The Hastings Mutual Insurance Company Charitable Foundation recognizes the contributions of nonprofit organizations in the communities we serve. Each month, we’ll honor one of those organizations as our Nonprofit of the Month.

Losing a family member is difficult for everyone, but it’s especially challenging for children and teenagers. The grief they feel when a sibling or parent dies calls for strong support from those around them, to help them cope and stay focused on their family, friends, school, and their own lives.

Since 1991, Ele’s Place has helped young people in three counties in central Michigan. Volunteers and a professional team meet in small groups (no more than four children) for activities like writing and music, and to talk with them about their feelings of loss. The support is free of charge to participants.

Ele’s Place is supported by Hastings Mutual and Rathbun Insurance of Lansing, MI.

For more on the Ele’s Place program, visit the website.