Ryan's Place

09/04/2026

💛 A Gift From the Heart 💛

There are some gifts that are simply beautiful… and then there are gifts that carry a piece of the heart of the person who made them.

The Toy Makers of Middlebury recently returned to Ryan’s Place with even more of their beautiful, handcrafted toys for the children we serve. And once again, we were deeply touched by their generosity. 🧸💛

These toys are made by hand, but what they truly carry is something much greater…hours of time, thoughtful craftsmanship, kindness, and love.

For a child grieving the death of someone they love, a simple toy can become so much more. It can be something to hold when their heart feels heavy. A little comfort on a difficult day. A moment of joy when joy feels far away. A reminder that there are people in this community who care about them.

The fact that the Toy Makers came back to give even more makes this gift feel especially meaningful. They didn’t just make something for our children… they remembered them. 💛

Thank you for opening your hearts and sharing your incredible gifts with Ryan’s Place. Your kindness will find its way into the hands and hearts of children who need it most.

We are so grateful. 💫

09/02/2026

💜 Have you registered for Rebecca’s Run yet? 👉 https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Goshen/RebeccasRun2026

From September 4–7, supporters from near and far will lace up their shoes in honor of Rebecca Taylor and in remembrance of all those whose lives have been touched by addiction and fentanyl-related deaths.

Rebecca’s Run is a virtual 5K, so you can participate wherever you are…run, walk, or gather with friends and family while supporting grieving children, teens, and families through Ryan’s Place.

As a way of honoring Rebecca’s life and memory, her family created Rebecca’s Run to support others facing grief and life’s difficult challenges. We are deeply grateful that Ryan’s Place has been chosen as the beneficiary of this meaningful event.

Every registration and donation helps Ryan’s Place provide support, connection, hope, and healing to children, teens, and families after the death of a loved one.

👟 Adult & Kids 5K Options
📅 September 4–7
📍 Participate from anywhere
💜 100% of proceeds benefit Ryan’s Place

Whether you run, walk, donate, or share Rebecca’s Run with someone you know, you are helping make sure that grieving children and families have a place to turn.

Register or donate today:
https://runsignup.com/Race/IN/Goshen/RebeccasRun2026 or visit our website at www.ryansplace.org to learn more about Rebecca’s Run

Thank you to the Taylor family, Rachel Voelkel, and everyone who continues to honor Rebecca’s memory through this special event. 🩷

📸- Rachel & Rebecca sisters

08/31/2026

A big thank you to Rudy Kusher, General Manager of Lippert Plant 85, and this outstanding team of volunteers!

Through Lippert’s Community Impact Initiative, these volunteers spent their Friday afternoon giving back to the community and supporting Ryan’s Place. We are grateful for their willingness to share their time, energy, and talents with us.

Strong communities are built by people who step up to help others, and this group did exactly that.

Thank you, Rudy and the entire Lippert team, for investing in our community and for making Ryan’s Place a priority. We appreciate you 💙

08/30/2026

Today, on National Grief Awareness Day, we are incredibly grateful to the Goshen Police Department for recognizing the importance of grief support and for highlighting the work of Ryan’s Place.

Grief touches every family, every school, every workplace, and every community at some point. Yet it is often one of the most misunderstood experiences we face. At Ryan’s Place, we believe that healing begins when people have a safe place to share their story, connect with others who understand, and know they are not alone.

Whether through peer support groups, crisis response services, community education, or training opportunities, our mission remains the same: to provide support in a safe environment where grieving children, teens, and their families can share their experience as they move through the healing process.

Thank you to the Goshen Police Department for helping raise awareness and for being a valued community partner. Together, we can ensure that no child, teen, or family has to navigate grief alone.

💙

Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, and it doesn’t look the same for everyone. But no one should have to navigate it alone.

In recognition of National Grief Awareness Day, we want to highlight an incredible resource available right here in our community: Ryan’s Place.

Ryan’s Place provides support for children, teens, adults, and families following the death of someone they love. Their services also extend beyond their ongoing peer support groups. When a sudden death impacts a school, workplace, organization, or community, their trained staff can provide immediate, on-site crisis support at no cost.

They also provide education, presentations, trainings, and guidance to help schools, healthcare professionals, organizations, and community members better understand grief and support those experiencing it.

Sometimes the hardest part of grief is simply knowing where to turn. Ryan’s Place is here to remind our community that you don’t have to walk through it alone. 💙

To learn more about Ryan’s Place and the services they offer, visit www.ryansplace.org or call 574-535-1000.

08/27/2026

When a death impacts a school, workplace, or community, the effects can be felt far beyond the immediate family.

