Article and photo by Roger Lanse

Jim Helgert, on the faculty at Western New Mexico University as professor of the Chemical Dependency Program, has been chosen for a Community Champion award by Molina Health Care of Albuquerque. Helgert was nominated for one of the six 2014 awards by Brandy Jimenez of the Silver City office of the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department. The award will be presented at the Albuquerque Museum of Art and Historyon  Thursday evening, Sept. 25.

Helgert has a bachelor's degree in psychology and sociology, a master's degree in arts and interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in chemical dependency and counseling, and is currently working on his doctorate in education and organizational leadership with an emphasis in behavioral health, all from WNMU.

He has, or has held, New Mexico licenses in alcohol and drug abuse counseling, mental health counseling, professional clinical counseling, drug abuse counseling, and has been certified as a trainer for suicide prevention and crisis intervention.

Jimenez has worked alongside or with Helgert for many years, she said. She first knew him at Border Area Mental Health when he was a substance abuse therapist and she was a case manager. "Jim started the Hidalgo County Drug Court," Jimenez said. "And when I would go home to Silver from Lordsburg around 4 or 5 p.m., I would see Jim coming from Silver to Lordsburg, and I would say to myself," 'What are you doing coming back to Lordsburg at this time of day?' "But, that's the kind of guy he was. Always giving extra, whether it was on the job or on his own time. Later, he became manager of the Grant County Drug Court.

"Jim was instrumental and actively involved in starting so many programs and working with so many people," Jimenez said. "He has crossed so many different domains in drug treatment and prevention and has so much experience with treating drug addiction, that he has been able to bring many people out of addiction to be successful and contributing members of the community. He has dedicated his life to helping people get rid of drug and alcohol addiction and substance abuse. He has a lot of heart.

"Whether it's treatment, after-care, prevention, advocacy or intervention, Jim really understands the programs," according to Jimenez. "He really is the passionate expert in the substance abuse field here in our community. He is tireless in his battle against substance abuse in the lives of others.

"Jim not only gives above and beyond at his job, but he volunteers much of his time and expertise," Jimenez stated. "He is truly my mentor." Jimenez used the word "amazing," in reference to Helgert, multiple times.

Helgert told the Grant County Beat that he is has helped the Bootheel Youth Association in Hidalgo County and Project Heroes in Silver City and in Lordsburg. "This help, the evaluation of how the Association was helping the youth on drug intervention, was kind of what I was doing anyway," Helgert said, "But on a volunteer basis. I mean, if we don't do it, who would? We need to do a better job at saving these kids.

"Sure," Helgert said, "it's partly about drug and alcohol choices, but in the bigger picture it's about all life choices they make. It's about stepping up and making good choices and being proud of the choices they make."

Helgert worked with kids on his own time in the "101 Things for Youth to Do in Grant County," taking kids from the community and walking around City of Rocks State Park or the Little Walnut Campground grilling hamburgers and talking about choices. "I've given a voice to kids and families that are suffering. Rather than say, 'Go over there and they will help you make right choices,' I like to offer my hand and take them myself to a place where they can learn about making good choices."

When Jimenez told Helgert he had been selected for the award, which includes a $1,000 gift to a non-profit community organization of his choice, she said that Helgert said, "For what, I don't need to be recognized." Jimenez replied, "Yeah, you should be."

"They call me a champion," Helgert said. "But the real champions are my family who put up with my craziness. My wife will say, 'What are we doing this weekend,' and I'll say, 'Uhhh,' and she'll say 'Oh no, what did you volunteer for this time?' But, she is always ready to help."

Helgert and his wife, Christine, also operate The Recovery Management Center, offering comprehensive professional, personal services for recovery from issues that interfere with day-to-day living and success.