Our story is rooted in generosity, community, and the belief that grief shared is healing found.
Gabby’s Ladder, known today as Gabby’s Grief Center, has been a place of support and healing for grieving families since 2001. Founded by two nurses, Jan Baden and Ellie Mruzek, whose own experiences with death, grief, and loss inspired them to act. Gabby's Grief Center was founded in loving memory of Joseph Nicholas Baden, whose untimely death was the inspiration for its conception. Gabby’s Ladder Grief Center was built on a simple but powerful vision: no one should have to face grief alone.
That vision became reality with an $18,000 startup grant from the Community Foundation of Monroe County, made possible through the tobacco industry settlement. On July 1, 2001, Gabby’s Ladder opened its doors, offering grief support to children and families at no cost through the generosity of Laurie Berry who offered her place of business, "Monroe Homecare Shop" as our original meeting place.
What began as a small but heartfelt effort has, grown into a trusted community resource—providing care, compassion, and hope for families navigating the most challenging moments of their lives. In 2003, we became a proud United Way of Monroe County partner agency, receiving ongoing support through their community campaign.
Created by our founders, inspired by love and hope, our little angel Gabby, named after Angel Gabriel, stands as a symbol of welcome and comfort. She is always there, ready to open the door to any grieving child, adult, or family with her gentle words: “Welcome, please come in.”
Read more about about our founders and leadership below:
Janice Baden is a co-founder of Gabby’s Grief Center. In 2001 she co-founded the family grief center, Gabby's Ladder, Inc. in memory of her son Joey, and served as its director as well as a grief counselor. She shared her generous gift of leadership in securing grants to fund Gabby's Ladder. Through her guidance, Gabby's Ladder has provided grief support and education to over 10,000 people since its doors opened. She was a leader in the Monroe community in creating the Suicide Prevention Manual of Monroe County, MI. She published a journal workbook for grieving teens, "Risen Heart the Light Within" in 2005. She was involved in presenting workshops about grieving children and adults in schools, churches and community organizations throughout Michigan and Ohio. She received her RN from Mercy School of Nursing in 1966. In 1987 she received the Nursing Excellence Award for Community Services at Mercy Hospital. In 1990 she graduated from the University of Toledo, Summa Cum Laude, with a Masters Degree in Education. She was a Licensed Professional Counselor, Licensed Social Worker and a Certified Trauma and Loss Counselor and a School Specialist. She had over 20 years of experience as a grief counselor. She was the Director of Bereavement Services for Hospice of Monroe, MI, for 10 years. During that time, she developed many grief support groups and provided bereavement counseling for the Monroe community.
Eleanor Mruzek, co-founder of Gabby’s Ladder Grief Center and had been certified in trauma and loss facilitation. Eleanor was a 1954 graduate of the Mercy School of Nursing, Detroit, MI. Eleanor was an early advocate of Wellness in Healthcare. She created a well-known puppet character “Nurse Rosy” that was a teaching vehicle to introduce children to nutrition, hygiene, and other good health habits. Eleanor also was a frequent contributor of human-interest stories to the Monroe Evening News, with primary topics of country living, human nature and child rearing.
Janice (Jan) and Eleanor (Ellie) approach two dedicated women in Monroe to join them in the launch of Gabby’s Grief Center, Kaye Lani Rae Rafko Wilson and Renee Darrow who continue to serve Gabby’s Grief Center today.
Kaye Lani Rae Rafko Wilson is Gabby’s Grief Center’s current Development Director. In September 1987, Kaye Lani Rae Rafko Wilson achieved the title of Miss America 1988, securing the crown after winning the Miss Michigan pageant earlier that year. Her platform during the Miss America competition focused on supporting hospice services, and she showcased her talent through a captivating Tahitian dancing performance. Mrs. Wilson completed her degree and worked as an Oncology Nurse and remains active in the Miss America Organization.
Beyond the realm of pageantry, Rafko has actively engaged in numerous fundraising initiatives, emerging as a prominent advocate for nursing and hospice programs. Her influence extends globally, as she has addressed medical professional organizations in diverse locations such as Malaysia, Paris, Rome, and Singapore. Kaye Lani continues to advocate for the support of programming to help those in need to this day.
A registered nurse by profession, Kaye Lani is the dedicated Executive Director of Gabby's Grief Center, a bereavement program she helped launch following the loss of her fourth child, Gabriel. Tragically, she also experienced the loss of her younger brother, Nick, who played football at the University of Wisconsin–Madison from 1989 to 1993. He was involved in a fatal car accident on June 26, 1994. Her deep devotion to serving the community of Monroe is unwavering and if you are traveling or close by be sure to stop into Gabby’s Grief Center to meet her and Gabby’s team!
Renee Darrow, a dedicated and compassionate individual who currently serves as the Board President Emeritus has a heart committed to making a positive impact, Renee has become a driving force behind our mission to provide support and peace to those navigating the challenging journey of grief. Renee’s professional background is as a Registered Nurse.
As a seasoned philanthropist, Renee brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of community needs. Her unwavering commitment to serving her community stems from a genuine desire to create a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals and families facing loss.
