Ele’s Place is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting grieving children, teens, and their families. When a child experiences the death of someone important in their life, it can feel overwhelming and isolating. At Ele’s Place, we provide a safe, supportive space where young people can connect with others who understand what they’re going through.
Through peer support groups and school-based programs, children and teens are given the opportunity to share their experiences, express their feelings, and build healthy coping skills alongside others who have also experienced loss.
All of our services are provided free of charge and are available for as long as families need them.
Ele’s Place West Michigan proudly opened its doors in 2013 after a group of local families and community members recognized the need for grief support closer to home. Many had been traveling weekly to Lansing (Ele’s Place – Capital Region) for services and were determined to create a space for healing hearts in West Michigan.
Ele’s Place was originally founded in 1991 in Lansing by grieving parents, Betsy Stover and Woody Stover, along with a group of mental health professionals, volunteers, and community members. The organization is named in honor of their daughter, Ele, who died in 1989 at just 11 months old. “ELE” also represents the philosophy of Embracing Loss Effectively, a mission that continues to guide Ele’s Place today.
With the support of dedicated families, volunteers, and community partners, Ele’s Place West Michigan was established to ensure children and teens in the region would not have to grieve alone.
The idea was warmly embraced, and founding families secured early support and funding from the West Michigan community, a reflection of the generosity and care that continues to define this region. Third Reformed Church also welcomed Ele’s Place with open arms, first providing space for group programming and later offering rental of the former parsonage, which remains home to the West Michigan office today.
Beginning with one night of peer support groups each week, the branch has steadily grown to meet the needs of the community. In 2016, Ele’s Place West Michigan expanded its reach by launching school-based grief support groups, bringing services directly to students. In fall 2025, a second night of programming was added, doubling capacity and allowing even more families to access support.
Today, Ele’s Place West Michigan serves grieving children, teens, and their families across the region, made possible by an incredibly supportive community, and continues its mission to ensure that no child in Michigan has to navigate grief alone.
Throughout the year, Ele’s Place Michigan hosts events that bring our community together to support grieving children, teens, and their families. These events are meaningful, approachable ways to get involved, give back, and stay connected to our mission.
Sunday, June 7, 2026
Millennium Park – Grant Pavilion
A family-friendly opportunity to come together, move, and support grieving kids, teens, and their families in West Michigan. Whether you walk, run, cheer, or volunteer, there is a place for everyone.
Register or get involved:
https://runsignup.com/Race/MI/Walker/HealingHeartRunWalk
Tuesday, October 13, 2026 | 6:00 PM
The Goei Center
Our signature fall event returns for an unforgettable evening of community and impact. Guests will enjoy strolling comfort food, beer, wine, and cocktail tastings, along with a silent auction. The evening continues with a powerful program and live auction, including an inspiring Fund the Mission story.
We are currently seeking community partners and sponsors to help make this event possible and maximize its impact for grieving children and teens. Sponsorship is a meaningful way to support Ele’s Place while gaining visibility within the community.
Interested in supporting Ele’s Place through event sponsorship?
View our Sponsorship Opportunities PacketFor more information, please contact:
Kristy Ziegler
📞 616.301.1605 x5103
📧 [email protected]
We welcome families into our space for healing hearts and are honored to serve grieving children, teens, and their families across West Michigan.
If you have a grieving child or teen in your life, our Program Staff is here to help. Please call Ele’s Place West Michigan at 616.301.1605 or contact us here to learn more about our FREE OF CHARGE support programs that are offered for as long as a family needs.
Weekly support groups for children, teens, and their caregivers.
These groups provide a safe, supportive space where children and teens can:
• Connect with others who understand their loss
• Share their thoughts and feelings
• Learn healthy ways to cope with grief
Groups are divided by age/grade (Preschool through High School) and are led by trained volunteers with support from Ele’s Place Program Staff.
Caregivers attend their own groups at the same time, creating space for the whole family to be supported.
During the summer, families can stay connected through special events and gatherings.
All services are provided at no cost to families.
Support for students, offered right at school.
Ele’s Place partners with schools across West Michigan to provide on-site grief support groups, helping remove barriers for students who may not otherwise have access.
We also collaborate with school staff to offer guidance and support for grieving students throughout the school year.
Free, monthly support for young adults ages 18–26.
Ele’s Place offers a virtual peer support group for young adults who have experienced the death of a significant person in their life. This group provides a supportive space to:
Regular attendance is encouraged, but not required. Pre-enrollment is necessary before attending.
To learn more or get started, please contact:
Aysia Rodriguez
[email protected]
Monday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Tuesday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Wednesday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Thursday: 9:00AM – 5:00PM
Friday: 9:00AM – 1:00PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Weather advisories and closure information will be communicated directly to families and shared through Ele’s Place West Michigan communication channels.
Ele’s Place – West Michigan
2000 Michigan St. NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: 616.301.1605
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