Pam Hulstrand: Bellis, Adoption Education and Support
Lyndon Moquist introduced our speaker, Pam Hulstrand, and began by reading of list of famous people—all who had been adopted. Pam shared her personal story of how she and her husband Eric adopted two daughters in open adoptions, and then how Pam became active with Bellis. Bellis is a non-profit organization with no religious or political affiliations that works with schools and community education to people about adoption and provide birth parent and adoption support to families. Volunteers tell their stories, keeping it real and telling the good and the bad, as there is grief and loss in every story.Adoption has historically been shrouded in secrecy and shame. The language that has been used to describe adoption—children were “given up” or “put up” for adoption-- gives the impression that birth parents don’t care. In fact, adoption is the process where a birth parent makes a loving plan to give their child a life they can’t provide. There are different types of adoption: closed is when there is no ongoing contact between birth parent and child; semi-open in which indirect contact is made through letters/photos but no identifying information is shared; and open adoption in which there is direct contact between the birth parent and adoptive parents and child. The Hulstrand’s utilized open adoption for both of their daughters and created very loving relationships with them. At the recent wedding of one of their daughter’s, her birth mother was her maid of honor.
Bellis volunteers make presentations in schools, and in 2018-19 spoke to over 5700 students. On average, 76% of the students have an adoption story of some kind. For some it may be a foster child experience, and many foster children want to be adopted. Bellis needs more volunteers and provides training to volunteers who are willing to make presentations in schools. The next training is March 21 st in Brooklyn Park from 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Bellis is also trying to bring their stories to students in more schools. They are not currently accessing Minneapolis or Eden Prairie schools and would welcome help to achieve that goal. Bellis also hosts birth mother retreats every year and one for birth parents, titled “Stronger Together.”
A question after Pam’s presentation touched on the cost of adoption. It is expensive, with an average cost of $30,000 for all of the background checks, classes and other things adoptive parents must do to be approved for adoption. Pam also discussed how children grow up more secure with an open adoption, and how their family connected with both daughters’ birth mothers.
Announcements
- On March 3 rd our meeting is at Feed My Starving Children for our annual meal-packing event. Pei Ling Jamison invited club members to sign up, either on line or with the clipboard circulating at our meeting. Breakfast available at 7:00 a.m. at FMSC, followed by a presentation and then meal packing.
- The Edina Rotary Clubs are sponsoring special events featuring RI Director Stephanie A. Urchick. On Monday, March 9th , Tom and Catherine Gump will host a “fireside chat” at their home with Stephanie Urchick from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Gump’s address is 4703 Sunnyside Rd., Minneapolis, MN 55424.
- Tuesday, March 10th there will be a “Sip and Serve” service opportunity featuring Stephanie, and attendees will assemble feminine hygiene kits. The event is scheduled from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Commercial Furniture Services located at 4301 Hwy 7, Suite 190, St. Louis Park, MN 55416. This event is hosted by the Rotary Club of Minnesota Veterans and Edina Rotaract. For information on either of these two events, contact Tom Gump at (612) 770-8389.
- A Leadership Breakfast featuring Stephanie Urchick as the speaker will be held on Wednesday, March 11th , 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. at Interlachen Country Club in Edina. Cost is $19 per person (hot breakfast served). This event is co- hosted by the Edina Morningside and Edina noon clubs. Sign up for this event at www.edinarotary.org.
- Roger Jorgensen shared information on an upcoming event at Grace Church titled, “Arise with the Guys”, to be held April 18th . Tony Dungy will be the featured speaker, and the event will include several famous athletes, including Kirk Cousins of the MN Vikings. Roger and Aaron Casper have tickets for purchase--$20 for a seat on the main floor and $10 for seats upstairs.
- President John Crudele let club members know that we do have Eden Prairie A.M. Rotary Club flags. If you are travelling internationally and would like to visit a club and present a flag from our club, please contact John or our club administrator to obtain a flag.
- Great attendance at our recent swallowship at Fat Pants Brewing in Eden Prairie! We had many new members included in those who ventured out for food, beer and fellowship.
Happy Fines
- Nathan Nyren was happy to have participated in and outing with John Crudele. Nathan, Amy and our RYE student, Clementine, were invited to try their hand at archery, and from the photos, Clementine was a natural!
- Roger Jorgensen visited fellow Rotarian Craig LaCount who is recovering from heart surgery. Despite some post operative complications, Craig is doing well and looking forward to coming back to club meetings.
- Dick Ward had lunch with Bruce Hutchins, who recently lost his wife Terri. Dick encouraged members to reach out to Bruce. Noting the picture directories on the table, Dick noted that Roger may want to update his photo with one from this century!
- Frank Sherwood recently enjoyed a theatre production with this godfather, seeing “Romeo and Bernadette.”
- George Esbensen thanked John Crudele and Steve Cwodinski for their support at the hearing at the state Capitol on the Home Town Heroes legislation that George is advocating.
- Jenifer Loon reminded members to attend today’s Empty Bowls fundraiser for PROP. This simple soup and bread meal, with free will donations to PROP, is held from 11:00 to 1:30 and again from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at St. Andrew’s Lutheran Church in Eden Prairie. A silent auction and entertainment from many local students and
other performers round out the event.
Visitors
Kelly Staats - Prospective Member
Kurts Stelnieks - Prospective Member
Ann Platt - Rotarian
Eric Hulstrand - Guest
Nicki Kunz - Student Intern