Mission:
Illumination Community Outreach exists to be a beacon of hope, providing food, essential supplies, and compassionate support to individuals and families facing hardship. Rooted in the love of Jesus, we serve all with dignity, integrity, and kindness, striving to meet both physical and spiritual needs. Through partnerships, advocacy, and hands-on assistance, we illuminate pathways to stability, empowerment, and lasting transformation in our community.
Our Story:
Illumination Community Outreach is a volunteer-run nonprofit based in the suburbs of Philadelphia. Our mission is to be a light in our local area for our neighbors experiencing food or clothing insecurity by providing emergency or regular aid. Illumination was founded in 2018 by a small group of volunteers. Our original program aimed to light the darkness of housing insecurity in small ways. By handing out flashlights to those living unsheltered (homeless) in our community and nearby cities, in Brightness Bags, as well as food and clothing, we learned that small acts of practical kindness can cause a ripple effect for good.
In addition to street outreach, the Illumination team worked out of an ice cream shop in Pottstown from 2018-2020. We stored extra clothing, diapers, and toiletries in the shop’s basement and welcomed neighbors in need to come, rest, and get essential supplies. This increased during the pandemic. During the pandemic, we made hundreds of food and clothing deliveries and hosted pop-up events. When the world shut down, our volunteers stepped up.
Eventually, Illumination relocated to Royersford. We partnered with Royersford Church of the Nazarene (RCN). Our popular Community Resource Days began in the RCN gym, where we welcomed those needing clothing and a hot meal with no questions asked. We hosted this event monthly for over two years. In 2024, we had the grand reveal of our new permanent clothing and food pantry rooms at the church. Although as of 2025, Illumination is returning to a mobile outreach model, this resource remains available to those in need by appointment or during church-hosted community events.
Our team has grown from 5 people with a dream to a volunteer team of over 30. We interact and reach out to so many in the community each month, and we are excited for our next chapter! We also partner with local sports teams, ministry groups, and businesses who share our vision of lighting the darkness in practical ways. Contact us for ways we can support your charitable giving initiatives.
Our Board of Directors for 2025
Robyn Pavone Hart
Nikki Bateman
Cathleen Collins Kabakci
Claire Rivera
Tom Rivera