Beyond her role as the Board President Emeritus, Renee actively engages in various charitable initiatives, leveraging resources to enhance the organization's capacity to reach and assist more people in their time of need. Her leadership style is characterized by empathy, strategic vision, and a hands-on approach to philanthropy.
Renee firmly believes in the power of community support and is dedicated to fostering an environment of healing and resilience. Her philanthropic endeavors extend beyond financial contributions, often involving direct involvement in community events, awareness campaigns, and fundraising activities.
With a genuine passion for serving others, Renee inspires both the board and the community to come together, offering a beacon of hope for those grappling with grief. As the Board President Emeritus, she plays a pivotal role in steering the organization towards its goals, ensuring that compassionate assistance is readily available to all who seek it.
In Renee, we are fortunate to have a leader whose philanthropic spirit propels our grief organization forward, making a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.
Executive Director | Speaker & Consultant
Kate Longenbarger is a Licensed Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, and Certified Family Life Educator with extensive experience supporting individuals and families through grief, trauma, and life transitions. Her work spans private practice, schools, community mental health settings, and outreach to marginalized populations. As a speaker and consultant, Kate is passionate about helping others understand and respond to the many ways grief and mental health shape our lives.
Kate earned her Bachelor’s degree in Family Life Education (2008) and her Master’s degree in Community Counseling (2011) from Spring Arbor University. She holds numerous specialized certifications, including Resolve Through Sharing (RTS) Bereavement Coordinator in Perinatal, Neonatal, and Pediatric Death; RTS Coordinator/Trainer; Suicide Bereavement Clinician; Certified Advanced Grief Recovery Specialist; Certified Grief Educator; Certified Trauma Practitioner; Death Doula; Parent Talk System Facilitator & Trainer; and Yoga Kids Apprentice.
A lifelong learner, Kate continues to deepen her knowledge through additional training in First Responder Counseling, Thanatology, and Clinical Supervision. She lives in Dundee, Michigan, with her husband, Dan, and treasures time with their adult children—Jordan, Hope (Alan), and Madeline—and their three grandchildren.
Gabby’s Grief Center is a community-driven organization extending graceful service to those in grief as they discover hope and gather strength to heal in a supportive, judgment-free space.
To be the hub for all things grief. Gabby’s Grief Center strives to meet and provide excellence in our standard of care as the grief experts for anyone seeking support within our community and southeast Michigan.
What it means to journey grief together.
• Grace. Embracing everyone without judgment, we meet individuals in their unique journey of grief, recognizing their diverse expressions, intensity, and duration. It is both humbling and an honor to walk alongside a grieving heart through their process.
• Space. Gabby’s Grief Center acknowledges the interconnectedness of spiritual, physical, emotional, and mental well-being. We create environments that support individuals comprehensively, recognizing that grief affects every facet of life.
• Hope. Serving as companions in the journey of grief, we believe in witnessing and supporting others through pain, always emphasizing the cultivation of hope at Gabby’s Grief Center.
• Healing. Acknowledging grief as a natural response to loss, we understand healing as an ongoing, unique journey. At Gabby’s, we recognize that integrating the pain into one's life story is a continuous process, free from the confines of a checklist or stages.
• Integrity: We do what is right, ethically and morally.
From our Board of Directors to our smallest of grievers, Gabby’s Grief Center strives to create a space safe for all.
• Authenticity: We are who we say we are. We are true to our identity and values. Gabby’s Grief Center will meet you right where you are in your journey as your supportive, grief companions. It’s OK if you don’t know how to do this! No one does and Gabby's Grief Center will be here, so no one grieves alone!
• Reliability: We do what we say we will do. We will uphold our commitment to you. Gabby’s Grief Center is committed to consistency. We will show up. We will be present. We will give grace as you grieve wholly.
• Empathy: We are humans, witnessing other humans doing a normal and natural human thing. We journey together.
Gabby’s Grief center is aligned with the belief- if love is not a disorder, illness, or diagnosis, then neither is grief. We recognize and embrace the shared humanity in witnessing others navigate the normal and natural process of grief.
At Gabbys Grief Center, care becomes action. We're thrilled to have you join us on this virtual tour. Step inside and get to know our dedicated team, whose empathy and expertise guide our mission and vision to provide hope and support to those navigating grief.
Glimpse into our welcoming space through photos that reflect the comforting environment welcoming our grieving community. Explore snapshots of our team in action, offering kindness and understanding to individuals, families, and the broader community. Witness the impact of your support in images that capture heartfelt moments of griefwork and meaningful relationships fostered through our services.
We’re excited to share our journey with you and look forward to making a lasting difference together as those grieving find moments of permission to embrace grief and grace in their journey. We invite you to see how healing happens, one heart at a time.
We deeply appreciate our community partners for their crucial role in supporting Gabby’s Grief Center. As a non-profit organization, we offer services at no cost to individuals, families, and organizations in times of grief before and after a death.
Recognizing the universal experience of loss, we believe it's vital to provide grief support without financial barriers, ensuring accessibility for all, regardless of economic status. To sustain our mission, Gabby’s Grief Center relies on the unwavering support of community partners like you.
