Welcome to Joel's Place for Children

Peer-Based Grief Support Groups for Children, Teens & Families

At Joel’s Place, we provide peer-based grief support groups for school-aged children and their families who have experienced the death of someone special in their lives. If your family or someone you know is in need of support, please reach out to us at 440 -248-4412.

Children and teens at Joel’s Place for Children can express feelings, share memories, and honor their loved one(s) in a supportive and hope-filled environment with peers who have also experienced the death of someone special. We also offer a support group for the adults who bring children to Joel’s Place. We have been supporting grieving children and their families in the Greater Cleveland area since 2003.

Our children and adult grief support groups typically meet every other Tuesday from 6:30-8:15pm at Bay Presbyterian Church in Bay Village. The night begins with a family dinner at 6:30 PM, followed by the group meetings from 7:00 – 8:15 PM. Joel’s Place for Children has no religious affiliation; all are welcome.

Testimonials

“You are the answer to our prayers. You have been a soft place to fall after the tragic loss of my son. Our grandchild is treated with respect, not as if he’s different. Of all the things we’ve tried to get him interested in since the death of his father, none is as important as Joel’s Place. He feels safe and normal; he’s in a place where people understand.”

- one of our grandparents

“Joel’s Place is an amazing place run by amazing people. They've helped me deal with the loss of my friend. I don't know where I'd be without them.”

- one of our teens

“Joel’s Place is a safe place for my daughter to share her feelings. It has truly been a joy for my daughter to be in this program, not only for her grieving but also for her confidence.”

- one of our parents

"I was introduced to Joel’s Place [when I was 13, after the death of my father]. Joel’s Place left a lasting imprint on my heart that will forever be there. As a child they taught me how to grieve through various mediums- from art, to journaling, to song and spoken words. The facilitators there gave me the space I needed to understand the immense feelings of grief, the up and down journey that comes along with it, and healing. I was able to honor my feelings, and thoughts while honoring the memory of my dad."

- past participant

"Some people at school are nice. But they don't get it. I talk with my counselor about empathy and sympathy. We can have empathy with each other at Joel's Place. We get it."

- one of our children

"Joel's Place helps you realize you're not alone... When you lose somebody you feel like nobody else can have the same feelings as you... then you meet other people that have gone through similar situations or maybe even a little bit different, and you meet people you can relate with."

- one of our parents

"I have never felt so called to do something in my entire life. Thank you for fostering an environment that allows me to feel supported and comfortable using my skills to help these kids."

- one of our volunteer facilitators

"The pieces I created during my time at Joel’s Place I still have to this day, and I cherish every one of them. Now almost 24 years old, I’ve taken my life experiences and the impact of my time at Joel’s Place, and I’m almost finished with my Bachelor’s degree, making me an Art Facilitator. I have no doubt that my path began to be paved when I experienced this loss and when I was apart of Joel’s Place."

- one of our teens