Sawubona – supports youth and teens in Bridgeport, Connecticut through creative expression.
We use applied expressive arts like drawing, drumming, movement, writing, music, and gardening to build resilience and improve mental health.
Sawubona is a greeting between Zulus. Whether it’s a single person meeting another or a group, it acknowledges them, their lineage and ancestors. And it translates as “We see you. We hear you. We believe in you.” This is the spirit of Ubuntu, “I am because we are.” It stresses our interdependence.
"We are tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one affects all indirectly."
Born from the experience of trauma-focused missions to South Africa and Jamaica, Sawubona strives to serve our local community.
As a nonprofit organization established in 2021, we work to address mental health needs and support the resiliency of youth and teens. The idea took shape as several concerned citizens saw systemic inequalities through the lens of the pandemic. Together we wish to be agents of change, capitalizing on our differences, talents, and life experiences to focus on young people who are too often overlooked until they and their families are at a breaking point.
After two decades as Chairman of the Department of Psychiatry at Bridgeport Hospital, I want to, in my retirement, give back to the community.
Drawing on my experience providing short-term, trauma-focused missions to South Africa and Jamaica with an energetic and knowledgeable group of clinicians. We developed ideas about ways to intervene early in the lives of Bridgeport youth.
These ideas caught the attention of Andrew Gerber, MD, Ph.D., CEO, and President of Silver Hill Hospital. Together we assembled a team and began developing our program curriculum, and finding a school with which to work.
Sawubona is more than a program – it’s a movement that empowers youth in Bridgeport, Connecticut to see themselves as capable, creative, and resilient individuals.
Sawubona partnered with Bridgeport Organizations to provide after-school programs. We offer creative therapies (art, music, dance/movement, writing, ceramics, storytelling, poetry and horticulture) as part of our program. Our middle school and high school student participants build confidence, learn new skills in a safe environment, and have a lot of fun.
We’re a nonprofit in Bridgeport, Connecticut, dedicated to empowering youth and teens through creative expression. Our programs in art, music, and storytelling foster resilience, confidence, and mental well-being. Join us in making a difference.
©2025 Sawubona. A 501(c)(3) Organization
Your donation today helps make healing possible and brings expressive arts, therapy, and care to youth and teens in Bridgeport.
