Children’s grief is unique, and un-addressed grief can have a negative impact on their health and well-being.
According to Ele’s Place, one in 20 children under 18 years old will experience the death of a parent, and many others will grieve he death of a sibling or another important person in their lives.
Ele’s Place, which is a non-profit, community based organization which is dedicated to creating awareness and support for grieving children and their families.
The month of November is Children’s Grief Awareness Month, and the organization is providing ways the community can get involved to raise awareness of and spread hope to grieving children and families.
“Many bereaved children feel isolated in their grief, unaware that they are not alone.” Said Kate Powers, managing director of Ele’s Place in Lansing. “Children's Grief Awareness Month is an opportunity to tell children they are not forgotten and that there is support, hope and healing to be found.”
According to Ele’s Place, unresolved childhood loss is often liked with adolescent and adult depression, poor school performance, violence, truancy, alcoholism, drug abuse and suicidal tendencies.
The organization helps grieving children who are at risk of developing these negative behaviors by supporting them during their bereavement and providing them with life-affirming skills to continue their lives with hope and confidence.
“We are grateful to have served over 25,000 individuals in our 25 year history, thus preventing that many families dealing with unresolved grief,” said Dan Layman, President and CEO of Ele’s Place, “the support of our communities across the state has allowed us to do this important work.”
On November 17, the National Alliance for Grieving Children observe Children’s Grief Awareness Day. Affiliate members and supporters across the country are acknowledging this day and encouraging the community to get involved. One way to show support is by wearing blue.
The community can also get involved in Children’s Grief Awareness by participating in NAGC’s social media campaign by using the hashtag #HeartForChildren, and locally with #ElesHealingHearts and:
1. Update your profile picture on Facebook for the month of November to a picture of yourself as a child.
2. Think about a caring adult who had a positive impact on your life when you were a child and post three adjectives that describe that person.
3. Tag at least three people and encourage them to do the same.
Ele’s Place will be holding several grief awareness events during the month of November at each of their four locations where the community can learn more. For a complete list of events click here.
Ele's Place has had the honor of serving grieving children, teens and their families across Michigan for the last 24 years. For more information about Ele’s Place or for resources on childhood grief visit here.
For NAGC information click here.
