What Hope Means at Bellis
Hope is the belief that things can get better.
It might not look how you thought it would, but there is the knowledge that there is goodness in life, and you are worthy of receiving it. Finding the light of hope can be difficult to come by, especially amid despair. For people whose children are parented by others, those beacons are few and far between, causing people to lose hope. Bellis aims to be the very thing that is needed and to that end, we have succeeded. In 2025 we:
Developed a Facilitator Training Manual and Curriculum in collaboration with the University of Minnesota Department of Family Social Science, with training for organizations supporting a similar population starting in January 2026
Increased our weekly online support group offerings from four to six
Created a monthly in-person community support group
Served people in immediate need with our warmline call and text options
Organized three paid partnerships offering weekly meetings for people in MCF- Shakopee, Hennepin County’s Adult Probation Services, and Project CHILD
More than doubled our participant outreach to over 700 people
Partnered with the University of Minnesota Medical School to develop needed research about the impact of Bellis Stronger Together Peer Support on mental health for incarcerated women
And while we are proud of these accomplishments, we are far more grateful to be bringing further awareness and support to a previously unacknowledged population that is worthy and deserving of the hope and healing being offered. At Bellis people find community and solace. A place for their hearts and minds to rest from the endless climb they do towards healing a wound that will never quite go away. A place to share, cry, and laugh and know that they will be seen for all that they are. We hold space for them in the uncertainty and walk with them as they navigate a path of the unknown.
But they know they never walk alone because they have built a community where understanding, compassion, empathy and support are in abundance. They know what it is like to feel alone and they come to group with the hope that their isolation will dissipate, and they leave with a sense of belonging to a group they never wanted to be a member of, but now that they are here all they can do is walk each other home.
Bellis groups inspire hope, which is sometimes the last lifeline for those that come to us. It is all they have to hold on to, but once they attend and see others walking a similar path to theirs, they are inspired to witness more than hope. They see recovery, meaningful relationships, purposeful employment, the development of education, and most importantly, a return to self. Rediscovering who they were before the labels and judgements defined them.
Here is what participants have to say about how Bellis inspires hope:
“Hope is important. Hope is what is left. Bellis has been a godsend where I feel seen, understood, and respected.”
“The most meaningful part of Bellis to me is feeling supported. When we connect, it gives me a sense of belonging, hope, comfort, and reduces my stress.”
“Bellis gave me hope when I was hopeless.”
“I am learning how to ask for help and find healthy support. I am gaining confidence and self-worth. I have hope for a future.”
“Bellis has saved my life.”
Will you donate to Bellis this holiday season?
With your financial support, we have created a movement that has yet to be duplicated and continues to grow with ever-increasing momentum. There is excitement amongst Bellis participants in knowing that we are bringing hope and healing to the thousands of people who experience this grief and loss every day and to help ensure fewer will have to experience this in the future. They continue to bravely put themselves out there so that those who walk a similar path know that they are not alone.
Please donate online or send a check to Bellis 2038 Ford Parkway, PMB 457, Saint Paul MN 55116
We thank you for your belief in this mission and your generosity as we continue to successfully advance the work of supporting people whose children are parented by others. Thank you for inspiring hope amongst participants as your contributions acknowledge their experiences and bring the belief that there is good out there and they are worthy of receiving it.
With much gratitude,
Kelly Tronstad
M.Ed and Licensed Parent and Family Educator
Bellis Executive Director
