Art Helps Youth Turn Pain Into Purpose!

At Art Not Drugs (AND), our mission is simple but powerful: turn pain into purpose through art.

We work with youth who are facing some of life’s hardest challenges addiction, gang involvement, trauma, and broken homes. Many feel unseen, unheard, and uncertain about their future. That's where AND steps in.

Here’s how we help:

Build Self-Worth and Identity
Our workshops help youth discover who they are beyond their struggles. Art becomes a mirror, allowing them to see value in themselves they didn’t know existed.

Educate on the Real Risks of Substance Use and Gang Life
We don’t sugarcoat the truth. Our prevention curriculum is honest, age-appropriate, and rooted in lived experience. We teach youth about the real consequences of drugs, alcohol, and gang involvement—while offering better alternatives.

Provide a Healthy Way to Express Emotions
When words fall short, art speaks. Whether it's through graffiti walls, sketchbooks, or paintbrushes, young people learn how to release pain, anger, and confusion in a safe and healing way.

We believe every young person deserves a chance to thrive. And that starts with education, support, and creative outlets—not punishment or jail time.

Why We Need You

Our program is growing—and so is the need. But we can’t do this alone.

With your support, we can:

• Expand our classes and reach more youth

• Provide free supplies, art materials, and mentorship

• Bring healing murals to more communities

• Offer alternatives to incarceration and violence

Your donation isn’t just a gift—it’s an investment in futures that deserve hope.

Help us change lives—one brushstroke at a time.