Michigan first lady to help state's grieving children

By Kathy Barks Hoffman Associated Press LANSING (AP) -- Sue Snyder said Tuesday it seemed "like the right fit" to take on the plight of grieving children as her cause while she's Michigan's first lady. The wife of Gov. Rick Snyder and mother of three is taking on the role of spokeswoman for the Michigan Network for Grieving Children to promote access to resources for children who have lost a parent, sibling or someone close to them. The network has been launched by Ele's Place, a nonprofit organization that offers free support services for grieving children and their families in Lansing and Ann Arbor. It's traditional for the spouses of Michigan governor's spouses to take on a cause while their wife or husband is in office. Former Gov. Jennifer Granholm's husband, Dan Mulhern, promoted mentoring during her eight years in office. Sue Snyder said Tuesday that her first concern since her husband took office Jan. 1 has been helping her family adjust to his schedule and the demands of his job. But she also has been considering a broader role. "I felt that I wanted to do something, and I chose very carefully," she told reporters. The network "just seemed like the right fit. . . . It's a great resource." The first lady will be involved in a statewide campaign to draw attention to the grieving children network through billboards and public service announcements. She's also the honorary chairwoman of the Ele's Place spring fundraising reception today at the Travis Pointe Country Club in Ann Arbor. "I was so moved by what they do," she said of Ele's Place. "It really touched me." The network's website includes information on where to get help for grieving children and tips for teachers and other adults on how to help children deal with the loss of a loved one. Laurie Baumer, Ele's Place president and CEO, said a significant number of grieving children exist in every community. About 300 children in the Lansing area and more than 100 in the Ann Arbor area are served by Ele's Place. ---------------- Online: Michigan Network for Grieving Children: http://www.KidsGrief.org Published: Thu, May 12, 2011