Freely Held
A small pocket of the world where care circulates freely
Freely Held is a quiet circle where support flows naturally, and care moves in many forms - through presence, generosity, or simply showing up. Rooted in the gift economy, it is freely given, not “free” in the transactional sense: an invitation to step outside market logic and enter a relationship of trust and reciprocity. Every session, conversation, and gesture exists because people in this community give, receive, and circulate care, keeping the circle alive and sustaining its gentle flow.
There’s no requirement, no proof of worthiness - only the invitation to be present, receive fully, and, when it feels right, let care move forward in ways that resonate. This is not a transaction. It’s a shared pocket of the world where support circulates because it is needed, not because it is earned.
If you’ve ever thought, “I could really use support,” this space was made for you. You’re already part of the circle simply by being here.
🤲 Care as a shared practice
Freely Held is a living circle of care, held in trust and nurtured by the gift economy - where generosity flows through every act of giving and receiving. Care moves in many forms: some receive, some offer support through presence, generosity, financial contributions, or shared skills - and many do both at different times. Each gesture nourishes the circle, keeping the flow of care alive.
You’re invited to participate in ways that feel right for you:
Offer what moves you. Whether through presence, generosity, financial support, or gifting a session to someone in need, each act sustains this circle of care.
Let care ripple outward. If someone in your life might feel supported by this work, you can share my website, Substack, or socials to help them find their way here.
Help the circle grow. You can print flyers and post them in your neighborhood - at coffee shops, bookstores, or co-ops - to help this work reach others who might need it.
Carry generosity into your world. Small acts - a listening ear, a kind word, a moment of presence - all become part of the same flow of care.
Every contribution, in whatever form, helps ensure that healing is held, not withheld.
Make a single offering to support Freely Held and help care circulate for all. Every gift, in any form, nourishes the circle and keeps this community thriving.
Sustain the flow of care with a monthly offering - flexible and cancelable at any time. Your ongoing generosity helps maintain an open, welcoming space where support is freely given and shared.
Contribute any amount through Venmo to help sustain the flow of care and keep support freely offered in our community.
Venmo: @heldbyhelen
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📊 Ongoing accountability & transparency
Each month, we witness the flow of care - the sessions shared freely and the contributions offered through community generosity. Sharing this flow allows us all to see the gift economy in action. Transparency nurtures trust, and trust is what sustains a circle of care.
2026 Flow of Care: 11 sessions shared freely, $350 contributed through community generosity
January 2026: 11 sessions, $350
2025 Flow of Care: 67 sessions shared freely, $1,750 contributed through community generosity
June 2025: 6 sessions, $0
July 2025: 9 sessions, $400
August 2025: 5 sessions, $200
September 2025: 12 sessions, $200
October 2025: 4 sessions, $0
November 2025: 10 sessions, $850
December 2025: 21 sessions, $100
While the monthly breakdown shows how care and generosity move over time, there are also steady costs that support the work overall. These include general operating expenses and professional development and education that sustain ethical, attuned care. Naming them offers a fuller picture of what holds this work.
2025 Operating Context
General operating (tools, systems, and materials that make sessions accessible and consistent): $4,692.23
Professional development & education (ongoing learning and training that deepen capacity and care): $3,405.62