OLD ORCHARD BEACH — To help turn around troubled lives, the staff of Esther Residence in Saco believes that hope is an essential part of the equation for success and for those seeking a new path forward in the world.

On Sunday afternoon, hundreds of friends and supporters of Esther Residence, a transitional living facility for women in Saco, attended a special fundraiser for the organization at Joseph’s by the Sea in Old Orchard Beach and expressed their esteem for the program.

Now in its 12th year of operation and operated by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd, Esther Residence offers a place to stay for women who are leaving incarceration or are entering drug or alcohol treatment programs. 

According to Esther Residence Director Sr. Joanne Roy, the program offers a safe, nurturing community based on safety, respect and dignity while focusing on assisting each woman to identify and celebrate her individual strengths and gifts. 

She said Esther Residence also provides short-term housing for women who are awaiting admission to another level of substance abuse treatment.

From its location on Thornton Avenue in Saco, Esther Residence is able to house seven women at a time and participants receive support, encouragement and assistance in making the adjustment back into the community. Staff members provide help in obtaining community resources, assistance in securing employment or schooling, and guide residents in developing healthy leisure skills and activities, all within a safe and sober home.

“It truly gives them a place coming out of incarceration,” Roy said. “This is part of our mission in the community and the need is there.”

Roy said the entire staff of Esther Residence was overwhelmed and gratified at the outpouring of support for the program demonstrated at the fundraiser.

“We had originally planned for 82 guests at the fundraiser, but it kept growing and we ended up capping it at 150,” she said.

In addition to enjoying brunch at Joseph’s by the Sea, fundraiser guests were able to take part in raffles of more than 50 prizes generously donated by merchants in the community and to listen to two women who were helped by Esther Residence, May Ling Silva and April Umble. On behalf of Esther Residence, Roy presented an award to Haley’s Metal Shop of Biddeford for their continuing support of the program’s mission.

State Rep. Marty Grohman of Biddeford attended the fundraiser and said Esther Residence is making a difference and helping change lives for the better in the community.

“I worked with someone last year who came out of the York County Jail and she went to Esther Residence and was able to get a job,” Grohman said. “It’s exactly the way it’s supposed to work. That’s pretty rare and it’s a real need for this community.”

Carol Landry has been a member of the staff at Esther Residence for 10 years and started originally as a volunteer there.

“These women are struggling as a result of substance abuse and I lend an ear and do whatever I can to help,” Landry said. “We have many success stories, but it’s a struggle for so many and we do what we can.”

She said it was gratifying to see so many turn out for the fundraiser on Sunday.

“The support is amazing,” Landry said. “We weren’t expecting this many people. To see them all in person is really special.”

For more information about Esther Residence, call 283-0323 or send an email to estherres@gwi.net.

— Executive Editor Ed Pierce can be reached at 282-1535 ext. 326 or by email at editor@journaltribune.com.