New healing center in GR helps grieving children and teens

"Unresolved childhood loss is often linked with poor school performance, adolescent and adult depression, violence, alcohol and drug abuse, and suicidal tendencies," says Gerilyn May, managing director of Ele's Place. The healing center for grieving children and teens focuses its mission and energies entirely on grieving children, making a profound difference in their lives.

Ele's Place held its first annual Healing Hearts Society Fundraising Breakfast on Tuesday, April 9 at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. The event, underwritten by the Peter C. and Emajean Cook Foundation and the David and Carol Van Andel Foundation, raised nearly $300,000 in donations from the 450 guests who attended.

Ele's Place already has centers in Lansing and Ann Arbor, and the funds raised will enable a new center to open in Grand Rapids this spring. Enrollment is now open for children and teens coping with the death of a parent, sibling, or other loved one. Third Reformed Church on Michigan Street will host Ele's Place's programming and office.

Before coming to Ele's Place, many grieving children feel alone and keep their feelings inside, not wanting to burden their parents or other family members. Often, friends don't seem to understand if they haven't had a similar experience. But each week at Ele's Place, hundreds of grieving children find a warm and welcoming place to meet new friends who really understand how they feel, while they begin to heal after the death of a loved one.

The 21-year-old nonprofit is solely devoted to supporting grieving children ages 3-18 through weekly peer support groups. The program is provided at no charge to families.

The Grand Rapids branch will offer groups for children, teens, and their parents or guardians.


Get involved:

- To enroll, parents or guardians can call (616) 301-1605.
- For more information about Ele's Place programs and volunteering, contact Gerilyn May, call (616) 301-1605, or visit their website.

Source: Molly Day, Director of Marketing; Gerilyn May, Managing Director
Writer: Victoria Mullen, Do Good Editor

Images: Courtesy of Ele’s Place