Everything’s Coming Up Bellis
Hello Bellis Community!
Happy spring! I write this with a foot of fresh snow on the ground, but I am sensing warmer, brighter days ahead. There has been SO much going on the last three months! I apologize for the lengthy update, but I am eager to share what we have been doing and where we are headed😊
Your support for this work is so very necessary and is much appreciated as is evidenced by our community of participants (watch the Gratitude Video if you missed it). When I facilitate group every week, I am always sure to let them know about how our community is supporting them – through donations, inquiries, requests for presentations – and they are always amazed at how so many people can care so much about their experiences and want to help make a difference in their lives. It is this validation and compassion that lets our participants know that they matter and it acts as a catalyst for their growth and healing.
Program Updates
As I write this, we have had over 746 women and 12 men reach out to us directly for support, and that number literally increases daily. We have had a large influx of requests lately and we aren’t quite sure what to attribute it to, as there are many factors, but we do know that the need is great and meeting the need is our greatest challenge.
-
We currently have 6 online groups that we facilitate. Monday is now a co-ed to create a space for the men who have reached out to us over the years. The dynamic between the men and women in this group is astounding. Some men are partners to the women who participate, and others are fathers who are trying to navigate the space of no longer parenting their children on their own. The transition to a co-ed group was welcomed and appreciated by all participants.
-
We have also shifted our Thursday afternoon group to a skills group where we discuss certain themes that have been repeatedly brought up over the years by our participants and turned it into a curriculum. We focus on the “why” certain thoughts, feelings, behaviors come up and then “how” these challenges can be mitigated through education, coping skills, and understanding. This group is particularly appreciated by our participants who have been attending group for a while and have asked for more direction on how to manage and process their experiences.
-
Another aspect we have added to our programming as a result of participant requests is the participant portal. In the portal are links to the skills lessons discussed in group, poems, art, and readings that offer support and wisdom, and a forum where participants can feel free to share their thoughts and feelings with one another in a space where they know they will be heard and validated. The creation of this portal speaks to the sense of community that has been developed amongst the parents we support and their desire to stay connected with one another outside of group.
-
On Saturday, April 18 in Farmington, MN, Bellis will host 10 women whose children are parented by others for a day of educational sessions, activities, and discussions intended to address topics of grief, self-care, self-worth, and identity.
We have a small wishlist of items catered to the theme "How I See Myself vs. How the World Sees Me" including art supplies and self-care items.
Bellis Facilitator Training & A National Stage
We had a successful launch of our much-anticipated two-day Facilitator Training in January. Director of Education, Sarah Hernandez, trained a group of three facilitators from Little House Recovery Home in Bellflower, CA to rave reviews. Said one trainee, “I am in awe of what your organization does for parents. Thank you for this opportunity!” We have had contact with many organizations interested in the training and they are working hard to obtain funding to cover the costs. With this knowledge, Bellis is applying for grants on behalf of these organizations to help cover the cost of the training so Stronger Together programming can be implemented in as many places as possible.
On the heels of this work have come many requests for presentations from across the country - at universities, government agencies, and national conferences. The largest one will be at the National Council for Adoption Conference in Washington DC at the end of June. One of our long-time participants will join me to speak about the effects of ambiguous loss on mental health for those who have children parented by others and how Bellis’ Stronger Together Peer Support Model™ helps to mitigate these negative impacts. This is our first opportunity to bring our message to a national audience with the hopes of seeing increased awareness and implementation of Bellis programming.
Bid for Bellis Silent Auction & Fundraiser
Lastly, we are so very excited for Bid for Bellis, our silent auction and fundraiser, coming up on Thursday, May 28th at the beautiful Town & Country Club in St. Paul, MN. Guests will enjoy hors d’oeuvres and cocktails, hear directly from current participants about the impact of Bellis, and bid on a thoughtfully curated selection of auction items. Our revenue goal is $35,000, which will allow Bellis to sustain and expand vital Stronger Together Peer Support Model™ programming. Here’s just a little sneak peek of some of the auction items:
Private Chef Dinner
Tour de France Wine Basket (6 Bottles)
Minnesota Women’s Sports Merchandise Bundle
Weekend Away - Hilton Hotel in Chicago
Handyman and Car Detailing Services
And much, much more!
Most importantly, we look forward to seeing you at Bid for Bellis and showing up as a community for the people we support.
With Heartfelt Thanks
As always, we thank you for all you do to support our participants and the work – through donations, sharing about Bellis with others, sending encouraging emails and texts, reading our newsletters, and showing up at events. Every single thing matters and it does not go unnoticed. We appreciate you more than you can know.
Written by Kelly Tronstad
M.Ed., Licensed Parent and Family Educator
Bellis Executive Director
