We serve grieving children, teens, and their families across West MI. We hold in-person peer support groups weekly on Thursdays throughout the school year and Family Nights once a month in the summer. We also hold Ele’s Groups at schools throughout the area. Support groups for parents/guardians of the children and teens are also available and are facilitated by licensed clinicians. If you have a grieving child or teen in your life, our Bereavement Coordinators are here to help! Please call Ele’s Place – West Michigan at
616-301-1605 to learn more about our no-cost support programs.
In addition to our in-person program, Ele’s Place also offers a monthly virtual peer support group for young adult grievers ages 18–26 who have experienced a death loss. This group meets on the 3rd Monday of the month from 6–7pm via Zoom and is facilitated by a member of the Ele’s Place Clinical Program Staff. Pre-registration is required. Fill out this inquiry form or call/email Naomi at 734.929.6640 ext. 2219,[email protected] to learn more and get started!
Ele’s Place West Michigan was established in 2007 and has since become a vital resource for grieving families in the area. The organization was founded by a group of community volunteers in Lansing, MI, who came together to support children who had experienced the death of a parent, sibling, or someone else close to them. The name Ele’s Place is named in honor of Ele Stover, who passed away at just 11 months old. The organization’s mission is to provide a warm and welcoming space for grieving children to connect with peers who understand their feelings. Ele’s Place has grown to serve over 43,000 individuals and has branch locations across Michigan. The organization offers onsite and school-based bereavement programming for children ages 3-18 who have experienced a death in their lives. These programs are provided at no cost to families and provide children and teens an opportunity to safely grieve.
Courage, Comfort and Cocktails, October 13, 2026 at the Goei Center. This wonderful event is back again! Join us at 6 pm for strolling comfort food, beer, wine and cocktail tasting, and silent auction. Then, at 7:45 pm., our program and live auction, including an inspiring “Fund the Mission” story.
Healing Hearts 5k, Save the date, June 7, 2026 at Millennium Park at the Grant Pavillion. A family friendly opportunity to support grieving kids, teens and their families in West Michigan.
For Sponsorship Opportunities, contact Kristy Ziegler at 616-601-1305 x 5103 or at [email protected]
Our office will be closed for President’s Day. If you need grief resources or support, please leave us a message and we will return your call as soon as possible. You are also welcome to explore the resources on the Grief Resources and Grief Support sections of our website.
Weather advisories and closure information will be made available here.
2000 Michigan Street NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: 616-301-1605
