Branch
West Michigan (Grand Rapids)
Grand Rapids. Peer grief support for children and teens ages 3–18 and their caregivers, free of charge, for as long as a family needs it.
Visit or call
2000 Michigan St NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Office hours: Monday–Thursday 9:00am–5:00pm, Friday 9:00am–1:00pm. Voicemails are returned the same or next business day.
Groups at this branch
- Weekly evening peer support groups at the center during the school year, for children and teens ages 3–18, with groups for their caregivers.
- A monthly virtual group for young adults ages 18–26 (3rd Monday, 6–7 PM, on Zoom; pre-registration needed).
- School-based grief support: 8-week Ele’s Groups with school counselors.
History
Ele’s Place West Michigan opened its doors in 2013, after local families and community members saw the need for grief support closer to home. It began with one night of peer support groups each week. In 2016 it launched school-based grief support groups, and in fall 2025 it added a second night of programming.
Schools and referrals
Schools: parents start with the school office. Counselors and administrators call the branch and ask for the Ele’s Group coordinator.
Referring a family: clinicians and funeral homes can call before a parent does. Enrollment forms go only to a parent or legal guardian.
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.