Caleb Britten · From the Ele’s Place Story Archive

Caleb was three when his father died. His mother brought him and his brothers to Ele’s Place, which was meeting in a church at the time.

Years later, Caleb returned through an internship with Michigan State University. He began helping in the potluck room, moved into activity rooms, and gradually became comfortable participating in group sessions with children.

“My experiences at Ele's Place as a child have given me a unique understanding of the emotions these kids are experiencing, which makes it easier for me to form connections with them.”

In his shared account, Caleb described volunteering with an early-elementary group. His own experience as a child helped him connect with children who were grieving, while their time together continued to teach him, too.

Caleb also described how his involvement with Ele’s Place influenced his interest in a teaching career. For him, returning meant finding another way to be part of a community that had supported his family.

Adapted for this website review from the family or participant account supplied by Ele’s Place. Quotations retain the speaker’s words. This is a historical account; ages and roles describe the time of the original story.