Donations
The Luminary & Co is more than a candle shop — it is the gift shop, fundraising, and offerings wing of the Assembly of Universal Becoming, a living spiritual community devoted to collective care, creativity, and the sacred art of being human.
What began as a scrappy, joy-filled project has grown into a way we care for one another — locally and globally. We believe that generosity is a spiritual practice, that beauty is a form of medicine, and that community is something we build with our hands, our hearts, and our resources.
When you purchase a candle or make a donation here, you are directly supporting community projects, mutual aid efforts, and individuals doing meaningful work in the world. Your support helps us respond in real time to real needs — offering relief, encouragement, and material care where it’s most needed.
We give regularly to the groups listed below and invite you to walk alongside us in this practice of collective care.
Thank you for being part of this living circle of generosity.
With gratitude,
Stephanie & The Luminary & Co / Assembly of Universal Becoming
The Roots of Music
Founded by Grammy-winning Derrick Tabb after Hurricane Katrina, The Roots of Music is a testament to New Orleans' resilience. It provides music education and support services to the city's youth. With programs like Sprouts of Music for ages 5-8, the Marching Crusaders Band for 9-14, and The Roots Studio Academy for 15-19 year-olds, the organization has evolved from a small drum camp to a significant cultural force, upholding music as a vital lifeline for the community.
NAMI New Orleans
NAMI New Orleans, part of the National Alliance on Mental Illness network, serves as a pillar of support for around 75,000 individuals and their families affected by mental illness across four parishes. It offers critical resources, including education, advocacy, and psychosocial services, aimed at fostering dignity, independence, and a deeper public understanding of mental health challenges.
Red Beans Parade (Feed The Second Line)
The initiative supports New Orleans' cultural heritage by providing groceries for elder culture-bearers and gig work for musicians and younger culture custodians. This effort has generated job opportunities valued at over $300,000 and has contributed over $168,000 in grocery aid to sustain the city's cultural contributors.
Tepesua CBO
Tepesua Community Based Organization, founded by Hellen Nkuraiya in 2015 near Narok, Kenya, advances education and women's empowerment. The organization runs schools, a cultural eco camp, and support for widows, focusing on sustainable skills like beadwork and farming. Tepesua combats gender-based injustices like early marriage and FGM (Female Genital Mutilation), meriting support for its transformative community work.