Our Mission

Monarch Grief  Center is a nonprofit organization in Northwest Ohio specializing in  professional grief services. Our mission is to provide those who are grieving with a place to turn so they feel less alone in their grief journey. We offer individual counseling, specialized support groups, and community outreach and education. Through generous community support, we are able to offset the costs of our professional-level services. We value all grief services in our community and seek to collaborate with all of them to provide the most grief-friendly community possible.

The idea for Monarch Grief Center was born out of the shared vision of Tim and Amy, both social workers, while they were working together at a local hospice. Amy recalled the idea that one of her friends and mentors shared years ago about a stand-alone, nonprofit grief center. Tim and Amy agreed that while there are some local resources available, most of those resources provide grief support as an ancillary service. Both Tim and Amy believe there is nothing ancillary about grief and decided to explore the development of a stand-alone center that would give the community access to specialized, professional grief services.

The process actually came together rather easily and speedily. Tim used the knowledge he had acquired from pursuing his MBA to develop a business plan and apply for the necessary IRS documentation. Within a few weeks, a process -- that often takes several months -- was complete, and our 501c3 status was approved. 

Within 10 short months, the Monarch Grief Center went through its own metamorphosis. From an idea to a change in job focus to a full-fledged non-profit that is supported by the community, Monarch began seeing clients in February of 2023. Amy and Tim donated their first couple months' salaries to get the center off the ground. It’s an exciting adventure, and we are excited to make the Monarch Grief Center everything we dream it to be and more. As we continue to grow, we are committed to collaboration with other local organizations to build connections and provide the most comprehensive grief services to our area.

Why the Monarch?

Because the "Black Swallowtail Grief Center" just doesn't quite have the same ring to it.  No, but really, the name for the center was Amy’s idea. She liked the wide variety of symbolism that butterflies evoke, especially Monarchs. After finalizing Monarch as the name, Tim recalled the work of local artist Rob Vanitvelt who had been commissioned to create an immersive exhibit made up of wooden cut-outs of monarch butterflies. We are so fortunate to have these stunning pieces displayed in our office.