Supporting Families After Tragedy.
Honoring Lives
Lost to Violence.
The Elias Cieslak Stop the Violence Foundation helps grieving families facing the emotional and financial burden of funeral expenses after a loss caused by violence.
Community Impact
Street gun violence leaves lasting pain on families and neighborhoods. Our mission is to provide support, honor lives lost,
and inspire healing through compassion, remembrance, and community action.
Compassion
Helping families navigate grief and funeral expenses after tragic loss due to gun violence.
Healing
Creating space for
remembrance, support,
and emotional solidarity.
Awareness
Shining a light on the
real impact of gun violence
in our streets.
Hope
Bringing communities together to promote change and prevent future violence.
Our Mission
The Elias Cieslak Stop the Violence Foundation is dedicated to walking alongside families who are facing the unimaginable pain of losing a child to violence. In moments marked by profound grief, shock, and uncertainty, our mission is to provide compassion, comfort, and meaningful support to those carrying an unbearable loss. We are committed to helping ease the financial burden associated with funeral expenses, allowing families the space to focus on honoring their child, grieving with dignity, and beginning the long journey toward healing.
At the heart of our foundation is the enduring memory of Elias Cieslak and a deep commitment to honoring all innocent lives lost to senseless acts of violence. We believe that every life deserves to be remembered with love, dignity, and respect, and that every grieving family deserves to feel supported, seen, and surrounded by compassion during their darkest moments.
Through remembrance, community connection, and acts of generosity, we strive to be a source of hope for families and a force for healing within communities affected by tragedy. Our foundation stands as a tribute not only to Elias’s life, but also to the strength of love, unity, and human compassion. In honoring those we have lost, we seek to inspire solidarity, bring comfort to those left behind, and help build a future rooted in empathy, understanding, and care.
Our
Approach
We provide compassionate financial assistance to help ease funeral expenses for families grieving the loss of a child to violence, allowing them the space to focus on remembrance and healing.
Community Engagement
Through charity baseball games and community events, we bring people together to honor Elias Cieslak, support grieving families, and foster unity in the face of tragedy.
Advocacy and Awareness
We are committed to raising awareness about the lasting impact of violence on families and communities while encouraging dialogue, compassion, and meaningful change.
Memorializing Lives Lost
At the heart of our foundation is a commitment to honoring the memories of those whose lives have been taken by violence. Through meaningful tributes, including charity baseball games and community gatherings, we create spaces for remembrance, solidarity, and reflection. In doing so, we celebrate the lives of Elias Cieslak and other victims with dignity, love, and the enduring belief that they will never be forgotten.
Official Obituary of Elias Jakob Cieslak
June 11, 2005 ~ April 23, 2023 (age 17)
Obituary
Elias Cieslak, a loving, funny, and friendly young man, passed away on April 23, 2023, in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. Born on June 11, 2005, Elias was the beloved son of Crystal Maenner and Juan Cieslak, and a caring brother to Destiny Peters and Isabella Cieslak. He was a cherished grandson of Brenda and Leo Maenner, Pillar Cieslak, and the late Edward Cieslak and Carlos Garcia. Elias is survived by many aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends who will miss him dearly.
Growing up in Baltimore, Elias attended Parkville High School and was a dedicated student. He was a senior at the time of his passing, and his classmates and teachers will remember him for his warmth, humor, and friendliness. Elias' positive spirit and passion for learning will never be forgotten.
Elias had a variety of interests that brought joy to his life, and he shared that joy with those around him. An avid collector of Hot Wheels, Elias had a keen eye for detail and a deep appreciation for the craftsmanship of these miniature cars. He was also passionate about baseball, proudly wearing the #5 on his jersey, and excelling as a left-handed pitcher and center fielder. Elias' enthusiasm for the game was infectious, and he inspired his teammates with his dedication and love for the sport.
In addition to his love for baseball, Elias enjoyed riding his bike and dirt bikes, and he had a special affinity for the Bugatti, his dream car. He was an avid video gamer who spent countless hours honing his skills, and he took great pride in his collection of expensive tennis shoes. Elias was also a connoisseur of Seiko watches, appreciating their precision and timeless beauty.
Elias cherished the time he spent fishing and crabbing with his Pops, creating memories that will last a lifetime for both of them. These adventures brought them closer together and allowed Elias to embrace his love for the outdoors and the tranquility of nature.
Elias' loving, funny, and friendly nature made him a beacon of light in the lives of those who knew him. His ability to connect with others and bring laughter to any situation will be remembered by all. As Maya Angelou once said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." Elias' impact on the lives of his family and friends will never be forgotten, and the love and happiness he brought to their lives will be cherished forever.
In the face of this tremendous loss, we remember Elias Cieslak for the joy, laughter, and love he brought to our lives. Though his time on this earth was far too short, the memories he created with his family and friends will live on in their hearts. May Elias' spirit continue to inspire us all to live life to the fullest, embrace our passions, and cherish the time we have with those we love
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