Welcome Esther Residence

Dear Friends,

Since 1940, Saint Andre Home has been dedicated to supporting women and families across Maine through times of challenge, transition, and healing. Today, I’m thrilled to share exciting news about how we are expanding that commitment in 2025.

Saint Andre Home has grown to include a new program: Esther Residence, a transitional housing program for women in Saco.

For nearly 20 years, Esther Residence has provided safe, stable housing for women transitioning from incarceration or in recovery and rebuilding their lives. Founded and led by Sister Joanne Roy, Sister Lucille Gardner, and Sister Simonne Janelle of the Good Shepherd Sisters, Esther Residence has been a trusted refuge for women in Southern Maine. As these extraordinary Sisters prepare for their well-deserved retirement, Saint Andre Home is honored to carry their mission forward and ensure that Esther Residence continues to serve women for years to come.

Many of you know Saint Andre Home through our CourageLIVES program — providing comprehensive service program for survivors of human trafficking, exploitation, and abuse. With the addition of Esther Residence, we are expanding our reach and ability to serve women in new ways, particularly those navigating the difficult transition from incarceration to independence.

As Board Chair Mary Colombo recently shared, “The Board of Directors of Saint Andre Home is delighted that Esther Residence in Saco will join CourageLIVES as a second program to serve women in need. The missions of each program align so well that having them organized under the same umbrella will enhance both and enable us to serve more women over time.”

Starting August 8, 2025, services at Esther Residence paused while we complete a thoughtful review of the program’s operations and prepare for a strong relaunch. We anticipate welcoming new residents again in 2026.

We look forward to sharing more in the months ahead, including updates to our branding and website that will reflect Saint Andre Home’s growing family of programs: CourageLIVES and Esther Residence, each continuing their essential work, now supported under the shared mission and values of Saint Andre Home.

At Saint Andre Home, our mission has always been rooted in compassion, dignity, and hope. With CourageLIVES and Esther Residence working side by side, we are better positioned to support women across Maine as they move toward safety, healing, and stability.

Thank you for being part of this work. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in this exciting new chapter.

In service,
Carey Nason
Executive Director
Saint Andre Home