Our Story
A faith-driven mental health mission serving refugees, youth, and persons with disabilities through compassionate, culturally-sensitive, and spiritually-grounded care.
About Us
RYD (Refugees, Youth, and Persons with Disabilities) is a faith-based mental health organization dedicated to restoring hope, dignity, and healing in the lives of vulnerable communities. Guided by compassion and rooted in faith, we serve refugees, youth, and persons with disabilities, recognizing their unique challenges and strengths.
We believe that mental wellness is a God-given right, not a privilege. Our mission is to bridge the gap in mental health care by offering holistic, culturally-sensitive, and spiritually-grounded support through therapy (online and in-person), community outreach, education, and advocacy.
We walk alongside individuals and families, helping them overcome trauma, displacement, stigma, and exclusion. Through partnerships, prayer, and professional care, we empower people to reclaim their voices, rebuild their lives, and rise with resilience.
Whether in crisis or on a journey of growth, RYD is a safe place to be heard, to heal, and to hope.
Therapy (Online and In-person)
Community outreach and support
Education and advocacy
Core Values of RYD
The principles that guide our work and shape our impact on the community.
Faith-Inspired Compassion
We serve with the love of God, seeing every individual as created in His image. Our faith drives us to offer care, comfort, and empathy without judgment.
Dignity for All
We uphold the inherent worth of every person regardless of status, ability, background, or experience. Every life is valuable and deserving of respect and mental wellness.
Inclusion and Accessibility
We are committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where refugees, youth, and persons with disabilities feel seen, heard, and supported without barriers.
Holistic Healing
We believe true healing addresses the mind, body, and spirit. Our approach integrates psychological care, spiritual support, and community strength.
Integrity and Accountability
We hold ourselves to high ethical standards in all we do — acting with honesty, transparency, and responsibility in service and leadership.
Empowerment through Service
We walk alongside individuals and communities to build resilience, self-worth, and purpose, empowering them to become agents of change in their own lives.
Advocacy and Justice
We raise our voice for those who are often unheard, challenging stigma, discrimination, and injustice in mental health and disability care.
Community and Partnership
We grow stronger together, partnering with families, faith communities, health professionals, and local leaders to expand care and impact.
Our Team
Meet the dedicated professionals behind our mission.
At RYD, we believe every team member is a hero and brings a unique strength to the mission of restoring minds and empowering communities. To celebrate this, each core leader is matched with an "Avenger Identity" — a symbol of their role, personality, and contribution to the organization.
Namuyanja Annah Veronica
Chief Operations Officer
Veronica is a medical student passionate about mental health as an entity in health. She is dedicated to incorporating mental health in general health care systems through...
Henry Bwambale
General Secretary
Henry is a dedicated medical student with a deep passion for mental health, health systems, and organizational leadership. As General Secretary at RYD Mental Health, he is...
Reem Adio
Client Experience Associate
Reem is a 5th-year medical student with a deep passion for mental health advocacy and holistic well-being. Driven by a desire to bridge the gap between clinical medicine and...
Raymond Kasagga
Creatives Director
Raymond is a 5th-year medical student passionate about mental health awareness and creative storytelling. He uses his voice and creativity to inspire conversations, challenge...
Paul Ssemwogerere Birungi
Programs Director
Paul Ssemwogerere Birungi is a psychotherapist and community psychologist dedicated to advancing mental health and emotional well-being. At RYD, he supports individuals and...
Avenger Identities
Scarlet Witch
Master of transformation and healing
Power: Reality Manipulation
Nick Fury
Strategic leader and organizer
Power: Strategic Vision
Black Widow
Empathetic guardian and advocate
Power: Empathetic Connection
Logan Roy
Creative visionary and storyteller
Power: Creative Mastery
Iron Man
Innovative therapist and healer
Power: Technological Healing
Our Journey
Key milestones in our mission to transform mental health support.
Foundation
RYD was established with a vision to transform mental health support.
Community Growth
Expanded to serve over 1,000 individuals through our programs.
Digital Innovation
Launched our online support platform and virtual counseling services.
National Recognition
Receive multiple awards for excellence in mental health services.