Sharing your story with others who've gone through similar experiences can provide a sense of comfort and validation. Discover our participants' stories and experiences with Michael's Place.
Michael’s Place is strengthened by both the people we support and those who support our mission. Through sharing these stories, we hope you gain a deeper understanding of the positive impact Michael’s Place has on those navigating grief. Across every experience, a common thread emerges: comfort, connection, and hope along the journey toward healing.
Maverick shares how the in‑school support groups helped him find his footing and learn to breathe again.
When Maverick first came to Michael’s Place in-school support groups, he was overwhelmed by the loss of his dad. “At first, I did not know what to do or what to trust,” he shares. Like many children navigating grief, he carried feelings of guilt and confusion, even trying to place the blame for his father’s death on himself.
Through the support of Michael’s Place, Maverick began to understand that his grief was not his fault and that it was okay to feel what he was feeling. He learned healthy ways to cope with stress, express his emotions, and move forward while still honoring his dad’s memory.
Most importantly, Maverick found connection and joy again. “I learned how to laugh again and made great friends,” he shares. “I learned to live and breathe again as I once did before my dad’s death.”
Lisa writes of how Michael’s Place children’s program, Robin’s Nest, helped her and her granddaughter find hope after the loss of her daughter:
“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!
A young woman who came to groups after the loss of her mother shares her experience:
“Michael’s Place has been incredibly comforting and loving to me. The Women’s Group has brought me so much support and motherly love since my mom passed away. It is the most sacred, comfortable place to share and express your grief.”
Elizabeth shares the value of having Michael’s Place as a resource following the loss of her child:
“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.”
A former attendee talks about her experience at Michael’s Place following the death of her husband to suicide:
“Thank you a thousand times for helping me through my husband’s suicide. I think of your kindness and compassion often, and it still keeps me going. Thank you for being the light when all I could see was darkness. You are amazing people, and I am grateful for your strength and the work you do.”