Finding the right support system makes a big difference.
Grief support for fathers
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.
Due to low attendance, the online grief support group for fathers is currently on hiatus. To express interest, please click here to complete a brief form. You’ll hear from us shortly.
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 the 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.
We are a community that hears, validates, and supports your unique story.
The Details
Bellis groups offer support to men 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.
Due to low attendance, the group for fathers is currently on hiatus. Please complete this brief form to express your interest in joining an online group.
Other Important Details for Online Groups
Nationwide support: Bellis online support groups are available nationwide for fathers 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 express your interest in joining an online group.
We are grateful to our supporters who make this valuable, groundbreaking work possible—who believe in compassion, hope and resilience for people whose children are parented by others.
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.