About
About Us
Michael's Place provides support services to grieving children, teens, adults, and the community.
Our Mission
Michael’s Place serves the bereavement needs of the greater community through support, advocacy, and education.
Founded in 2001 by Chris Dennos, Michael’s Place began with a simple but powerful belief: no one should have to grieve alone. Chris envisioned a place where children, teens, adults, and families experiencing loss could find understanding, connection, and support from others who recognize the realities of grief.
Today, Michael’s Place is a community resource for people experiencing grief, those supporting someone who is grieving, and anyone who wants to better understand grief. We provide accessible, compassionate grief support for people of all ages at no cost, creating a safe space to connect, share experiences, and find support as they navigate life after loss.
Our work extends beyond direct support. Through education, advocacy, and community outreach, we help families, schools, workplaces, professionals, and community organizations better understand grief and respond with compassion.
By making grief support accessible and building greater understanding throughout our communities, Michael’s Place helps create a community where grief is understood, support is accessible, and no one has to grieve alone.
What Makes Michael’s Place Different
Michael’s Place is the only grief support organization in northern Michigan serving all ages and providing 100% of its in-house programming at no cost.
For All Ages • At No Cost • Peer-Based Support • Community Education & Outreach
Testimonials
“My granddaughter and I really enjoy going to the Robin’s Nest events because it provides an opportunity to do fun things with people who understand the grief journey we have been on. Knowing it’s a chance to laugh and enjoy life without feeling guilty because we’re doing fun things in their memory.
For those brief few hours, we can give ourselves grace, which is sometimes very difficult to do. I am so happy that we are able to continue to take part in the Robin’s Nest events. We have had amazing experiences with the fabulous staff of Michael’s Place and the other participants. It is a true blessing!
– Lisa
“To put into words what Michael’s Place has done for our family is an overwhelming task. In short, they allowed me to feel like I could breathe, even if only for a moment. When you speak to someone who truly understands your pain and absorbs it without trying to “fix” it, it is one of the most comforting feelings imaginable.”
–Elizabeth K.
When you're ready, we're here.
The grieving process is never easy and can often be overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Please review the links below to get started with Michael’s Place.
Important
It’s important to note that Michael’s Place is not a crisis center. If you are experiencing a medical or mental health emergency, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. If you are in need of immediate emotional support or are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
If you are a school or business in need of support, please contact us at 231.947.6453 or goodgrief@mymichaelsplace.net. All inquiries will be responded to as soon as possible during the business hours of M-TH, 9:00am-4:00pm, unless other arrangements have been made.