FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Monday, Nov. 2, 2026
Ele’s Place Launches ‘Be There November’ Campaign to Raise Awareness of Childhood Grief Across Michigan
LANSING, Michigan — This November, Ele’s Place is encouraging Michigan residents and communities to support grieving children and teens through its Be There November campaign in recognition of National Children’s Grief Awareness Month.
“Children and teens experience grief in different ways, and they may not always have the words to express what they’re feeling or know where to turn for support,” said Yvonne Fleener, President and CEO of Ele’s Place. “Be There November is an opportunity to honor the people who were there for us during our own experiences with grief and loss, while recognizing how we can be there for grieving children and teens today. Sometimes, being there starts with listening, sharing a story or helping a family discover that support is available. Together, we can help more young people feel understood and less alone.”
Throughout November, Ele’s Place is bringing the community together to raise awareness of childhood grief, encourage people to share their personal experiences and help more families discover the free grief support available through the organization. The campaign also invites former Ele’s Place participants, families, volunteers and supporters to reflect on the people who were there for them during difficult times and share how they can be there for grieving children, teens and families.
Through peer support groups and school-based grief programs, Ele’s Place provides children, teens and their families with a safe, welcoming environment to share their experiences and connect with others who understand. With locations in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Lansing, the organization provides free grief support across Michigan for children and teens ages 3-18 and their caregivers. Since its founding in 1991, the organization has worked to ensure no child or teen in Michigan has to grieve alone.
The campaign will culminate Nov. 19, National Children’s Grief Awareness Day, which highlights the experiences of grieving children and teens and the importance of ensuring they receive understanding and support. Throughout the month, Ele’s Place encourages community members to share their stories on social media, tag Ele’s Place and use the hashtags #BeThereForGrievingChildren and #BeThereForGrievingTeens. To learn more about childhood
grief, explore Ele’s Place programs, donate and find ways to support grieving children and teens, visit https://www.elesplace.org/elesplace.org.
About Ele’s Place Ele’s Place is a nonprofit, community-based organization with locations in Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Lansing, dedicated to creating awareness of and support for grieving children, teens and their families throughout Michigan. Founded in 1991, Ele’s Place provides free peer support groups and school-based grief programs that help young people navigate the death of a parent, sibling or someone close to them. Through a safe, welcoming environment, children and teens can share their experiences, express their feelings and connect with peers who understand. Ele’s Place is guided by its vision to ensure no child or teen grieves alone in Michigan. To learn more, visit elesplace.org.
Media Contact
Yvonne Fleener
yfleener@elesplace.org