ABOUT
OUR STORY
Hi I'm Leslie the co- founder of Selah’s Red Tent. Jesus is the one who put this desire into my heart 6 years ago. All my life since I’ve been a little girl I was drawn to women with newborns. My first experience with newborns and babies was in the church nursery at the age of 7, serving alongside my mom. Then I took a newborn babysitting job at 10 years old. My dream for my future was motherhood. I believe it is the most important job in the world.
As I grew my passion grew. I became a mother myself, a postpartum doula, a newborn care specialist and an expert in sleep and child development. I believe every woman who is becoming a mother deserves this support during their birth and postpartum journey. Jesus has called me to start Selah’s Red Tent because He loves the most vulnerable, poor, widows and the fatherless. He has placed this desire in my heart since I was born and I have answered yes to the call!
Jesus Christ the savior of the world who created you from the foundations of the world, called you out of the womb and sustains you and everything around you. He has a great purpose for your life. I invite you to join forces with us in supporting His mission. God is love and He calls us to care for the poor, fatherless and widows (James 1:27). Join me in loving these mommas and babies in the name of Jesus. Rejoice because our names are written in heaven.
OUR MISSION
To create a safe sanctuary that nurtures, educates, and empowers single moms with newborns to build strong families
OUR VALUES
ROOTED IN GOD’S WORD
GENEROSITY
to give with all your heart
Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.
- Proverbs 19:17
RESPECT
to honor God and all people
Honor all people, love the brotherhood, fear God, honor the King.
- 1 Peter 2:17
COURAGE
to commit to serving moms in need
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous! Do not be terrified nor dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
- Joshua 1:9
HOPE
to give them a future
...rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer...
- Romans 12:12
LOVE
unconditionally without partiality
...‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ ... ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’
- Matthew 22:37-39
PEACE
to rest in God’s assurance
Come to Me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
- Matthew 11:28
“Bear one another’s burdens, and thereby fulfill the law of Christ.”
— Galatians 6:2
OUR STAFF
Leslie Beemer
Executive Director
Certified Postpartum Doula C.A.P.P.A
Birth doula CA.P.P.A trained
Newborn Care Specialist- Cache certified
Sleep consultant at the Beemer Method
Child Psychology and development courses
Red cross certified infant and adult
Trauma and special need certification.
Support with Surrogacy families
Experience with high risk pregnancies
Leslie is the founder of Selah’s Red Tent. She is a lover of babies and families since she was a little girl. She is working as a Certified Postpartum Doula, Newborn Care Specialist, developmental nanny and sleep consultant/ trainer. She brings over 40 years of experience in caring and empowering mom’s and babies. Leslie’s most rewarding job was raising her 2 beautiful grown daughters who are happily living and excelling today.
You will find her heart when she is reading her bible and praying to her Lord. Spending time cooking over a bon fire and hosting game nights with her family brings her much joy. You will also find her volunteering at a free pre and post-natal medical clinic and serving in her church nursery.
Kara Dowler
Interim Board Member
Kara is the mother of three children and have been married for seventeen years. She loves warm weather and cultivating gardens in nature. Currently, she serves as the Chief Executive Officer of a maternity home in Michigan. Her professional endeavors are driven by a commitment to philanthropy and supporting nonprofit organizations within her community.
A guiding principle in her life is encapsulated in Joshua 1:9, which encourages strength and courage, reassuring that divine presence accompanies every endeavor: 'Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.'
Julie Giddings
Secretary and Treasurer
Julie has worked for the Michigan Domestic Violence Prevention and Treatment Board now the Division of Victim Services since September 1996 in various capacities. Her current Department Analyst position for the Division involves administering 19 different federal and state funding sources with over 200 grantees and over 400 contracts.
“Blessed is one who considers the helpless; The Lord will save him on a day of trouble.”
— Psalms 41:1
Help support us!
SELAH’S RED TENT
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
The word Selah (pronounced See-lah) occurs in the book of Psalms 71 times and in Habakkuk 30 times. These books consist of poems, prayers and hymns. It’s not fully understood but many believe it’s a reminder to pause and think on the words you just read.
Selah can also be a Hebrew female name that means rock.
The red tent in biblical times, is a place for women to care for women during their menstruating, birth and postpartum seasons.
When the Lord showed me the name for the postpartum home, it was clear to me based on the meaning:
A resting place for women caring for women in their birth and postpartum season.