A man who grew up in Bridgeport is giving back to the community through a nonprofit that's helping young people.
Gary Nelson started Students with Academic Growth, where he is the executive director.
SWAG offers help with homework, along with fun activities like basketball and arts and crafts. There are also DJ classes, dance and a communication and media lab.
“Just trying to bring in stuff that can empower our community, as well as just giving people resources that they might now have,” says Nelson.
He says he wants to make sure inner-city youth to “have the opportunity to be a kid and go away from all of this violence in the street.”
Nelson is looking to partner with other nonprofits and small businesses to provide fitness classes to adults as well as help them receive their GED.
SWAG is hosting a Hoops for Health event on Aug. 28 where attendees can play basketball and medical professionals will offer COVID-19 vaccinations.