How Can I Help?

Ele's Place needs you!

It is a lucky person who survives into adulthood without encountering death and grief.  The depth and breadth of bereavement is an easy place to get lost in, but at Ele's Place, children and their families are given the space to explore their loss and find ways to cope afterwards.  Thanks to the support of the communities we serve, we are honored to provide peer-to-peer support at no cost to our families.  However, we understand that adults who comprehend just how important the work done at Ele's Place is are often motivated to find a way to give back.  Read on for a variety of ways our community partners and advocates help fulfill our mission and vision that no child in Michigan will ever have to grieve alone.  Contact us to get involved.  Have an idea not listed here?  Call your local branch and speak to staff to share! 

Donate here now or contact your local branch for information on how to support the kids of Ele's Place financially. 

Thanks to the generous support of our communities, no family will ever be charged for services provided at Ele's Place.  We respect the trust placed in us by our supporters and ensure that the funds offered are used to support our families. Additionally, funds raised in each of our communities are utilized in those communities to ensure no child is left to grieve alone. 

Attend a program volunteer or facilitator training and commit to investing in grieving children at your local Ele's branch.

One of the most vital ways Ele's is able to support its families is through the relationships developed and the consideration given by hundreds of caring volunteers who join us for programming each week.  If your heart has been touched by Ele's Place and its mission, please contact your local branch to learn more about giving your time and heart at Ele's Place.  To be considered as a volunteer, please read more about the positions and complete an online application. We will consider each applicant on a case-by-case basis, and reserve the right to select individuals based on the best fit for the organization. Please note: Available volunteer opportunities vary between branches and time of year. Ele's Place is not able to accept court-ordered community service volunteers.

Attend or Host a Tour of the Heart – a Tour is a great way to learn more about what the kids do at Ele’s Place. 

This is not a fundraiser; attendees are asked for nothing at the tour.  Everyone is welcome at tours — invite your friends, family, neighbors, co-workers, faith leaders, or your child’s teacher or principal to come with you. Join our staff to see our facility first-hand. Contact one of our branch locations today if you'd like to schedule a tour. Please note: Tours are not appropriate for newly bereaved families.

Organize a fundraising event to benefit Ele’s Place 

You or your group can help raise much-needed financial support for our programs and services, which are provided to families at no cost.  For example, have a dress down day at work and charge $5 to participate, with all the proceeds coming to Ele’s Place.  Or hold a car wash, garage sale, pop can drive, or bake sale to benefit Ele’s Place.  Please contact the branch nearest you for our Third-Party Event Guidelines before you begin.

Potluck Donations

Many of the Ele’s Place families participate in a pot-luck when they arrive for their support group. We can always use basic grocery items to keep on hand to supplement the pot-luck items. Please call the branch nearest you at least one week ahead of time for our potluck guidelines and to arrange a date that works for our program.

Cleaning/maintenance/grounds work  

Your group can schedule a time to come in and help us do cleaning of our group rooms and kitchens. (Sanitizing toys, sorting craft supplies, washing down doorframes, walls, etc.) Daytime - business hours only. Great for groups and/or teens! Please call the branch nearest you to arrange a date that works for our program.

Thank you for your interest in making a difference for the grieving children and teens of Ele’s Place!