Your contributions, including grants, fundraising events, sponsorship, financial support, in-kind donations, and volunteerism, create sustainability and enable us to continue to provide our services at no cost throughout Monroe County and surrounding areas. Without your generosity, Gabby’s Grief Center could not fulfill our mission to provide grace, space, hope and healing to grievers in our communities. It’s your commitment and kindness which allow us to profoundly impact the lives of those navigating grief.
THANK YOU as we extend our heartfelt gratitude to each valued supporter!
If you would join us in having an meaningful impact in a griever’s life, click HERE to view gifting options today!
With our deepest gratitude and appreciation Gabby’s Grief Center would like to acknowledge the following grief centers and thank them for their guidance, collaboration, and mentorship as we have expanded in so many ways to serve our grieving community. Thank you!
If you would join us in having an meaningful impact in a griever’s life, click HERE to view gifting options today!
Are you passionate about making a positive impact in the lives of those navigating the challenging pathways of grief? If so, we invite you to consider joining our dedicated team at Gabby’s Grief Center. As a leading organization committed to providing support and a safe space to individuals and families experiencing grief, we are looking for compassionate and skilled individuals to contribute to our mission.
Childhood grief affects millions of children, yet many lack access to the services they so desperately need. These numbers highlight the profound impact of loss on young lives and the vital role of compassionate bereavement care. Your generosity enables Gabby’s Grief Center’s in-person peer programs and services to make a real difference for grieving children and families. Explore the latest statistics below to understand the scope of need and the potential impact of your support in our grieving community.
Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those in our community by providing compassion, support, and healing during life's most challenging moments. To join our dedicated team as a staff member, volunteer, or teen volunteer, please download and complete the appropriate interest form below. Once completed, email it to info@gabbysgriefcenter.org.
Gabby’s Grief Center serves individuals beginning at 4 years old and throughout the lifespan after a death loss. We offer peer support for children, teenagers, young adults, parents, and caregivers.
Yes, we offer support groups tailored to the unique needs of children, teenagers, and adults, as well as separate groups for parents and caregivers.
If you are experiencing grief and seeking support, Gabby’s will be here when you are ready. You will sit with a grief companion and learn more about our services to determine if they align with your needs.
Our services include in-house youth, family, and adult peer-based support opportunities. We provide school-based peer support groups, synergy workshops, educational resources, community outreach events, and memorial services.
No. While we are not a counseling or therapy center, we do provide therapeutic support through our peer grief support groups and referrals to qualified therapists when appropriate.
No. All services provided by Gabby’s Grief Center are offered to all grievers, to all ages, at no cost to the individuals and families we serve.
Gabby’s Grief Center support groups meet on designated days and times at our center's location. We are located at 2262 N. Monroe St., Monroe, Mi. 48162. Gabby’s Grief Center does not offer virtual support options currently.
Gabby’s Grief Center programs are offered year-round. Families may join at any time and stay as long as needed. Group offerings may vary based on staff and volunteer availability. We encourage you to commit to at least a whole program year, September until June. Additional family summer activities are provided during the summer months of July and August.
Gabby’s Grief Center respects individuals' privacy and does not initiate contact with those experiencing grief. However, we warmly invite and welcome their call to us whenever they feel ready. This approach is upheld to ensure confidentiality. We encourage individuals in need of support to take the first step and contact us when they are comfortable. Additionally, we appreciate any assistance in spreading the word about Gabby’s Grief Center to families who may benefit from our services.
We strive to provide services in multiple languages based on demand. Currently, we offer support in English and may expand to additional languages in the future. Please search our Resources Page for support links to support resources in Spanish.
To access our services, please contact us via phone 734-242-8773, email: info@gabbysgriefcenter.org or visit our website at www.gabbysgriefcenter.org. We look forward to connecting with you!
Gabby’s Grief Center welcomes volunteers who are passionate about supporting individuals through their grief journey. Volunteer opportunities include facilitating support groups, assisting with events, and providing administrative support. Other ways to get involved can be found under the “Get involved” tab on our website.
Volunteer facilitators are asked to commit to a one program year (September to June) and volunteer every other week. Prior to facilitating groups, volunteers are required to attend facilitator training provided by Gabby’s Grief Center.
Volunteering as a facilitator at Gabby’s Grief Center doesn't require any specific background. Instead, we seek individuals who possess a genuine willingness to listen, a compassionate spirit of service, an openness to learning new techniques, and the capacity to support children and adults navigating grief without attempting to provide solutions or advice. A background check is required.
Donations can be made online through our website, by mail, or in person at our center. Gabby’s Grief Center offers a variety of donation or gifting options as we know it’s YOUR generous contributions that create gifts in action and create sustainability, so Gabby’s Grief Center is able to provide essential services to grieving families.
We recognize the impact of "grief brain" and advise individuals who have recently experienced a death loss of a significant person in their life to wait at least one year before considering volunteering. Prior to joining as volunteers, all individuals will undergo an interview process conducted by Gabby's Grief Center's Program Team. This process aims to determine the most suitable fit, role, and timing for volunteering following a loss.