The idea of a home for young women in crisis pregnancy (referred to as "unwed mothers") was conceived in 1935. Through the generosity of Rev. Zenon Decary of Saint Andre Parish, property was acquired in Biddeford and construction began in 1937. Saint Andre Home was officially dedicated on March 3, 1940, at 407 Pool Road, Biddeford. Three weeks later, on Easter Sunday, a 16-year-old unwed mother was the first to be accepted for residence at the Home.

During those early years, Saint Andre Home also served more than 1,300 married women and their newborns due to overcrowded conditions in the maternity ward of Biddeford’s Webber Hospital. This service was discontinued in 1952 because the facilities of Saint Andre’s had become insufficient for both married and unmarried women.

In 1954, with Sister Elizabeth Cyr as Director of Social Services, Saint Andre Home became licensed as a child placement and adoption agency. Sister Elizabeth would continue to serve Saint Andre Home until 1968.