❤ Rick Eder – COMMUNITY SUPPORTER ❤

“This is our last family photo with my Dad. It’s been over 50 years since I lost my father, I was only 5 years old. Unfortunately, memories are harder to come by, however, many of my childhood memories involve feeling as though I was the only one who was dealing with something like this.

“When I was initially invited to attend an Ele’s Place Ann Arbor Healing Hearts Society Breakfast, I had no idea what their mission was. As I listened to families talking about their experience at Ele’s Place, I couldn’t help but think, “Where was this place when I was going through this?” At dinner that evening I told my wife, Kim, about Ele’s Place and about the type of work they’re doing. She also lost her father when she was only 15 years old. I knew then we needed to support Ele’s Place.

“For several years I was a member of an industry association where we organized a charity golf outing and we chose Ele’s Place as our benefactor. After several years of supporting Ele’s Place Ann Arbor, I was asked to join the Community Board. I struggle with the word “no” when someone from Ele’s Place asks me for help. It’s such an easy organization for my wife and I to support. We see the impact peer grief support groups have on the children, teens and entire families, especially knowing that we didn’t have a place like Ele’s Place to go when we experienced our losses. This is our reason for supporting this organization.

“Children and teens who experience a loss at a young age are more likely to struggle with addiction and mental health issues. Having a place like Ele’s Place can help these young people move through their grief and reduce their risk of going down the wrong path. Fortunately, my wife and I turned out “OK” as we were blessed to have loving supportive families. As a society, we are struggling with mental health issues more now than we ever have. Finding solutions is not always easy, but the work being done at Ele’s Place is making an impact.” ❤