About Us
Our Mission
Strategies For Life is a volunteer based 501C3 nonprofit organization operating out of Sioux Falls, SD as an ally of Living Free™ (an offshoot of Adult & Teen Challenge). The Living Free™ ministry was founded in 1988 and now offers over 30 structured small group programs of study that bring together the Word of God, Spirit of God, and people of God in a unique blend of evangelism and discipleship. They serve over 100 countries in more than 25 different languages and enjoy 89% positive outcomes!
These studies are designed to help anyone find their identity in Christ and stand on that solid foundation to overcome any life controlling problems. This is not another 12-step program! These Spirit-led groups have a way of drawing people out to blossom in faith and fellowship in a way that is different than any other program or study available. It's about developing a better understanding of the perfect love of God which drives out fear and allowing the truth and grace of Christ to lead our lives. These groups are conducted through local churches, jail ministries, in rehab programs, and anywhere else that will welcome a move of God.
We Believe...
...the Bible is the inspired, only infallible, authoritative Word of God.
...there is one God, eternally existent in three persons - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
...in the deity of Christ, in the virgin birth, in His sinless life, in His miracles, in His vicarious and atoning death through His shed blood, in His bodily resurrection, in His ascension to the right hand of the Father, and in His personal return in power and glory.
...that for the salvation of lost and sinful people regeneration by the Holy Spirit is absolutely essential.
...in the present ministry of the Holy Spirit, by whose indwelling the Christian is enabled to live a godly life.
...in the resurrection of both the saved and the lost, they that are saved unto the resurrection of life and they that are lost unto the resurrection of damnation.
...in the spiritual unity of believers in our Lord Jesus Christ.
Meet The Board Of Directors
President - Stephen Bellman
Stephen's passion for the Lord has resulted in acquiring a BA in Theology and becoming an ordained minister. He served as a pastor at Immokalee Christian Center in Immokalee, FL in 1996-2006, then became an associate pastor at Family Worship Center in Sioux Falls, SD until 2016. He has an extensive background in prison and jail ministry alongside his wife Jeannette. They have been married 40 years and raised a large family together.
Vice President - JoAnne Tolliver
After retiring from teaching, JoAnne began leading Bible studies at the Minnehaha County Jail in 2011 and the Center of Hope and Bishop Dudley in 2012. She has completed the Jail Chaplaincy training and has taken the Fundamentals Track from the Association of Certified Biblical Counselors (ACBC). She has also been with mentoring women who are looking for a new start after overcoming life-controlling problems. JoAnne has been married for 48 years to Denny, and they have 4 children, 11 grandchildren, and 2 great grandchildren. They live in Lennox and like to travel. JoAnne also gardens, quilts, reads, volunteers at the Center of Hope, and is part of the Kingdom Opportunities team at her church.
Secretary/Treasurer - Jeannette Bellman
Jeannette is a Living Free Faculty Member and has been a Minnehaha County Jail Minister since 2013. She graduated from Manna Christian College in 1997 with a Bachelor's degree in Christian Counseling. She has been involved in various capacities in ministering and teaching God's Word, Assistant Director of Immokalee Neighborhood Services - a benevolent ministry, and Founder and Director of Immokalee Family Center - a faith based emergency pregnancy center in Immokalee, Florida. She and Steve Bellman have been married 40 years. Together they have raised 5 children, numerous foster children, and grandchildren.
Board Member - Ann Lenaers
Ann is blessed to be a single mother of one daughter, Avelia, and a guardian to Hazel. She owns and operates Peace Is The Road as a published Christian Author, Public Speaker, and Master Certified Life Coach. In addition to facilitating and spreading the Living Free curriculum, she is a founding board member for The Canvus, a nonprofit transitional home focused on utilizing creative community support to aid released prisoners in the reentry process. Ann is very active in New Life, her home church, where she is the Community Outreach Coordinator alongside serving in prayer team, photography, and kids church. She attended Kirkwood Community College as a vocal music and acting double major and enjoys utilizing those skills in ministry.
