Springing ahead

Dear Bellis friends,

A winter of research, training and planning has ended, and we’re ready to launch two efforts this week. The timing is perfectly symbolic as new growth emerges from our cold gardens.

First, today at noon, Kelly Tronstad transitions one of our longstanding virtual support groups with a new focus: grief and skills/confidence building for mothers whose parental rights have been terminated in the past and now have interaction with children (such as a new baby, new relationships with their children after a separation, a partner's children, etc.). Kelly is a licensed parent educator with two years of experience leading our groups.

If you are interested in attending weekly meetings and aren’t already on our email list, please submit your information by visiting mybellis/find-support. Our Tuesday evening group remains unchanged – focused on grief after termination (or transfer) of parental rights. Funds from the Sauer Family Foundation support these meetings.

Second, we will open the Stronger Together Support Line tomorrow, offering 1:1 support via phone or text conversations. Ten trained, compassionate volunteers are ready to provide a listening ear for women who have experienced termination of parental rights. Birth mothers of all experiences are welcome to use this new support option. This is especially important as Mother’s Day approaches and feelings can be raw. Women need to know they aren’t alone. Our volunteers understand. Watch for marketing materials, which will be shared throughout the Midwest in the months ahead. Funds from the Medica Foundation support this program.

It’s a privilege to watch this 40-year-old nonprofit expand its support network. That’s what Bellis is all about - we’re stronger together, in every season.

Sincerely,

Jenny Eldredge, Executive Director