Get Involved
Volunteer With Ele’s Place
Spend an evening with a grief support group, welcome families as they arrive, or lend a hand at your local branch. Start with the role that fits the time you can give.
Volunteer on Group Nights
Two roles make a group night possible. Facilitators spend the evening with children and teens. Program helpers welcome families and keep the evening running. Both roles include training and an interview.
Support Group Facilitator
Work with a team of three to four facilitators to lead a peer group of 10–12 children or teens. Groups serve ages 3–18 and are organized by school or developmental level.
- Age · 19 or older
- Time · One four-hour evening each week for at least one year
- Training · 23 hours, plus an annual in-service session
Group Night Program Helper
Greet families, help supervise the activity rooms and library, and assist staff and facilitators with setup and cleanup.
- Age · Typically 18 or older. Some exceptions are considered.
- Time · One two-hour evening each week for at least six months
- Training · One three-hour session
Other Ways to Volunteer
Special Events
Welcome guests at registration, decorate, serve refreshments, or help with setup and cleanup at an Ele’s Place or community event.
Office Assistance
Answer phones, enter data, or help with other office work. Hours and duties vary by branch.
Outreach Ambassadors
Invite people to Tours of the Heart, staff an information booth, or give a community presentation. Ele’s Place provides outreach training.
Team Projects & Grounds Care
Bring a group to clean activity rooms, sanitize toys, or sort craft supplies during business hours. Teens and groups are welcome. Call your branch to schedule a project or ask about garden and maintenance needs.
Family Night Potluck
Donate groceries for the potluck families share on group nights. Call your branch at least one week ahead for guidelines and to arrange a date.
Apply or Ask a Question
Download and complete the PDF, then email it to your branch volunteer coordinator. You can also call or email first to talk through which role fits your interests and schedule.
Contact Your Volunteer Coordinator
Ann Arbor
Aysia Rodriguez
Capital Region
Amanda Behnke
West Michigan
Emma Vanderwall
Caleb’s Story: Coming Full Circle
Caleb was three when his father died. Years after attending Ele’s Place with his family, he returned as an intern and stayed to volunteer with children ages three to five.
“I know how to handle my grief. Now my focus is on giving back.”
— Caleb Britten
More about Caleb’s volunteer work
An internship brought Caleb back to Ele’s Place. He continued volunteering after his internship ended, spending group nights with children ages three to five.