A Place to Be Held: Community Healing in Benton Harbor, Michigan
A Place to Be Held: Community Healing in Southwest Michigan
Maybe you’ve been yearning for a space like this for a while—
even if you didn’t quite have words for it yet.
A place where healing isn’t rushed.
Where no one expects a breakthrough on demand.
Where you don’t have to arrive polished, certain, or “ready.”
If you’ve been quietly searching for a healing space in Benton Harbor or Southwest Michigan that feels relational, slow, and human—you’re not alone. Many people are longing for something that feels less like a service and more like a shared practice of care.
Welcome to Purring Oaks.
An Oasis in Southwest Michigan
Located in Benton Harbor, Michigan, right in the heart of Southwest Michigan, Purring Oaks sits about two hours between Chicago and Detroit—close enough for a day trip, far enough to feel like a genuine reset.
This land is meant to be a pause.
A moment of nature.
A reminder that rest, healing, and joy don’t have to be earned.
We’re building Purring Oaks as a community-centered healing and arts space, where people can come for an evening, a workshop, or eventually an overnight stay in our future cabins. For now, we’re starting small—with monthly healing events, mini gatherings, and workshops—letting things grow the way living systems do: slowly, sustainably, and in relationship.
Held: A Community Healing Evening
Held: A Community Healing Evening at Purring Oaks is our monthly invitation to explore healing without commitment, pressure, or hierarchy.
These evenings run from 6:30–10ish (we’re a bit time-blind here, and we truly believe healing doesn’t operate on a strict schedule). You’re welcome to arrive when you can, follow your curiosity, and listen to what your body actually wants.
Held is especially for:
People who feel burnt out, tender, or overstimulated
Folks curious about healing work but unsure where to begin
Artists, caregivers, sensitive souls, and skeptics alike
Anyone who wants a gentler entry point into wellness
Healing as a Relationship, Not a Transaction
All of the practitioners at Purring Oaks offer their services beyond these events as well. The healing evening exists as a low-pressure way to try us out—to experience different modalities, meet practitioners, and feel into what resonates without having to fully commit right away.
We believe healing, like anything growing, takes time.
It’s not about one session or one technique.
It’s about finding a sustainable practice together—one that fits your life, your body, and your capacity.
Held is an invitation into that relationship, at your own pace.
The People Holding the Space
Purring Oaks is stewarded by three resident facilitators, each bringing a distinct approach to healing:
Ramon (he/him)
Our resident builder, musician, massage therapist, and martial arts coach. Ramon offers massage and education around sports-related injury prevention, recovery, and functional movement—supporting the body in practical, empowering ways.
Lilla (she/her)
Our resident reader and the creator of Maneki Method (Our Queen of Hearts, you will get it if you hang out with her long enough ;)). It is a healing and insight system designed to help you identify both your superpowers and your Achilles’ heel. Her work is especially supportive for those seeking clarity, self-understanding, and direction during times of transition.
Brook (they/them)
A bodyworker and holistic coach offering floor-based bodywork that weaves together Thai massage, intuitive somatic work, and medical mediumship. Their sessions emphasize listening, safety, and nervous system regulation.
Together, the three of us hold the container with consent, curiosity, and care—honoring that everyone’s healing journey looks different.
A Growing Network of Healers
In addition to resident facilitators, we welcome other healing practitioners from Benton Harbor and Southwest Michigan to offer their work by donation during these evenings. Held is as much about community-building and collaboration as it is about receiving care.
There is no expectation to try everything.
There is no pressure to pay a certain amount.
There is no “right” way to participate.
Sliding Scale & Donation-Based Care
Accessibility is foundational at Purring Oaks.
Entry is sliding scale
All healing offerings are donation-based
You choose what feels supportive
No one is turned away for lack of funds
Our goal is to make healing spaces in Southwest Michigan more inclusive—especially for people who have felt priced out or overlooked in traditional wellness settings.
The Details That Make It Cozy
House-made tea and light refreshments
A soft, low-pressure environment
Cats live on-site (please consider allergies)
420-friendly space
Each evening closes with a gentle sound experience to help integrate and energetically close the night
Looking Forward
In time, Purring Oaks will grow to include cabins for overnight stays, deeper retreats, and longer-form offerings. For now, we’re starting where we are—creating meaningful moments of care, connection, and rest.
If you’ve been searching for:
A healing space in Benton Harbor
Community arts workshops in Southwest Michigan
Nature-based healing experiences near Chicago or Detroit
Sliding-scale, donation-based healing events
We’d love to welcome you.
✨ Check out our calendar to explore upcoming healing evenings, workshops, and community gatherings.
✨ Come as you are. Stay curious. Let it unfold.
We’ll be here—under the oaks—when you’re ready.
