Ann Arbor · Capital Region · West Michigan
Become a group facilitator
Facilitators lead Ele’s Place peer grief groups for children and teens. You work in a team, you are trained first, and the families you meet never pay a fee.
Call the branch nearest you to start.
Offices open Monday–Thursday 9am–5pm, Friday 9am–1pm (Eastern). Voicemails are returned the same or next business day.
What facilitators do
- Lead a peer support group for children and teens who are grieving the death of a family member or close friend.
- Work in a team of three or four facilitators for each group of 10 to 12 children or teens.
- Meet groups that are organized by the child’s school and/or developmental level, for ages 3 to 18.
- Take part in group nights that include a shared potluck meal for many families. See what a group night is like.
What it asks of you
| What | What Ele’s Place asks |
|---|---|
| Time | One evening (four hours) a week. |
| Training | A 23-hour facilitator training, then an annual In-Service session. |
| Getting started | An extensive training and interview process. Ele’s Place considers each applicant case by case. |
| Where | At the branch nearest you. Opportunities vary by branch and by time of year. |
When you call, ask about the minimum age and how long the commitment lasts.
Why this work matters
Grief is common among Michigan children.
About 1 in 11 Michigan children will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18. This is a Michigan statistic from Judi’s House/JAG Institute (2026). It is not an Ele’s Place result. Source (PDF)
The research on support groups is still growing.
A 2024 review of 39 studies of support for bereaved children and teens found small average benefits, and found that those benefits shrink when the natural course of grief is taken into account. The authors say the limited evidence prevents firm treatment recommendations. Hanauer and colleagues, Journal of Affective Disorders (2024)
Volunteers make the groups possible.
Ele’s Place groups are led by teams of trained volunteer facilitators. This page does not claim results for Ele’s Place groups. We would rather be plain about what is known.
How to apply
- Call your branch. Say you are interested in becoming a facilitator. Use the numbers below.
- Download the application. Volunteer application (PDF). Ask your branch where to send it when it is complete.
- Interview and training. Ele’s Place describes an extensive training and interview process before you work with children. Your branch can explain the next steps.
Offices open Monday–Thursday 9am–5pm, Friday 9am–1pm (Eastern). Voicemails are returned the same or next business day.
Questions
How much time does it take?
Facilitators volunteer one evening (four hours) a week. They also complete a 23-hour training and attend an annual In-Service session. Ask your branch how long the commitment lasts.
What training will I get?
Facilitators complete a 23-hour facilitator training before they lead a group, and attend an annual In-Service session.
Which branch should I call?
The one nearest where you live or work. All three branches take calls: Ann Arbor, Capital Region (Lansing) and West Michigan (Grand Rapids). Opportunities vary by branch and by time of year.
What if I cannot give a weekly evening?
There are other ways to help, from greeting families to helping at events. See other ways to help, or bring your workplace.
Is Ele’s Place a crisis service?
No. If someone is in danger, call 911. If you are thinking about suicide, call or text 988.
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.