South Asian Americans for Change (SAAFC) is a Philadelphia-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 2022 to break the stigma around mental health in the South Asian community. Through art, education, and community connection, we create culturally grounded spaces that allow South Asians to feel seen and supported.

In just three years, SAAFC has:

Art & Storytelling

Showcased 150+ original artworks, elevating work that sparks healing, dialogue, and visibility
Produced a 3-part docuseries with 15,000+ views per episode.
Launched Season 1 of the Desi Doubts Podcast, delivering evidence-based, culturally grounded conversations to 800+ unique listeners and placing in the top 25% of podcasts in its first season.

Community Impact

Engaged 1,500+ attendees across programs, including 18 events this year (over 35 events since inception)
Engaged with 75+ partners
Grown a digital community of ~25k followers, combined across all our social media platforms
On April 5, 2025, we hosted our first-ever Healing Through Art Summit—an immersive day of mental health, wellness, and arts workshops—followed by our flagship Healing Through Art Gala. Together, the events drew over 300 attendees nationwide for culturally grounded storytelling and community connection.

Education & Programming

Delivered 25 workshops and expert panels addressing core community needs including: family dynamics, suicide loss awareness, immigrant mental health, men’s mental health, neurodivergence, and mind-body wellness
Introduced our first licensed facilitator led discussion groups, Third Space Series, where South Asians can process, reflect, and connect without stigma
Continued to deliver consistent, culturally rooted mental health education and programming with strong attendance and community demand.

At our core, SAAFC is building a future where mental health is openly discussed, culturally understood, and collectively supported—where every voice matters and every person belongs.

2026 Healing through Art Gala Fundraiser

Team Members