Breaking the Cycle: Human Service Agency Champions “Systems of Care” for Local Families

System of Care Coordinator Ally Helle, Clinical Director Heather Stricherz, and System of Care Coordinator Haley Moell

Northeast Radio SD News - Watertown, SD - In an era where parenting challenges and mental health needs are increasingly complex, the Human Service Agency (HSA) is stepping up to ensure no family in the Northeast South Dakota region has to navigate these hurdles alone.

In a recent “community first” sit-down, Clinical Director Heather Stricherz and Systems of Care Coordinators Ally Helle and Haley Moeller shed light on the agency’s mission to provide “educational, not just therapeutic” support to families. Serving a six-county area—including Codington, Grant, Roberts, Clark, Deuel, and Hamlin—the HSA operates as both an accredited community mental health center and a support provider for those with developmental disabilities.

A Holistic Approach to Family Success

The “Systems of Care” program is specifically designed for families with children and young adults aged 0 to 21. Unlike traditional clinical models that focus solely on the individual, HSA emphasizes working with the entire household.

“We focus on progress, not perfection,” said Stricherz. “Nobody is broken. You may be a little bit bent, but you’re not broken. We look at those small steps and celebrate the heck out of them.”

The program is uniquely “strength-based,” helping families identify what they are doing right rather than focusing only on what is going wrong. Coordinators Ally Helle and Haley Moeller work hand in hand with clients, providing mentorship for youth, parenting guidance, and support in navigating complex systems such as the court or school districts.

Removing the Barriers to Help

One of the most significant revelations from the team was the accessibility of these services. The Systems of Care and Children, Youth, and Families programs are provided at no cost to families.

“We really try our best to make it so finances are not a barrier,” Stricherz noted, adding that outpatient funding is also available for adults without insurance.

For many, the biggest hurdle isn’t money—it’s the stigma of asking. Coordinator Ally Helle, who joined the agency driven by her own childhood experiences, emphasized that the goal is to walk alongside families during overwhelming moments. “People don’t realize they already have the knowledge and tools to reach their goals. They just need that support piece.”

When to Reach Out

The agency encourages anyone feeling “lost” or “overwhelmed” by life’s curveballs to reach out—not as a last resort, but as a proactive measure. Whether it is a new parent struggling with a toddler or a young adult (up to age 21) needing guidance to enter the workforce, the HSA is positioned as a “one-stop shop” for community wellness.

As Stricherz aptly put it: “Normal is only a setting on a washing machine. Everybody’s baseline is different.”

How to Connect:

·        Phone: 605-886-0123

·        Website: humanserviceagency.org

·        Location: Watertown, SD (Serving 6 counties)