Ann Arbor · Capital Region · West Michigan
No child should have to grieve alone.
Free peer grief support for children, teens, young adults and their caregivers, at Ele’s Place in Ann Arbor, Lansing and Grand Rapids. For as long as a family needs it.
Call the one nearest you.
Offices open Monday–Thursday 9am–5pm, Friday 9am–1pm (Eastern). Voicemails are returned the same or next business day. Not sure which branch? Find your branch
When you call, a staff member who specializes in grief will talk with you. Share as much or as little as you like, and decide together if Ele’s Place is the right fit.
Every group is free to families. Your gift pays for it. Give
Ele’s Place is not a crisis line. If someone is in danger, call 911. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988.
About 1 in 11 Michigan children will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18.
A Michigan statistic from Judi’s House/JAG Institute, 2026. Not an Ele’s Place result. Source (PDF)
What families are afraid of
Most people wait because they don’t know what the room will ask of them. It asks less than you think.
“I don’t want to make my child talk.”
You won’t. Sharing is invited. It is never required.
“I’m barely holding it together.”
Caregivers meet in their own group, at the same time, with a licensed clinician. Kids are with kids. You leave together.
“We can’t afford another thing.”
There is no fee. Groups stay open because other people give. Money does not have to be the reason you wait.
Read what a night feels like, including a version for a child
Three branches
Find your branch
Ann Arbor, Capital Region and West Michigan are equal partners in one Michigan organization. If you live between branches, you can call either one.
Capital Region (Lansing)
1145 W. Oakland Ave
Lansing, MI 48915
West Michigan (Grand Rapids)
2000 Michigan St NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Offices open Monday–Thursday 9am–5pm, Friday 9am–1pm (Eastern). Voicemails are returned the same or next business day. Not sure which one? Find support
How groups work
Kids with kids. Adults with adults. Same evening.
Peer groups for ages 3–18 are facilitated by trained volunteers with staff oversight. Caregiver groups run at the same time, led by licensed mental health clinicians. Ele’s Groups are 8-week peer groups held at schools, in partnership with school counselors.
Events
Events that keep the groups free
Statewide · Upcoming
Children’s Grief Awareness Month
November is Children’s Grief Awareness Month. Children’s Grief Awareness Day is Thursday, November 19, 2026.
News from the branches
For news and event dates, call the branch nearest you.