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By: Ashlee Root
Ele’s Place, with locations in Lansing, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids and Flint, is a healing center for grieving children and teens. Ele’s Place works with children ranging in age from 3-18 years, while also providing support for their families or caretakers.
Pre-pandmeic, kids and teens were able to come on site and participate in a peer group discussion where they would share memories of the person they lost and learn coping mechanisms. Despite COVID-19 and the need to transition to Zoom Meetings, the same peer support is still being provided. Bree Arvai, Director of the Ann Arbor location, shares that “We are pleased in the way that the groups have transitioned.”
After someone experiences the loss of a loved one, worrying about the cost of therapy to cope is not something Ele’s Place wants their families to deal with. Arvai notes, “When a death occurs in one’s family, there is often additional stressors on household income or revenue. For the adult caretaker or guardian to hear that there is no cost to receive Ele’s Place services, right away you get this sigh of relief.” In order to provide their free peer support services to grieving children, teens and their families, Ele’s Place Ann Arbor relies heavily on their fundraising events, donors, corporate sponsors and the community at-large. “It's really because of the generosity of so many in our community that enable us to do what we do” Arvai shares.
On Saturday, May 1, 2021, from 6:00-7:30 PM, Ele’s Place will be hosting their 4th Annual Derby Day Soirée. The event is a way to come together, celebrate and share the good work that Ele’s Place is doing for those grieving in the community. There will be programming and testimonials from facilitators and participants, as well as both a silent and live auction. This year, the event is virtual. It is free and a registration link can be found at www.elesplaceannarbor.org. Arvai shares, “One benefit of a virtual event is that you don't have to be in Ann Arbor or even Michigan to attend. We can invite family and friends who live across the country to hear about what we are doing at Ele’s Place.”
If you are unable to attend the Derby Day Soirée, Ele’s Place has two more big fundraising events planned: Saturday, June 26, 2021, they are hosting their first annual Healing Hearts Family 5K Walk/Run and on Tuesday, October 12, 2021, Ele’s Place is hosting its last fundraising event of the year, the Healing Hearts Society Fundraising Breakfast.
For more information on future events visit www.elesplaceannarbor.org
If you have a grieving child or teen in your life, Ele’s Place Clinical Program Staff is available to help. Call Ele’s Place Ann Arbor at 734.929.6640 or email annarborinfo@elesplace.org to learn more about their no-cost support programs.
