The Holding Circle

To ensure that no new parent faces the postpartum period alone. The Holding Circle provides free, in-home support services to low-income and underserved families during the critical early stages of parenthood — offering practical care, emotional connection, and dignity to those without a nearby support system.

About Us / Organization Description

The Holding Circle was born from lived experience. Founded by Ruth-Ann Bent — a mother and social worker — the organization grew out of her own journey navigating postpartum life without an extensive support network. She witnessed firsthand the emotional, physical, and financial toll that the early weeks of parenthood can take on families, especially those without family nearby or the means to access paid help. She envisioned a better way and built it.

Based in Dania Beach, Florida, The Holding Circle is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity that provides free, in-home postpartum support services to families in South Florida. Our trained, compassionate volunteers and staff step in as the village that so many new parents are missing — showing up in their homes with meals, helping hands, a listening ear, and connections to community resources.

We believe every new parent deserves to feel cared for, not just capable of surviving.

Whom We Serve

We serve low-income and underserved new parents in South Florida — particularly those who lack a nearby family network to lean on during the postpartum and early parenting period. We recognize that this season of life is one of the most vulnerable a person can experience, and we are committed to meeting families where they are, in their homes, with no barriers to access.

What We Do / Services

All of our services are provided free of charge to qualifying families. Support includes:

• In-home caregiving — hands-on, compassionate assistance during the postpartum period
• Light meal preparation — so new parents can nourish themselves while focusing on their newborn
• Companionship and emotional support — reducing isolation and providing a caring presence
• Light household help — easing the burden of day-to-day tasks during recovery
• Referrals to community resources — connecting families to additional services they may need
• Short-term support — focused, meaningful help during the most critical early weeks

We also partner with hospitals, healthcare providers, and community organizations to reach families who need us most.

Our Values

• Dignity — Every family deserves care without judgment or shame.
• Community — We believe in the power of a village and work to rebuild it for those who need it.
• Compassion — We show up with warmth, attentiveness, and genuine care.
• Equity — Support should not be a luxury. We exist to close the gap.
• Lived Experience — Our work is rooted in real stories, not just theories.