April 2026

Progress Newsletter

By Andrea Smith, PVF Program & Communications Associate

New Light Wellness, a Fiscally Sponsored Project of Philanthropic Ventures Foundation (PVF), welcomed community members, partners, friends and family for an evening of healing, learning, and connection at their Open House in January located in the Freedom and Movement Center.They offered a powerful view into a deeply intentional and community-rooted healing space.

New Light Wellness provides critical support to Southeast Asian communities impacted by deportation, often across borders and seas through a model grounded in trust, cultural connection, collective care and reunification.

Elijah Chhum and the New Light Wellness Advisory Council Members captured above.

The evening opened with a performance by the Khmer Amathak Dance Troupe from the Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants, whose movement and storytelling set the tone for the night. A video was played highlighting the voices and experiences of impacted leaders working on the ground in Southeast Asia and alongside the Pardon Refugees Coalition, a reminder of the global connections that shape this work.

A community member personally affected by deportation offered a reflection on resilience and the importance of culturally rooted healing spaces. The event was further honored by the presence of Alameda County Board of Supervisors, Nikki Fortunato Bas, whose attendance underscored the importance of community-led initiatives in advancing equity and care.

Illustration above created by Asian Prisoner Support Committee and Natalie Bui.

Due to the sensitive nature of supporting individuals impacted by deportation and the very real risks posed by hate groups, New Light Wellness operates with a high level of discretion and intentionality behind their work. This care was evident throughout the event, where storytelling was balanced with protection, and visibility was approached with deep responsibility. The organization prioritizes the safety, dignity, and trust of the communities they serve.

The New Light Wellness Open House and Fundraiser was a beautiful testament to the power of gathering in community. Since the Open House, New Light Wellness has continued to deepen its community impact through meaningful cultural celebrations, academic engagement, and advocacy spaces.

In early April, the team celebrated Cambodian New Year by hosting the Oakland Khmer New Year Festival on April 5th at Peralta Hacienda Historical Park. The event brought together community members for a vibrant day of cultural pride, connection, and celebration.

From April 13th to 16th, New Light Wellness also participated in the Spring 2026 Critical Southeast Asian American Studies Scholar in Residence program at UC Berkeley, contributing to important conversations that center Southeast Asian American histories, identities, and healing practices.

Looking ahead, New Light Wellness continues to expand its reach through several upcoming engagements:

• April 23rd – Serving as a panelist at the second Building Bridges: Connecting Campus with Asian American Community at Stanford University
• May 9th – Co-hosting a Decolonizing Mental Health event alongside Partners for Trauma Recovery, African Communities Program, and the Center for Empowering Refugees and Immigrants. If you are interested in attending RSVP: elijah@newlightwellness.org
• May 21th – Speaking at the Mental Health at the Intersections (MHTI) Conference: From Joy to Justice! 

These moments reflect New Light Wellness’ continued commitment to healing, cultural affirmation, and community-rooted advocacy across the Bay Area and beyond.

To deepen your understanding of their work and the communities they serve, we invite you to explore their presentation here and consider how you might support this important mission.

Guest blog post by Sierra Quitiquit, the Founder of Plastic Free Fridays, a Fiscally Sponsored Project of Philanthropic Ventures Foundation (PVF).

At Plastic Free Fridays, we believe that culture is one of the most powerful drivers of change, and in recent months, we’ve continued to expand our reach through meaningful partnerships, storytelling, and community engagement.

We’re excited to share that Plastic Free Fridays has officially joined 1% for the Planet, aligning our work with a global network of businesses and organizations committed to environmental accountability. This milestone reinforces our commitment to transparency, impact, and collective action for a healthier planet.

A core pillar of our recent work has been collaborating with creators who are using their platforms to both educate and inspire action. We recognize that meaningful environmental change doesn’t just come from information—it comes from trusted voices who can translate complex issues into relatable, everyday choices.

Through partnerships with creators like Madeleine MacGillivray and Brown Girl Green, we’ve co-created content that raises awareness about plastic pollution while offering practical, accessible solutions grounded in environmental justice and cultural relevance.