Together, we can make a difference.
At Ele’s Place, we believe every contribution matters. Whether you have a few hours to spare or want to make a long-term commitment, we have roles that suit your interests and skills. Join us in making a difference.
Becoming a Volunteer: What You Need to Know
Join Us in Creating a Supportive Community
Your support can transform lives. Whether through a donation or giving your time, every small action adds up to great change. Stand with us in our mission to lift up our community and provide healing and hope.
Ann Arbor
KaDerrick Robinson, LMSW
[email protected]
Phone: 734.929.6640 Ext. 2206
Capital Region
Amanda Behnke, LLMSW
[email protected]
Phone: 517.482.1315
Fax: 517.482.6608
West Michigan
Emma VanderWaal, LLMSW
[email protected]
Phone: 616.301.1605 Ext. 5106
It is a lucky person who survives into adulthood without encountering death and grief. The depth and breadth of bereavement is an easy place to get lost in, but at Ele’s Place, children and their families are given the space to explore their loss and find ways to cope afterwards. Thanks to the support of the communities we serve, we are honored to provide peer-to-peer support at no cost to our families. However, we understand that adults who comprehend just how important the work done at Ele’s Place is are often motivated to find a way to give back. Read on for a variety of ways our community partners and advocates help fulfill our mission and vision that no child in Michigan will ever have to grieve alone. Contact us to get involved. Have an idea not listed here? Call your local branch and speak to staff to share!
Donate here now or contact your local branch for information on how to support the kids of Ele’s Place financially.
Thanks to the generous support of our communities, no family will ever be charged for services provided at Ele’s Place. We respect the trust placed in us by our supporters and ensure that the funds offered are used to support the vision of Ele’s Place.
To be considered as a volunteer, please read more about the positions and complete an online application. We will consider each applicant on a case-by-case basis, and reserve the right to select individuals based on the best fit for the organization. Please note: Available volunteer opportunities vary between branches and time of year. Ele’s Place is not able to accept court-ordered community service volunteers.
Thank you for your interest in making a difference for the grieving children and teens of Ele’s Place!
Ele’s Place offers a variety of volunteer opportunities for men and women who want to make a positive difference in children’s lives. Whether they are serving as a support group facilitator with one of our bereavement groups, representing Ele’s Place as an outreach ambassador at community events, or helping with fundraising events or clerical support in the office, our volunteers all play a critical role in helping grieving children cope with the challenges they are facing.
Please be aware that available opportunities may vary between branch locations and time of year. Each branch will communicate with local volunteer applicants as needs arise. Ele’s Place will consider each applicant on a case-by-case basis, and reserve the right to select individuals based on the best fit for the organization. To work directly with the children, we ask that our volunteers make a minimum commitment of 9-12 months and undergo an extensive training and interview process.
Review all possible positions before filling out the application.
The primary services provided by Ele’s Place is our peer support group program for children and their families who are grieving the death of a family member or close friend. These groups take place on weekday evenings.
Support group facilitator: Facilitators work in teams of three to four volunteer facilitators per group of 10-12 children or teens.
Requirements for becoming a Support Group Facilitator:
Program helper: These volunteers assist Ele’s Place staff and the support group facilitators by greeting families as they arrive at Ele’s Place, monitoring children’s Activity Rooms, and helping with various set-up and clean-up duties.
Requirements for becoming a Support Group Program Helper:
Office helper: (receptionist, data entry, etc.) Hours and duties vary for each branch location.
Outreach ambassador: represent the agency in the community by staffing Ele’s Place information booths, doing check acceptances, making brief presentations, etc. Training provided.
Fundraising event volunteers: help with a variety of duties at special events hosted by Ele’s Place or other community organizations. Examples might include: Guest Check-In, set-up and clean-up duties, decorating, serving refreshments, etc.
Click here to submit your volunteer application!
Want a printable volunteer application? Click here.
Attend or Host a Tour of the Heart – a Tour is a great way to learn more about what the kids do at Ele’s Place.
Attend a program volunteer or faciliator training and commit to investing in grieving children at your local Ele’s branch.
Organize a fundraising event to benefit Ele’s Place.
One of the most vital ways Ele’s is able to support its families is through the relationships developed and the consideration given by hundreds of caring volunteers who join us for programming each week. If your heart has been touched by Ele’s Place and its mission, please contact your local branch to learn more about giving your time and heart at Ele’s Place.
This is not a fundraiser; attendees are asked for nothing at the tour. Everyone is welcome at tours — invite your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, faith leaders, or your child’s teacher or principal to come with you. Join our staff to see our facility first-hand. Contact one of our branch locations today if you’d like to schedule a tour. Please note: Tours are not appropriate for newly bereaved families.
You or your group can help raise much-needed financial support for our programs and services, which are provided to families at no cost. For example, have a dress down day at work and charge $5 to participate, with all the proceeds coming to Ele’s Place. Or hold a car wash, garage sale, pop can drive, or bake sale to benefit Ele’s Place. Please contact the branch nearest you for our Third-Party Event Guidelines before you begin.
Many of the Ele’s Place families participate in a pot-luck when they arrive for their support group. We can always use basic grocery items to keep on hand to supplement the pot-luck items. Please call the branch nearest you at least one week ahead of time for our potluck guidelines and to arrange a date that works for our program.
Your group can schedule a time to come in and help us do cleaning of our group rooms and kitchens. (Sanitizing toys, sorting craft supplies, washing down doorframes, walls, etc.) Daytime – business hours only. Great for groups and/or teens! Please call the branch nearest you to arrange a date that works for our program.
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