Gabby's Ladder Grief Center

05/25/2026

As we pause this Memorial Day to honor and remember those who have died, we also recognize the many individuals and families carrying grief, remembrance, love, and longing in their hearts. Memorial Day reminds us that remembrance matters—that the bonds we share continue beyond loss, and that healing is often found in community, reflection, and connection.

Join Gabby's Grief Center for a meaningful afternoon of remembrance, healing, and hope at our Butterfly Release.

On Sunday, May 31st, from 2:00–3:30pm, we will gather to honor loved ones through the symbolic release of butterflies—representing transformation, adaptation, connection, and the enduring bond we carry forward.

Location:
Gabby's Grief Center
2262 N. Monroe Street
Monroe, MI 48162

Please register to reserve your butterfly today:
(734) 242-8773

This special event is open to individuals and families navigating grief, as well as those who wish to support and stand alongside them. Together, we create space to remember, reflect, and heal—because no one should grieve alone.

Reserve your spot today and join us in this beautiful tribute of love, remembrance, and hope. 🦋

Send a message to learn more

05/24/2026

This Memorial Day, we pause to remember and honor the brave men and women who gave their lives in service to our country.

At Gabby's Grief Center, we recognize that Memorial Day can hold both gratitude and grief. Behind every name remembered is a family, a story, a life deeply loved, and people who continue carrying that loss each day.

As our community gathers for parades, ceremonies, cookouts, and moments of reflection throughout Monroe County this Memorial Day weekend, may we also remember those quietly grieving beside us. Grief and remembrance often walk hand in hand.

We are grateful to the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1138 for sponsoring the Annual Memorial Day Parade on Monday, May 25, 2026. The parade will begin at 2:00 PM on Jones Avenue and conclude on Monroe Street at the River Raisin Bridge with a wreath ceremony honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

If you are looking for meaningful ways to honor the day in 2026, consider:
• Supporting local veterans and veteran-serving organizations through donations, outreach, or acts of appreciation
• Sending cards, care packages, or messages of gratitude to veterans and active-duty military members
• Visiting a local veterans memorial or cemetery and placing flowers or flags in remembrance
• Participating in Memorial Day ceremonies and moments of silence honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice
• Checking in on veterans and military families who may also be carrying grief, trauma, or loss

Today, we remember with honor.
We grieve with love.
And we hold close the legacy of those who served and sacrificed. ❤️🤍💙

05/16/2026

🌲 Camp Fearless is filling up quickly! 🌲

Camper letters are beginning to go out, and we are getting excited to welcome children and teens for another meaningful Camp Fearless experience through Gabby's Grief Center 💚

Current availability by age group:

🧸 Littles (Ages 4–6) — 17 openings
🎨 Ages 7–9 — 17 openings
🥾 Ages 10–12 — 20 openings
🔥 Teens (Ages 13–18) — 22 openings

Space is limited, and spots will continue to fill quickly. Camp Fearless provides a safe, supportive environment where grieving youth can connect, express themselves, build coping skills, and discover they are not alone in their grief journey.

📲 Scan the QR code on the flyer to register today!

05/15/2026

To the incredible Leadership Monroe Class of 2026 (BEST. CLASS. EVER.) Thank you for your leadership, your willingness to learn, and your commitment to strengthening our community.

It is with a grateful heart that Gabby's Grief Center shares the good fortune and participation of Executive Director Kate Longenbarger and Board Member Anya Lusk in this opportunity, and the unexpected impact it has had!

Leadership is not simply about titles or positions. It is about showing up, listening well, building relationships, and choosing to invest in others' futures. Throughout this journey, the Class of 2026 demonstrated collaboration, courage, compassion, and a deep desire to make a meaningful impact across Monroe and beyond.

In reflection: "Thank you, classmates, for the conversations, the service, the vulnerability, the laughter, and the shared vision for a stronger and more connected community. The relationships built throughout this experience will continue to ripple outward in meaningful ways for years to come. And, to our leaders, thank you for showing up and exemplifying leadership!" ~Kate

A heartfelt thank you also goes to the many community leaders, organizations, businesses, presenters, and sponsors who invested their time, resources, and expertise into this program. Your support helps cultivate thoughtful, community-minded leaders who are prepared to face challenges with empathy, innovation, and collaboration.

