STAFF

Betty Helmer is our new Director! Our Director is responsible for the overall leadership of the facility including hiring and supervising staff, leading staff meetings, intake of new residents, outreach to the community, speaking engagements, grant writing, etc.

Betty graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 1998 with a degree in Social Work.  Her past employment history involves working in Child Protection, assisting families with treatment focused plans, working as a supervisor of a residential facility for adults with mental health and/or chemical dependency matters, and employment as a Women Veterans Coordinator through the State of North Dakota Department of Veterans Affairs.

She is originally from the Valley City, North Dakota area.  She is married to Josh Helmer and has three beautiful daughters.  The oldest it Michaela age fifteen, then Mya age seven and Alysson age five.  Josh and Betty are also licensed Path Foster Parents.  Their family resides in the West Fargo school district. 

Betty has great passion for working with women and can truly relate to young unwed mothers as she has experienced this in her life journey.  The Serenity Prayer has brought her great peace in her life journey:

“God, grant me the
 Serenity to accept the things I cannot change
Courage to change the things I can, and the
Wisdom to know the difference.”

My Life Journey
by Betty Helmer

At the age of eighteen I gave birth to a baby girl.  I graduated from high school and then started college.  We lived with the baby’s fathers parents for about two years before moving out.  For about three years we lived on our own.  We grew apart and then the legal system was involved since we could not come to an agreement on what our child’s future should be with two parents who separated. 

This time was the most difficult time of my life.  I could not understand why the legal system could make decisions when we both were good parents.  At the age of five the court decided she would reside with her father and have visitation with me.  My whole world shattered like a mirror.  I remember this day very clearly.  My conversation with God was deep and intense.  He spoke very direct to me stating, “You may not understand why this has happened but you must be focused on yourself continuing to be healthy and think only about what your child’s needs are.  She needs you more then anyone to be strong.”  Sometimes I think He knows I am the strongest one and the only one out of everyone involved that could and needed to sacrifice.  That is what we do as parents: sacrifice. 

You see, I did not have much control over the decision that was made by the legal system, and believe me the pain is very strong some days.  I have had a lot of despair, hatred, depression, among other feelings.  God has surely softened my heart.  He has helped me heal by bringing me to a point where He filled the void with love, knowledge and maturity. 

Now today I can say I have a better relationship with her father and his family where it is all about that one gift from God: a young lady who did not ask to be here, but God chose us to be her parents and now I consider her father and his family to be friends in Christ. 

This story was not easy to share, but I know I am not alone and many women who are mothers have to make big life changing decisions or sacrifices for their children every day. Some examples of these sacrifices we make are choosing adoption rather then keeping a child we do not have the resources to care for, choosing life rather then abortion, and healing from a death of a child rather then hanging on so long we build a shield around us.  So, I am sharing my story to encourage healing and peace that comes from our relationship with believing in Christ. 

I want to personally thank my family, close friends, my daughter’s father, and his family for always loving, guiding and nurturing the young lady who is now fifteen.  Thank you! 

Today if I ask God, “Why did you lead me here to the Perry Center?”  He would say, “I have a plan for you that only I know your path, you just need to trust, believe and listen.”  So here I am! 

Michelle Walter is the Program Manager at The Perry Center. The Program Manager is responsible for the management of the clients including counseling, teaching and/or arranging classes, scheduling appointments, case plans, assigning Big Sisters to each resident, maintaining client files, etc.

Michelle graduated from Minnesota State University Moorhead in 2006 with a degree in Social Work.  Her past employment history involves working as a Mental Health Practitioner, teaching clients with mental illness skills to better function independently, working as a Rule 79 Case Manager for children, and working as a Behavior Specialist, helping children and families develop behavior modification plans.  

She is originally from southern Minnesota and came to the Fargo/Moorhead area to attend college at MSUM.  Liking it so much, she and her twin sister decided to purchase a house and stay here. She resides in South Fargo.

In her free time, she enjoys reading, taking pictures, playing with her dog, spending time with her friends and their children, walking and being outside, watching the Minnesota Twins, and completing craft projects. She also loves being a home-owner and all that entails.

Michelle worships on a regular basis at Prairie Heights Community Church and her relationship with Christ has grown because of that. Being part of a faith community is a very important part of everyday life for Michelle. She believes that God has a plan for her life and looks forward to sharing her faith and letting God lead her in her work at the Perry Center.