ILLUMINATION HEALTH + HOME RECEIVES INNOVATIVE IMPACT AWARD AT OneOC’s 49th SPIRIT OF VOLUNTEERISM AWARDS
SANTA ANA, Calif. (April 25, 2025) – Illumination Health + Home, formerly known as Illumination Foundation, an Orange County-based nonprofit committed to disrupting the cycle of homelessness and the largest provider of family emergency beds in Orange County, was honored with the Innovative Impact Award at OneOC’s 49th Spirit of Volunteerism Awards. Presented annually by OneOC, the award recognizes nonprofit organizations that have demonstrated a strong presence in the Orange County community, made an exemplary impact and consistently implemented innovative programs that address pressing issues.
The 2025 Innovative Impact Award recognized Illumination’s efforts in providing comprehensive, integrated healthcare and housing services across the community, most notably its launch of the nation’s first Children and Families Recuperative Care Center. By offering medical and social support services on-site, Illumination serves as a safe haven for children, families and individuals to heal and stabilize towards new possibilities.
As our CEO, Dr. Pooja Bhalla, DNP said in her speech, “At Illumination, we believe innovation isn’t just about new ideas, it’s about courage. The courage to do things differently. The courage to listen deeply, act boldly, and reimagine what’s possible.”
Illumination Health + Home Honors Three Outstanding Volunteers
Further, the OneOC Spirit of Volunteerism Awards recognize individuals, families and groups whose passion for philanthropy is exemplified through their actions and the way in which they make a positive impact in the community through volunteerism with local nonprofits. At the award ceremony, Illumination recognized the tremendous contributions of three volunteers who serve as the cornerstone in the organization’s ongoing efforts to provide healthcare and housing to the most vulnerable community members. Each of the volunteers strongly represents Illumination Health + Home’s guiding pillars of Community, Action, Respect and Empowerment, and carries the shared belief that, in a world where communities are strengthened by opportunities, compassion and full-circle care for individuals and families make a difference. Illumination is proud to honor these volunteers:
Nirupa Sejpal, Founder and CEO of The H4H Foundation, for her leadership and compassion. Sejpal has made a profound impact on the lives of Illumination Health + Home’s clients by engaging them in weekly yoga classes focused on mental health and wellness with friends Priti Desai, Bharti Kardani, and Neelam Nega. Her dedication to supporting underserved communities shines through each of her visits, with her kindness, generosity and unwavering commitment inspiring all of us. Illumination is grateful for Sejpal’s partnership and the positive energy she brings to the organization’s community.
Carin Sass, for her ongoing dedication and joyful spirit. As an active member of the organization’s events committee, The Gleam Team, Sass brings creativity, energy and heart to every initiative she supports at Illumination Health + Home. From collecting toys and hosting arts and crafts on behalf of the nonprofit’s Children and Families Program to volunteering at the annual Carnival for Kids for underserved families and serving as a warm and welcoming presence at the annual Chef’s Table Gala, Sass continuously goes above and beyond to carry out the organization’s mission, with contagious enthusiasm at the forefront.
Cheryl Laven, for her work with the organization’s Children and Families Program at the Theriault Family Emergency Shelter Home in Stanton. Laven is recognized for her compassion, reliability and dedication in everything she does, specifically in the manner she shows when supporting the facilities staff and families. Whether assisting with childcare, helping prepare for events or stepping in wherever she might be needed around the house, Laven carries herself with a warm heart and positive attitude. Her commitment and generosity have made a lasting impact on the organization.
About Illumination Health + Home
Illumination Health + Home is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization that provides targeted, interdisciplinary services for the most vulnerable homeless adults and children to disrupt the cycle of homelessness. The organization provides a full continuum of care from street to home, including case management, medical coordination, behavioral health and substance use counseling, and housing navigation to our vulnerable clients in shelters/navigation centers, family emergency homes, recuperative care/medical respite facilities, and permanent supportive housing. To learn more, visit: https://www.ifhomeless.org/.