Light the Way

Families in need of behavioral health assistance can find themselves in a dark and lonely place. Thanks to you, the Light the Way Campaign to build the Helmsley Behavioral Health Center offers a beacon of hope for children, youth, families, adults and the most vulnerable. Avera is making the journey through mental health easier through your compassion and generosity.

As the Helmsley Behavioral Health Center opens throughout March and April, it’s opening in the newly renamed Avera Behavioral Health Hospital. The 60,000 square foot addition will provide a vast scope of work.

• Behavioral Health Urgent Care, which is Avera’s new “front door” to mental health services
• Residential addiction care for youth
• Partial hospitalization services for youth
• Expansion of inpatient beds for youth, adults and seniors. Avera’s specialized behavioral health unit for seniors is moving back to the Avera Behavioral Health Hospital from the Avera Prince of Peace campus in Sioux Falls.

Be the Reason for a Brighter Tomorrow

Avera is already regionally known for providing exceptional behavioral health care. These new services only add to that reputation, and to the robust list of services provided by Avera Behavioral Health. The Benedictine and Presentation Sisters have said the mission of Avera would not be complete without behavioral health.

The Helmsley Behavioral Health Center was made possible thanks to a transformational gift from The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, which included a community match that launched Avera Foundation’s “Light the Way Campaign.” Thank you more than 750 individuals who made contributions. Your gift will ensure the Sister’s enduring legacy by saving lives and giving families a reason to celebrate.

Four-Story Wing Photo Tour

  • Helmsley Building 1

    View of the building from the freeway.

  • Helmsley Building 2

    View of the building from the south.

  • Helmsley Building 3

    View of building from the southwest.

  • Helmsley Building 4

    View of the building from the southwest street.

Your Generosity Means Everything

This may be the most important gift you ever contribute because it will save lives and give families reasons to celebrate. Thank you for your belief and generosity. Together, we can make life better for those in Avera’s care — today, tomorrow and forever. To join, contact us at 605-322-8900 or email.

Campaign Co-Chairs Mike Huether and Jennifer Kirby

These difficulties associated with addiction affect everyone in our community. Thankfully, the strong mission of Avera ensures quality health care be available to all who face mental health or addiction challenges. That is also why it’s important for the community to support this endeavor.

Jennifer Kirby, Co-Chair

Jennifer Kirby, Campaign Co-Chair

I’m honored to work side-by-side with co-chair Jennifer Kirby, along with the Avera and Helmsley Charitable Trust teams, to motivate others, including you, your family and organization to raise the funds to expand the Avera Behavioral Health Center in Sioux Falls.

Mike Huether, Co-Chair

Mike Huether, Campaign Co-Chair

Donate Now to Light the Way

Please be the reason to believe in a brighter tomorrow. Thanks to The Leona M. and Harry B. Helmsley Charitable Trust, your gift will be doubled.

Make a Donation

Moses Idris

Future So Bright

One could say that 25-year-old Moses Idris knows a thing or two about overcoming obstacles. But he was not prepared for the one he encountered.

Read Moses' Story