Established in 2009 and Incorporated in 2010, our mission is to bring hope to our city through direct service programs. We have ten (10) programs focusing on education, food, and health. We strive to mitigate the effects of food scarcity and food insecurity. Each program was designed to answer a need in our city. Read more on our “Programs” tab.

nOURish BRIDGEPORT, Inc. is also known for building partnerships across Bridgeport, Fairfield County, and Connecticut. We view these collaborative efforts as ways to connect folks with means with folks with needs, and to give groups and families of all stripes opportunities to serve others. We seek to follow the philosophy that we all need to work together for the common good. We welcome over 2,500 volunteers each year.

In 2020, nOURish was honored as the “Non-Profit Partner of the Year” by the Center for Family Justice.  Our President/CEO and Founder, Reverend Sara D. Smith, Esq. – on behalf of nOURish, was awarded the 2020 “American Dream” Award from the Connecticut Institute for Refugees and Immigrants for our work with refugees.  She has also received the “Good Scout” Award from the Regional Boy Scouts of America, and the “Women’s Leadership” Award from Al-Aziz Islamic Center.

VOLUNTEER LEADERSHIP

nOURish BRIDGEPORT, Inc. is fortunate to be governed by a volunteer board comprised of major community leaders, with our primary leadership provided by:

OFFICERS

Clare Stafstrom, Board Chair

Ben Branyan, Board Vice-Chair

Jessica Layman, Treasurer

Kirsten Nestro, Secretary

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Pauline Biggs

Heather Lange

Ray Lansing

Mary Ann Masarech

Donna Milne

Justine Rella

John F. Stafstrom, Jr., Finance and Development Committee Chair

George P. Carter, Founding Board Member

All our programs are also volunteer-powered, with approximately 2,500 adults and youth volunteering throughout the year at our various program sites. Several organizations have taken the official step of becoming “mission/mitzvah” partners, committing financial and human resources to help us serve our neighbors in need in Bridgeport. 

STAFF LEADERSHIP

President and CEO, Reverend Sara D. Smith, Esq.

Operations Manager, Phil Ambrosino

Super Food Pantry & Volunteer Director, Tshon Davis

• Feel The Warmth Community Supper Director, Chris Lofaro

• English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Director, Lisa Matson

• nOURish INDOOR FARM Director, Lezli Albelo

• Executive Assistant to the CEO, Pascale Millien-Faustin

• Social Media Specialist, Chris Carbone