The Magic Behind Our Red Doors

Our homes, in renovated churches on Main Street in Westbrook and 75 Bacon Street in Biddeford, are where we nurture, inspire, and safeguard at-risk teens, many of whom have nowhere else to go. With steely resolve and a passion for accountability, we keep kids safe, fed, loved, and shown a different path.

WESTBROOK — 755 Main Street

BIDDEFORD — 75 Bacon Street

WHO WE ARE

My Place Teen Center (MPTC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit regional organization headquartered in Westbrook and Biddeford, Maine. Our mission is to provide a haven for youth ages 10-18, sustaining them with comfort, meals, resources, and hope. We serve children in Cumberland and York counties​. See the communities we serve.

We are a year-round, free, out-of-school-time program. We provide academic assistance through tutoring, study skills, the Learning Technology Lab, and Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Math (STEAM) programs. We offer instruction in character development, leadership development, life skills, job skills, and financial literacy. We focus on healthy, responsible moral development that builds strong character, self-esteem, and academic and leadership skills.

 
Our culture at the Teen Center is one in which we are loving first and firm when needed. A family-type, anti-bullying, safe environment is our hallmark. When youth walk through our Red Doors, we see kids who have the potential to thrive with mentoring and guidance. Our niche fosters grit, perseverance, curiosity, passion, and accountability. These non-academic pursuits are the success indicators of positive, thriving futures. We are committed to engaging these young people in positive relationships and meaningful activities that allow them to be courageous despite their traumatic life circumstances.
 
Every child who does well has had at least one stable and committed relationship with a supportive adult.

My Place Teen Center is at the forefront of some of the most crucial issues of our time. 

 

  • We fight to keep kids safe from the devastation of the opioid epidemic. 
  • We combat poverty and food insecurity. 
  • We create real, authentic communities with kids from diverse backgrounds, teaching them how to be good citizens and good neighbors. 
  • We show teens from broken homes that there is a better way to live life – with accountability, personal responsibility, and self-care. 
  • We know adverse childhood experiences and the lifelong consequences of trauma can be counterbalanced with protective factors such as increasing cognitive capacity, healthy attachment of relationships, the ability to regulate emotions and behaviors, and creating safe environments. This is our calling card. 

1000 kids. 20,000 meals.

The two most important services we provide: Year-round, free, after-school programming. Hot, complete, nutritious meals.