Garrett Drew Ellis: Founder of The Center for Refuge and Advocate for Life’s Stories

Garrett Drew Ellis is the founder and visionary behind The Center for Refuge, a resource center dedicated to helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of grief, end-of-life planning, and legacy creation. With a background as a professional writer, end-of-life doula, and educator, Garrett brings a wealth of experience and compassion to his work, empowering others to face life’s transitions with clarity and ease of suffering.

Garrett began his work in this work as the Owner, Principal Writer, and End-of-Life Doula at Beyond Morning LLC, building a private practice that quickly gained recognition for its unique blend of memoir writing, legacy creation, and doula services. His deep commitment to supporting others led him to become an educator and facilitator with the International End of Life Doula Association (INELDA), where he was fortunate enough to train others to provide compassionate end-of-life care.

Garrett’s dedication to storytelling is evident in his work as a legacy writer, where he has authored over 30 life stories and memoirs on behalf of others. These works capture narratives of trauma, resilience, faith, and triumph, ensuring that each story is preserved for future generations. His expertise extends to his authorship, including Write Until You Feel Better and A Stone of Help.

At The Center for Refuge, Garrett continues his mission to support individuals during life’s most vulnerable moments, offering a physical location where individuals can come in and find rest and security while they grieve. The center offers a range of services, including:

• Advance Directives and End-of-Life Conversations: Assisting individuals in planning their care and documenting their wishes.
• Grief Support: Providing workshops, support groups, and one-on-one consultations for those navigating loss.
• Legacy and Memoir Writing: Guiding clients in preserving their stories, values, and life lessons through written works.
• Community Education: Hosting events and training sessions to raise awareness and foster dialogue around death, grief, and end-of-life planning.

Garrett has also served as a Study Circle facilitator with the Institute of Birth, Breath, and Death and is a Certified Nursing Assistant in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. He is a member of the National Alliance for Childhood Grief and volunteers with Experience Camps, a transformative summer camp program for grieving children.

Living in Central Pennsylvania with his four children, Garrett balances his professional life with a love of reading epic novels and memoirs. His personal and professional journey is defined by a commitment to ensuring that every voice is heard, every story is told, and every life is honored with dignity and compassion.

Through The Refuge, Garrett is building a space where healing and hope intersect, helping individuals and families find peace in the face of loss and uncertainty.