He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
Psalm 147:3
By Zeke Fleet, CUMC Missions Committee
Founded in 2001 by Chris Dennos, Michael’s Place has served the bereavement needs of the greater community through support, advocacy, and education.
Located in Traverse City, Michael’s Place offers grief support services for people in 18 northern Michigan counties. The support programs offer a safe space to share experiences, tools to cope with grief, and education to foster a compassionate, grief-informed community. Through peer groups, those grieving can find a welcoming and compassionate environment that promotes healing and reduces the isolation and loneliness of grief at no cost to individuals and families.
Michael’s Place impact statistics from the 2023-2024 fiscal year:
- 2,800 children, teens, and adults have participated in grief support services.
- 400 children and families have participated in the monthly Robin’s Nest (youth) grief program.
In a recent survey of participants:
- 98% said they felt safe and welcome at Michael’s Place.
- 94% connected with peers within support groups.
Several opportunities are designed to assist adults, including the following evening groups:
- Bereaved Adults
- Bereaved Parents Group
- Bereaved Spouse Group
- Sudden Loss Group
- Faith-Based Group
- Virtual Group
Daytime Program options include these Griefshare Services
- Bereaved Spouse Group
- Pregnancy and Infant Loss Group
- Mindfulness and Grief
- Hands-On Healing (art-based grief support)
- Women’s Group
Ongoing family nights and children’s support groups are also offered. Michael’s Place provides assistance to 17 area schools, supporting children who are experiencing grief who may not be able to participate at our offices.
Michael’s Place needs financial support for family meals that are offered prior to support group meetings, and for supplies for children’s groups.
Michael’s Place also seeks and trains volunteers who help facilitate peer-to-peer support groups.
We urge you to support the grief services of Michael’s Place through CUMC Missions.
Michael’s Place has been a long-time mission of Central United Methodist Church. Your financial contribution can help uplift and comfort those in grief. Please select “Central Missions” from the dropdown menu when making donations online.
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