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Grief support for mothers

If you are navigating the complex emotions of grief and ambiguous loss as a mother whose children are parented by others, no matter the circumstances, you are not alone, and you are in the right place at Bellis.

You can get started with Bellis today. There is no waitlist, and no referral necessary. Your participation is confidential. All services are facilitated by a licensed, trauma-informed professional. Services are available to participants at no cost.

Click Here to Get Started with Bellis Today

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns, please contact Bellis via email info@mybellis.org. To talk with someone soon, call or text our Stronger Together Support Line™ at 833-4BELLIS (833-423-5547).

Please note: men and women whose children are parented by others participate in separate groups, organized by gender identity.

“Your kindness has helped heal some wounds within myself. Thank you.” -Bellis participant

Our approach

Expert-led, peer-based support can be one of the most effective ways to learn to manage grief felt by people whose children are parented by others. Participants in Bellis support groups often report feeling calmer, more supported, empowered, and less alone and ashamed. These benefits can lead to stronger self-worth and self-advocacy, improving the individual’s life, family interactions, employment, and other factors.

Bellis hosts weekly support groups, independent from county and court systems. Facilitated by licensed professionals, our groups offer a safe space for honest conversations, affirmation, and accountability among others who “get it.” Our Stronger Together Peer Support Model™ serves a growing national network of parents.

Bellis groups offer support to people whose children are parented by others due to the termination or transfer of parental rights - or similar circumstances. Participants come with a wide range of experiences, but they share a common ground in their grief and the journey to move forward without parenting some or all of their children.

Each Monday morning, Bellis sends an email to everyone who has contacted us. The email includes all the necessary information to attend any of our groups. There is no cost to attend. To receive emails, please complete this brief form.

We are a community that hears, validates, and supports your unique jo.

Monthly In-Person Groups in Saint Paul, Minnesota

  • Sunday evening at 4:00-5:30 PM | Facilitated by Kelly.

    • This meeting is held on the 2nd Sunday of each month. Please see our calendar for the schedule of in-person meetings.

    • The exact location of the meeting is not published for security purposes. Contact us via email info@mybellis.org or call 833-423-5547 for the location.

Weekly Online Groups via Zoom

  • Every Monday at 6:00-7:00 PM | Co-Ed Group. Facilitated by Kelly.

  • Every Tuesday at 7:00-8:00 PM | Skills/Education Group. Facilitated by Sarah.

  • Every Wednesday at 6:00-7:00 PM | Check-in Group. Facilitated by Sheila.

  • Every Thursday at 12:00-1:00 PM | Skills/Education Group. Facilitated by Kelly.

  • Every Thursday at 6:00-7:00 PM | Newcomers Meeting. Facilitated by Deb.

  • Every Saturday at 11:00 AM-12:00 PM | Check-in Group. Facilitated by Sarah.

All group times listed above are in central time. In a different time zone? Click here for a Time Zone Converter.

Types of Groups

Each group offers a slightly different kind of support. You are welcome to join any group throughout the week, as often or as little as feels comfortable. There is no expectation to attend every session. Simply come as you are, when you’re able.

  • Check-in Groups provide an open, supportive environment to share what’s on your heart and mind. These sessions are centered on connection, mutual support, and being heard, without judgment or pressure to “fix” anything.

  • Education/Skills Groups offer a more structured space focused on learning and reflection. Together, we explore concepts such as disenfranchised grief and ambiguous loss, while also discussing practical coping skills that may help support emotional well-being. Sharing is always optional; participants are welcome to listen, reflect, and take what resonates.

  • Co-Ed Group welcomes both men and women to participate together in a supportive, check-in–style space. Participants are invited to share how they’re doing, reflect, and connect with others who understand the complexities of having a child parented by others.

  • Newcomers Group is for those who are new to Bellis. It’s a gentle introduction to our community and the Stronger Together Peer Support Model™, offering space to connect with others in similar circumstances and begin finding support. We encourage new participants to attend up to six Newcomers Group sessions before transitioning into other ongoing weekly groups.

Other Important Details for Online Groups

  • Nationwide support: Bellis online support groups are available nationwide for mothers whose children are parented by others. These meetings provide a private and safe space for participants to share their stories.

  • Real-time Closed Captioning and Translation Services: Through Zoom, Bellis is proud to offer real-time closed captioning and translation services in various languages, including Spanish, to accommodate participants' needs.

  • Privacy: Please join from a private space where no children or others can hear the conversation or see other participants. Your story is safe with Bellis, and that takes teamwork.

  • Time: In a different time zone? Click here for a Time Zone Converter.

  • No eligibility requirements: Bellis groups are open to all, though it may not be suitable for everyone. Bellis support groups are not a substitute for targeted services, including therapy. Please read about the benefits and limitations of peer-based support.

  • Get started: Complete this brief form to start receiving emails with group details.


“I’m so tired of being ashamed. I want to let it go and forgive myself.” - Bellis participant

We invite you to invest in Bellis today if, like us and our supporters, this work matters to you.

What do program participants say? Click here to listen to Jessica’s story.

“In my journey over the last year, Bellis became very, very special to me, and they improved my life so much… Most of all, they gave me hope again. That was huge.”

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We invite you to invest in Bellis today if, like us and our supporters, this work matters to you.

We are grateful to our supporters who make this valuable, groundbreaking work possible—who believe in compassion, hope and resilience for mothers. Thank you to the Sauer Family Foundation, the Medica Foundation, UCare, and the League of Catholic Women.

We invite you to invest in Bellis today if, like us and our supporters, this work matters to you.

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