Staff members at A Friend’s House

Pam Durdahl

Executive Director

When she's not cheering on the latest resident accomplishment or offering words of encouragement, Pam is responsible for creating the vision and outlining the values of A Friend's House. She fosters a Christ-centered, cooperative work environment and promotes the ministry of A Friend’s House.

A native of Wells County, Indiana, Pam was the director of the crisis pregnancy resource center from which A Friend's House grew. She also worked at an adoption agency for 12 years, helping women make adoption plans, assisting with the placement of children, and helping adoptive parents through the adoption process.

Pam is a firm believer in tough love and hard work, but she makes sure the residents have fun along the way. Her favorite part of the process, she says, is "when a woman lets a little part of the wall down and starts trusting me - trusting us as a staff. That's when they can really begin to heal, to grow, and to discover a hopeful future."

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Sue Dettmer

Licensed Therapist, LCSW

Susan Dettmer brings more than 20 years of therapeutic experience to A Friend's House. She meets with each resident for weekly therapy, and advises our staff members. She is a licensed therapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Registered Nurse with training in family therapy.

Sue has a bachelor's degree from the University of Saint Francis and a master's degree from the Indiana University School of Social Work.

In the past she worked with individuals and families in private practice and agencies in the Fort Wayne area.

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Abbie Grandlienard

Advocate Director

As the Advocate Director Abbie offers compassion and accountability to our residents, and also supervises most of the staff members. She leads groups, meets one-on-one with residents and develops curriculum. She also helps residents establish long-term goals, and works with women to ensure they stay on track to achieve those goals.

Abbie has been with A Friend’s House since we opened, and worked nearly every position and shift. This experience helps her to not only support her staff, but also know how to create a schedule that is best for the residents. She has an associate's degree in social welfare and a bachelor's degree in psychology, both from the University of Saint Francis.

Abbie says, "I enjoy being involved with the women and watching them grow. The path each woman walks is unique, and I’m able to rely on God’s truth to help each one."

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Dixie Gerber

Advocate

As an advocate Dixie helps maintain the daily schedule, and works with our residents every day. She teaches the morning groups, and plans a fun craft or activity each day for our residents to enjoy. She works with Abbie on curriculum development, holds residents accountable to their goals, and meets one-on-one with ladies as they work through the program.

“This program is not only challenging for our residents, but has been challenging for me too. I strive to apply everything I teach in groups to my personal life,” said Dixie. “I know if I’m going to hold the ladies accountable to what they learn that I need to hold myself accountable to the same standards.”

Dixie’s background is in teaching and counseling. She taught family & consumer science prior to pursuing a master’s degree in school counseling at Kansas State University. After working as a school counselor, she had the opportunity to expand her knowledge in the mental health field by working in a residential facility for troubled teens.

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Jessica Dettmer

Director of Operations

Jessica plans our special events, writes our newsletter and supervises personnel. She was involved with the organization as a college student, and after graduating served AFH as a board member. Since 2008 she has worked for AFH full-time striving to increase efficiency and support staff members.

“I’m so grateful to be able to work at an organization with a mission that I’m very passionate about,” said Jessica. “It’s wonderful to get to know the women who live here and watch them make progress day-by-day. And I can’t say enough about our staff. Each staff member loves our residents, and is here to support and encourage them.”

Jessica has a degree from Taylor University in public relations. Previously she worked at a regional office for the American Red Cross in the communications department, and has experience in event planning, media relations and internal relations.

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Considering applying to AFH?

My Story

Melissa

As a child Melissa liked dolls, playing with her brothers and taking nature hikes with her dad.

Heather

How does a married mother of four end up at A Friend’s House not just once, but twice? By one seemingly harmless decision at a time.

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Staff members strive to offer encouragement, therapeutic support, compassion and accountability. Residents meet with a licensed therapist. Advocate has professional experience and degrees, teaches curriculum, leads groups, helps residents write goals and make plans to achieve goals. Our executive director spends time creating the a vision, outlining the values and fosters a Christ-centered environment. Staff members have experience in counseling, therapy, and teaching.

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