Join Us on Our Journey at Bellis
Creating a space for all stories, creating a space for growth and healing
In the last few months, I've been on a journey to understand and articulate our mission in a world where needs are constantly evolving. It's a challenge, but it's got me thinking – if it's a bit unclear for me, it must be even more so for our supporters.
You might find yourself asking…
“What exactly does Bellis do these days?”
The answer is complex. I will never be able to relay to you everything that Bellis encompasses in one succinct blog. I don’t think you would want me to, as it would be an injustice to the work we do and the women we support.
That's why I'd like to invite you to join us on a series of stories, where we'll unpack the heart of Bellis – who we are, what we do, why we do it, and who we do it for. I will try and keep it short and sweet, but much like the stories we hear daily, there will be twists and turns, unexpected developments, devastating heartbreaks, and joyous triumphs.
In 1983, a group of women founded the Adoption Option Council of Minnesota and began providing adoption education and support to the greater community. AOCM was a trailblazer and a haven for those impacted by adoption and a chance to be around others who “got it”. Many other organizations followed suit.
Fast forward to 2020, Bellis leader Jenny Eldredge recognized a pressing need via myriad requests for support from mothers who had experienced a termination of parental rights. For decades, women in these circumstances have been cast aside by society and seen as “less than” due to the involuntary removal of their children from their lives. This is much like how adoption has been discussed: words spoken in hushed and disparaging tones; situations regarded as natural consequences for poor choices. So, inspired by the legacy of our founding mothers, and backed by decades of understanding this grief from our work with birth mothers, Bellis expanded support to mothers navigating the complexities of termination of parental rights or transfer of custody. And a new mission was created: to improve the lives of those suffering from ambiguous loss, with a special focus on those whose children are parented by others, and to raise the standard of care for systems serving them.
Today, Bellis is the only organization in the country to offer this unique type of support.
Grief support & connection
Our programs offer grief support and connection for mothers whose children are parented by others – due to adoption, foster care, termination of parental rights, transfer of custody, parental alienation, custody disputes, an open child protection case, or any other circumstance.
If you feel seen, heard, and understood here, Bellis is for you.
Bellis’ monthly Evening of Connection is open to anyone who has been impacted by adoption – birth parents, adoptees, adoptive and foster parents, and others. Again, if you feel seen, heard, and understood here, Bellis is for you.
Bellis aims to keep transparency and authenticity at our core. This is how we build trust. We understand that not everyone will find a home here, but all are welcome.
Once again, Bellis finds itself on the cusp of innovation, challenging the status quo and willing to hold firm on the fact that no one will be turned away due to their circumstances surrounding their parenting status. Just like the flowers Bellis represents, we are Stronger Together. And together we will forge ahead to create space for all stories and bring growth and healing to our community.
Kelly Tronstad
Executive Director
M.Ed. and Licensed Parent and Family Educator
Click here to invest in Bellis: Donate Now | Investing in Bellis by Bellis (givelively.org)