Special thanks to:
Presenting Sponsor: Monroe Community Credit Union
Gold Sponsor: Williams Insurance Agency of Southeast Michigan, LLC
Silver Sponsor: TLC Community Credit Union
Support: DTE Energy Foundation
Program Partner: Team Solutions

Thank you to Gabby's Grief Center Board of Directors for supporting and encouraging this opportunity.

Thank you to First Merchant's Bank for investing in future community leaders.

The connections in this class have shown up for each other in ways one would not expect... for 9 months, this group has done life together, and what a ride it has been. It is an honor to be a part of this group and call them friends. Thank you.

Programs like Leadership Monroe remind us that strong communities are built when people choose to lead together.

Thank you for believing in the power of leadership, connection, and community. Congratulations to the Leadership Monroe Class of 2026. The future is brighter because of you, personally and professionally!

05/09/2026

No one should navigate grief alone.

04/27/2026

Join us for a meaningful afternoon of remembrance, healing, and hope at Gabby’s Grief Center’s Butterfly Release.

On Saturday, May 31st, from 2:00–3:30pm, we will gather to honor loved ones through the symbolic release of butterflies—representing transformation, connection, and the enduring bond we carry forward.

Location:
Gabby's Grief Center
2262 N. Monroe Street
Monroe, MI. 48162

Please register to secure your butterfly today! 734-242-8773.

This special event is open to individuals and families navigating grief, as well as those who wish to support and stand alongside them. Together, we create space to remember, reflect, and heal—because no one should grieve alone.

Reserve your spot today and join us in this beautiful tribute.

04/23/2026

National Volunteer Week at Gabby's Grief Center! 💙

At Gabby’s Grief Center, our volunteers make this work possible. The time, care, and compassion given each day create a space where children and families feel truly seen, supported, and less alone in their grief. Meet our Peer Grief Specialist and Board of Directors.

From preparing welcoming spaces to caring for our grounds, supporting group nights, and through Board leadership, every act of service matters and is not unnoticed. We are sincerely grateful for the heart ALL of our volunteers bring to this community!

Interested in making a difference?

Learn more about getting involved: www.gabbysgriefcenter.org

04/15/2026

Some of the hardest moments in a child’s life happen unexpectedly... and often, law enforcement is there first.

We are grateful for our partnership with the Monroe Public Safety Department and Monroe Kiwanis, and for opportunities such as our recent visit with therapy dog Buddy and Director Tolstedt. Through both K-9 connection and the comfort of plush canines, we’re reminded how powerful a sense of safety and calm can be for a child in crisis.

Together, our goal is simple: to meet children and families with compassion in the moment and walk alongside them in the days that follow—because no one should have to carry grief alone. 💜

If this resonates with your family or someone you know, we invite you to reach out. Support is here, and you don’t have to navigate grief on your own.

Call 734.242.8773.

The Monroe Public Safety Department, in partnership with the Monroe Kiwanis, recently donated 10 of our K-9 Hero plush canines to Gabby's Ladder Grief Center here in Monroe.

Gabby’s Grief Center provides compassionate, no-cost grief support for children, teens, adults, and families, both before and after a death loss. Their work helps ensure those facing grief are supported, connected, and not alone.

Our K-9 Hero Plush Program was created to provide comfort to children during difficult moments, and we are grateful to see these plush canines now helping support local families through Gabby’s important mission.

We are thankful for community partnerships like this and appreciate the Kiwanis Club of Monroe for helping make this possible. Kiwanis is a community-minded service organization dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. Picture (L to R): Kiwanis Club of Monroe representative Deb Staelgraeve, Director of Public Safety, Chad J. Tolstedt, and Kate Longenbarger, Executive Director of Gabby's.

If you or someone close to you is dealing with loss, Gabby’s Grief Center may be a helpful resource. More information can be found on their website. https://www.gabbysgriefcenter.org/

Michigan Doodle Rescue Connect

01/26/2026

Weather Update ❄️

Gabby’s Grief Center is closed today due to inclement weather. While our building is closed, our staff is working remotely and ready to take calls and continue serving you.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re still here for you. Stay safe and warm! 💙

01/15/2026