Founded in 1983, Bellis is a multi-service nonprofit with no political or religious affiliations or agenda. Its volunteers, including birth parents, adopted persons, adoptive parents and adoption social workers, bring adoption education and awareness into schools and communities. The organization also provides support to individuals with all adoption experiences by offering Adoption Connection gatherings, as well as a weekend retreat specifically for birth mothers. Individuals and organizations in more than 50 Minnesota communities rely on Bellis, and its footprint has crossed the border into the St. Croix River Valley.