Ryan’s Place provides immediate, on-site crisis support at no cost to schools, organizations, and businesses following a sudden death. Our trained staff help individuals process grief, answer difficult questions, and connect people with resources and support.

Beyond crisis response, we offer community education, presentations, trainings, and guidance throughout the year for educators, healthcare professionals, community organizations, and anyone seeking to better support grieving children and teens.

Together, we can create communities where no child grieves alone. 💙

To learn more about our Crisis Support and Community Education services, visit www.ryansplace.org or call 574 535 1000

08/26/2026

As children and teens head back to school, they may be carrying more than backpacks and school supplies.

For grieving children, the start of a new school year can bring feelings of anxiety, sadness, loneliness, and uncertainty. While these emotions may not always be visible, they can have a significant impact on a child’s day-to-day experience.

The NACG National Alliance for Children's Grief provides valuable resources to help schools, caregivers, and communities better support grieving children. Visit nacg.org/schools to learn more.

At Ryan’s Place, we understand that grief doesn’t take a break when school begins. If a child, teen, or family you know is navigating the death of a loved one, we are here to help. Call us at 574 535 1000

Because every child deserves support, understanding, and the reminder that they do not have to grieve alone. 💙

08/25/2026

🌟 Ryan’s Place Program Nights Are Back! 🌟

We believe that no child or family should grieve alone.

Our fall peer support groups begin Monday, September 14, and Tuesday, September 15. A meal will be served beginning at 6:00 p.m., followed by peer support groups

Ryan’s Place provides a safe, supportive environment where children, teens, and adults can connect with others who have experienced the death of a loved one and find hope and healing together.

✔ Support for ages 3 through adult
✔ Dinner provided before groups
✔ Peer support groups on Monday and Tuesday evenings
✔ Intake required prior to participation

To learn more or begin the intake process, contact us at 574-535-1000.

💙 Because at Ryan’s Place, no child grieves alone.

08/24/2026

Ryan’s Place is honored to be the recipient of the 6th Annual Rebecca’s Run, a virtual 5K held September 4–7 in memory of Rebecca Taylor and all those whose lives have been impacted by addiction and fentanyl-related deaths.

Rebecca’s story is one of love, resilience, and remembrance. Through this event, her family and friends are transforming grief into hope by supporting children, teens, and families who are grieving the death of a loved one.

As Rebecca’s sister, Rachel, shared:

“I wish when Becca passed away, I knew about an organization like Ryan’s Place. I know that would have helped my grieving process and helped me connect to others who have experienced a similar tragedy.”

Those words remind us why this work matters. No one should have to navigate grief alone.

Whether you choose to run, walk, donate, or simply share Rebecca’s story, your support helps ensure that no child grieves alone.

💙 Virtual 5K for adults and kids
📅 September 4–7
🏃 Participate from anywhere
🎗️ All proceeds benefit Ryan’s Place

We are deeply grateful to the Taylor family, Rebecca’s friends, and everyone who continues to honor her memory through this meaningful event.

Together, we remember. Together, we support. Together, we bring hope and healing to grieving families.

For more information about Ryan’s Place and Rebecca’s Run, visit www.ryansplace.org

Ready to sign up for Rebecca’s Run? Register here: ⁠ https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=212497


📸: Rachel and Rebecca, sisters forever 🩷

08/21/2026

Ryan’s Place Grief Support in Schools

Grief can affect every part of a child’s life. Through our school-based grief support groups, children and teens can connect with peers who understand, share their experiences, and develop healthy coping skills in a safe and supportive environment.

For many students, attending an evening grief program may not be possible. Our school-based groups bring support directly to where children spend much of their day, helping them process the death of a loved one while building hope, resilience, and connection.

If you would like to learn more about bringing a Ryan’s Place grief support group to your school, please contact:

Chris Seminario, MSW, LSW
Director of School Programs and Spanish Services
📞 574-535-1000

08/20/2026

Ryan’s Place was honored to support Crossroads United Way, serving Elkhart, LaGrange, Noble and Steuben Counties at the 2026 Great Cardboard Boat Race! 🚣‍♂️💙

What an incredible day filled with creativity, teamwork, laughter, and community spirit. We are grateful to partner with organizations like Crossroads United Way that bring people together while making a positive impact in our community, and we are especially grateful for their continued support of Ryan’s Place and the families we serve.

This event helps support Crossroads United Way’s important work in Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Security, and Community Resiliency across Elkhart, LaGrange, Noble, and Steuben counties.

Thank you to everyone who participated, volunteered, cheered on the racers, and helped make this event such a success. We’re proud to stand alongside community partners who share our commitment to supporting local families and creating meaningful connections.