Ann Arbor · Capital Region · West Michigan
Volunteer with Ele’s Place
Ele’s Place groups are free for every family. They run because people show up. Some people lead a group. Some greet families at the door. Some bring a team to clean and sort for a day. Opportunities vary by branch and by time of year, and each branch will tell you what it needs now.
Call the one nearest you.
Three ways in
Become a group facilitator
Lead a peer grief group for children and teens, in a team, after training.
Other ways to help
Greet families, help at events, offer office help, host a tour or organize a fundraiser.
Bring your workplace
Volunteer as a team, host a fundraiser, give supplies or ask about matching gifts.
Business or foundation? See corporate sponsorship.
Other ways to help
Support Group Program Helper
Greets families as they arrive, helps monitor the Activity Rooms and Library, and helps with set-up and clean-up. At least 18 (some exceptions). A 3-hour training. One evening (2 hours) a week for at least 6 months.
Office assistance
Reception, data entry and similar tasks. Hours and duties vary for each branch.
Outreach ambassador
Training is provided. Invites guests to Tours of the Heart, staffs information booths, represents Ele’s Place at community events, and shares brochures and presentations.
Fundraising events
Registration, set-up and clean-up, decorating, and serving refreshments at events hosted by Ele’s Place or by other organizations.
Tour of the Heart
Attend or host a tour to see what children do at Ele’s Place. This is not a fundraiser. Tours are not for newly bereaved families. Call a branch to schedule one.
Organize a fundraiser
Contact the branch nearest you for the Third-Party Event Guidelines before you begin.
Family night potluck groceries
Basic grocery items to add to the potluck families bring. Call the branch at least one week ahead for the potluck guidelines.
Cleaning, maintenance, landscape
Groups sanitize toys, sort craft supplies, wash doorframes and walls, and clean kitchens. Daytime, business hours only. Call to pick a date.
The Capital Region offers the Jesse Melot Scholarship, an annual scholarship for a volunteer or an attendee.
How to apply
- Call your branch. This is the first step. Use the call buttons above.
- Download the application. Volunteer application (PDF). Ask your branch where to send it.
Want to lead a group? Read about becoming a facilitator. A family looking for a group should find support. To give money, see ways to 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.