FLINT, Mich. — A once-vacant house has found a new purpose as a postpartum care center for mothers.
The transformation was led by Leslie Beemer, a local doula and educator, who saw a need for ongoing maternal support beyond childbirth.
Beemer first envisioned a permanent space for postpartum care while working at The Luke Project 52 Clinic, a free prenatal center for uninsured and underinsured women. After she introduced doula services there in 2021, she noticed many mothers returned not for checkups, but for continued support.
In May 2023, Beemer acquired the East Street property through the Genesee County Land Bank. With help from neighbors, tradespeople, former clinic clients, and strangers, she began transforming the house into a postpartum retreat. She was able to move in by June.
Selah’s Red Tent held its grand opening on May 12, 2025.
The name Selah, which appears in the Bible’s book of Psalms, is often interpreted as a call to pause and reflect—mirroring the center’s mission to offer rest, recovery and care. “Red Tent” refers to a traditional gathering space where women supported one another during menstruation, childbirth and postpartum recovery.
Selah’s Red Tent offers up to 12 postpartum visits per family, covering topics such as newborn care, infant sleep and maternal wellness. The services are free.
She believes all mothers deserve the same level of care, regardless of their income or insurance status.
One of those mothers was Yaquelin Vargas, who met Beemer after the birth of her fourth child and during a difficult period in her life.
“She helped me in a very, very dark time,” Vargas said. “Being a single mom with four kids was scary. She was very caring.”
As a Spanish speaker, Vargas began translating for other mothers during group sessions and eventually joined Selah’s team as a childbirth educator. She now helps bridge the language gap and translates the organization’s educational materials.
While doula care has a high cost barrier, Beemer is committed to offering services at no charge, affirming that “every mother deserves this. . .These moms want the same thing as any other mom, no matter where you live or how much money you’re making.”
Beemer funds the nonprofit primarily through personal savings and donations.
“We’re always going to be seeking funding,” she said. “Right now, our programs can run until the end of September.”
For those eligible, services can be billed through Medicaid or Molina Healthcare.
“This work is led by faith,” Beemer said. “Jesus Christ is the co-founder of this organization, and the Bible is my guide.”
Beemer credits her success to divine guidance, referring to Jesus Christ as the co-founder of the organization and pointing to scripture as her constant guide.
Although faith motivates her, she emphasized that Selah’s Red Tent is not a religious organization and welcomes people of all backgrounds.
For more information, visit https://www.selahsredtent.org or call 810-228-5686.