Our story
Born from love, built for healing
Pockets of Love began with a simple belief — that art has the power to heal, and that everyone deserves a pocket full of hope.
Our community — volunteers and participants proudly showing their handwritten letters of love
Who We Are
Pockets of Love, Inc. is a nonprofit dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals experiencing mental illness, isolation, and depression through creative expression. Through programs centered on art, mindfulness, and purposeful giving, we offer a safe and supportive space to reduce stress, foster self-expression, and restore a sense of community and belonging.
Today, Pockets of Love partners with senior centers, community agencies, clinics, and residential facilities to provide arts-based mental wellness programs that are accessible, uplifting, and transformative. Through our signature model — mindfulness + artmaking + purposeful giving — participants create handmade cards and letters donated to community members in need, cultivating a renewed sense of purpose and connection.
Sharon Joag, MSW, LSW
Founder, Pockets of Love
Meet the founder
A Journey Rooted in Compassion
Pockets of Love, Inc. was founded by Sharon Joag, MSW, LSW, whose professional journey reflects a deep commitment to the well-being of older adults and individuals struggling with mental health challenges. Before becoming a social worker and psychotherapist, Sharon spent 17 years as the owner of a private practice in Podiatric Medicine & Surgery. Much of her work focused on caring for older adults — a population she grew to admire and advocate for.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Sharon witnessed the devastating impact of isolation on seniors in long-term care facilities. The emotional toll, loneliness, and decline in mental health among older adults deeply affected her. Determined to be part of the solution, she made the courageous decision to sell her medical practice and pursue a second career in social work.
With her new training and clinical experience, Sharon combines her healthcare background with mental-health-centered interventions to directly address the lack of community, emotional support, and meaningful engagement faced by many older adults and individuals living with mental illness.
Her vision for Pockets of Love is to use creative expression, compassionate connection, and purposeful service to reduce isolation, promote emotional resilience, and restore a sense of joy and purpose to those who need it most.
Meet the artistic director
Lara Sehgal
Lara Sehgal serves as the Artistic Director of Pockets of Love, bringing a natural artistic talent and a warm, generous spirit to everything the organization creates. From designing card-making activities to guiding the visual identity of each workshop, Lara's creativity gives Pockets of Love its distinctive heart and color.
What sets Lara apart is not just her artistic ability, but her genuine passion for helping others. She understands that art is more than something beautiful — it is a bridge between people, a way to say "I see you" to someone who may feel invisible. That belief drives every piece she helps create.
Lara is deeply engaged in the communities Pockets of Love serves, showing up at workshops, events, and outreach efforts with enthusiasm and care. Her involvement is a powerful reminder that compassion knows no age — and that young people have a vital role to play in building a more connected, joyful world.
Lara Sehgal
Artistic Director, Pockets of Love
Our mission
Our mission
To empower individuals living with mental illness through creative arts programs that foster healing, self-expression, and community connection.
Our vision
"A world where every person — regardless of their mental health journey — has access to the healing power of art and the warmth of human connection."
What we stand for
Compassion
We meet every participant where they are, with empathy, patience, and unconditional support.
Creativity
We believe art is a universal language — a tool for healing that transcends barriers and opens hearts.
Community
We build safe, inclusive spaces where people feel seen, heard, and genuinely connected to one another.
Hope
We hold hope for every person we serve — that healing is possible, and that brighter days are ahead.
Love in action
What we do
Through three core programs — Painted Pockets, Pocketful of Letters, and Community Workshops — we bring the healing power of art to individuals living with mental illness.
Join us in making a difference
Whether you donate, volunteer, or simply spread the word — every act of support helps us reach more people with the healing power of art.