responsibilities include providing support and education to young mothers as they learn about healthy parenting, relationships, and independent living. Providing a positive and supportive environment where residents can make informed decisions is one of the aspects of her work that she finds most fulfilling. Donna is majoring in Human Services at the University of Southern Maine.
Melody joined the Lewiston Group Home in October 2011. Melody worked as a Youth Worker at Rumford Group Homes serving youth ages 3 to 18 with Mental Health needs. As a Group Life Worker at the Lewiston Group Home, Melody will assist young mothers to learn healthy parenting skills and provide support to the families and the children we serve.
Thank you for touring the Lewiston Group Home. We hope that these photos help to give you some idea of what it's like to live here. This program was designed to help young women learn about parenting, healthy relationships, and independent living skills in a supportive and supervised setting. We have professional clinical staff who provide counseling and case management services.
Living in a group home can be challenging! However, choosing to come and live at the Lewiston Group Home will provide you with an opportunity for growth and a place to make changes in your life. Our goal is to support you in realizing your own potential and in achieving the goals you have set for yourself and your child.
Suzanne Dionne, LMSW-cc
St Andre's, Lewiston
Mary's Place Lewiston
Amanda Comeau began her work at the Lewiston Group Home in 2001 as a group life worker and accepted the position as supervisor in September of 2008. As a mother and a professional, Amanda shares the agency’s goal of providing support to young mothers through difficult times. Amanda received her Bachelor’s degree in Social and Behavioral Science from the University of Southern Maine.
Theresa Buck joined Mary's Place in March, 2008. She holds certifications in OQMHP-C, MHRT III and BHP.” She is life-long resident of Maine and has two daughters and two grandchildren. She received her Bachelor of Science degree in the field of Rehabilitation Services from the University of Maine, Farmington. Theresa brings more than 15 years' experience in the field of human services.
After moving to Maine in November 2008, Chelsea joined Mary’s Place in January 2009 as a Group Life Worker. Chelsea majored in Fine Arts at the University of Connecticut and received her Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of West Florida. She turned her lifelong love of horses into a vocation for young girls. Upon graduation, she lived and worked as an equestrian professional in Tennessee and Virginia, teaching the girls how to ride and care for the noble animals. She often acted as confidant and counselor. Chelsea shares St. Andre’s vision of empowering young women and helping them to realize their dreams and goals.
Carissa joined Mary’s Place as a Group Life Worker in June 2010. She has extensive internship experience working with special needs children in grades 1 -5, and with chemically-dependent youth and adults. Carissa holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Susquehanna University in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania.
Sandra joined Mary’s Place in Lewiston as a Group Life Worker in March 2008. Her expertise in human services spans more than twenty years. Sandra was born and raised in Maine and is the proud mom of five and grandmother of eight. She enjoys spending time with her family and enjoying the wonderful Maine outdoors.
In January 2012, Katie accepted the position as the social worker at Mary’s Place Group Home in Lewiston, Maine. As a licensed clinical social worker, Katie is involved in individual counseling, case management, networking with families and other support systems, and interview/referral management. Prior to joining the Mary’s Place team, Katie worked as a clinician and clinical supervisor for a Home and Community Based Treatment program. She has completed training in Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and adolescent substance abuse. She holds a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of New Hampshire. Her undergraduate studies in Psychology and Social Relations were completed at the University of New England in Biddeford.
Welcome to Mary's Place. We hope that these photos help to give you some idea of what it's like to live here. As with our sister program in Lewiston, Mary's Place offers parenting education, life skills, and opportunities to learn about healthy relationships in a supportive, supervised setting. We have professional clinical staff who provide counseling and case management services.
Living in a group home can be challenging! However, choosing to come and live at Mary's Place will provide you with an opportunity for growth and a place to make changes in your life. Our goal is to support you in realizing your own potential and in achieving the goals you have set for yourself and your child.
Amanda Comeau
Mary's Place
Frequently Asked Questions
Saint Andre's Homes are homes for parenting moms to live and learn the parenting and life skills they need to live independently in the community. Staff members are present at the group homes 24 hours a day to assist the women in reaching their goals.
Our staff consists of a variety of educated professionals, whose primary focus is teaching appropriate parenting skills. We are educators and role models who aim to provide a supportive, nurturing environment that will build trust and self-confidence. Staff are trained and educated in parenting, group dynamics, crisis intervention, psychosocial disorders, substance abuse, and life-span development.
Residents come to us from all over Maine, and sometimes beyond. Children range from 0 to 5 years old. Residents are referred to Saint Andre's from their child protective DHHS workers.
Contact your child protective case worker from DHHS to get the referral process started.
No. Your room and board are paid for by Maine Care.
Clothes, toiletries, towels, alarm clock, music, and personal items. If you do not have and cannot afford essentials, we will assist you in obtaining them.
Yes, if you are meeting the expectations of the group home and you do not have restrictions from DHHS. The frequency and times of visits/outings/phone usage are limited so you are able to focus on your goals in the program.
We will give you a copy of the rulebook when you come for pre-admission. They are generally what would be expected of a responsible parent in a safe group living situation.
Your baby's needs always come first Daily chores, personal hygiene, and required appointments/activities are also an important part of life skills.
You will have adequate time for yourself after your responsibilities to the house are met. Usually the residents spend time playing with their children and socializing with each other. Occasionally we have group activities like going to the beach, having a BBQ, going to the movies, going on shopping trips, and exploring the community.
Every group home has private bedrooms. Some have private bathrooms as well.
No. Research has shown these activities are not healthy for the child.
The average stay is four to six months. There is a two year maximum for residency. The length of your stay depends on your goals.
Adoption Services are available upon request.
Contact the group home you are interested in helping or click here for on-line donations.
Letters
The following are letters written by young mothers at Saint Andre Home. Please use the controls below to read a first-hand view of our group homes for parenting.
