Frequently Asked Questions

What is Michael’s Place?

Michael’s Place is a non-profit organization that provides compassionate support and advocacy for grieving children, teens, adults, and the community. Our goal is to provide program opportunities that promote healthy healing for individuals and families following a death, and to provide grief education and support services to schools, businesses, and organizations throughout our community.

What do you accomplish at Michael’s Place?

At Michael’s Place, it is our goal to reach out to grieving children, teens, adults, and families and provide support and opportunities that promote healthy grieving. We do this through our support groups, educational workshops, school-based grief support programs, community training sessions for professional groups, clergy, first responders, and much more.

Is Michael’s Place a Crisis Center?

Michael’s Place is not a crisis center. Michael’s Place offers guidance and support to individuals, families, schools, workplaces, and the community in the event of a death, but services are limited to Michael’s Place hours of operation, Monday – Thursday, 9am-4pm, unless prior arrangements have been made.

If you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health crisis and need immediate support, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or visit Northern Lakes Community Mental Health.

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 responded to as soon as possible during business hours unless other arrangements have been made.

Does Michael’s Place provide counseling services?

No. We provide peer-based grief support opportunities for those bereaved and education and training to the community. 

Support involves offering information and resources, active listening, offering feedback rather than advice, and companioning individuals on their grief journey. Support is provided by staff and trained volunteer “peers” who lead grief groups, navigator sessions, and peer-to-peer support opportunities.  Counseling involves a trained professional who is often licensed and guides clients through a process toward a breakthrough, either in emotions, insights, or behaviors, using empirically supported theories, tools, and techniques. If an individual would be better served with counseling services, Michael’s Place will provide a list of referrals.

How can I begin using the services of Michael’s Place?

First, please contact us by calling or emailing us!
(231) 947-6453 or GoodGrief@MyMichaelsPlace.net.

So that we can get to know you and understand your circumstances, we ask that you schedule an initial informational visit with one of our staff to discuss all of our programs and services and determine together what opportunities would best meet your needs.

What does it cost to use Michael’s Place services?

Thanks to our many generous donors, sponsors, and volunteers, Michael’s Place’s in-house support services are offered at no cost to the individuals and families we serve. We are grateful to the organizations, families, and individuals who contribute financial resources, supplies, time, and talent because they believe in the importance and effectiveness of our mission.

How does Michael’s Place help my family and friends through grief?

Unresolved grief can lead to many complicating factors including alcohol and substance use and abuse, academic issues, relationship difficulties, suicidal ideation, depression, and physical health issues. To address these issues for those suffering a loss, Michael’s Place has developed a system of support groups, events, activities, and resources that help to support a grieving person through the journey of grief. One key to the success of Michael’s Place programs is that the person suffering loss learns that he or she is not alone. With this profound and comforting sense of community, healing can begin.

How can I help a grieving friend?

Because every individual grieves differently, it is important for friends to keep their eyes and ears open for opportunities to ease the mourning process. Simply providing company and the opportunity to discuss a friend’s loss can be very comforting. It is also important to remember that common, everyday activities can feel overwhelming to someone grieving,  so assisting with chores and errands can be especially helpful.  We often consult with friends, family, and employers of the bereaved to offer guidance through each unique situation.

Where is Michael’s Place?

Michael’s Place is located in Traverse City, Michigan at 1212 Veterans Drive, Ste. 100.  We serve individuals and families throughout northern Michigan.

Why is it called Michael’s Place?

Michael’s Place is named in memory of Michael Dendrinos who died at the age of 14 and was the cousin of our founder, Chris Dennos.

Why does Michael’s Place need donor support?

Michael’s Place is a non-profit organization that provides 90% of its services at no cost, and all on-site grief support services are offered to individuals and families without the burden of cost.  It is crucial that our grief support services be freely available to anyone regardless of economic status, as death does not discriminate. In order to continue our mission to provide complimentary grief support services to our families, Michael’s Place relies heavily on grants, fundraising events and sponsors, underwriters and financial contributors, in-kind donations, and volunteers. Without this generous support, Michael’s Place would be unable to offer its services on a no-cost basis. Visit our donations page for more information about donor support.

How can I help Michael’s Place?

If you or someone you know has been helped by Michael’s Place, consider returning the favor. No gift of time, talent, or resources is too small to make a difference to us. Visit our volunteers page for more information about volunteer opportunities at Michael’s Place.