Bellis

“Expenses advertising expense 10,936 office expenses 2,846 information technology expens 2,416 travel expense 1,674 conferences & meetings 2,236 insurance expense 5,609 bank charges 833 telephone 642 miscellaneous expenses 1,251 payroll tax expense 8,284 annual birth mother retrt 5,874 expanded support to birth 37,490 total 80,091”

“Net unrealized gain (loss) -9,598”

“Accounts payable and accrued expenses 1,705 4,999”

“Bellis was founded in 1983, initially as the adoption committee inc., by a group of women in the minneapolis area to offer educational and housing support to mothers facing challenges related to stigma, family relationships, and health after placing a child for adoption. Since then, bellis has expanded its expertise and transformed its services to meet two overlooked needs within the adoption community: peer-based emotional support and public awareness about diverse adoption experiences. Bellis is one of the only few organizations in the united states to offer safe and shame-free environments for mothers navigating the complex emotions of adoption. Bellis is the only organization in the nation that serves mothers who have lost custody.”

“Peer-based networks: our primary focus is peer-based emotional support programs for individuals with an adoption experience. Licensed professionals ensure that sharing life stories happens in a safe and supportive environment that offers validation and acceptance in the following programs: retreats for birth mothers; weekly support groups for mothers whose parental rights are terminated (tpr); evening of adoption connection monthly conversation for adults with any type of adoption and foster care experience.”

“Classroom presentations: participants in peer-support groups, along with individuals with a variety of adoption and foster care connections visit middle and high schools to share their adoption stories with the goal of destigmatizing and demystifying adoption. The presenters are trained and supported by bellis in developing the skills to tell their stories to students effectively.”