My name is Jesse Lagoa, and my life has been a journey of transformation and purpose. I discovered my love for art in 1984 through graffiti, which gave me a sense of identity during a troubled youth. However, my path also included struggles with addiction, gang involvement, and incarceration.

In 2004, I turned my life around and dedicated myself to helping others by becoming a certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor and Gang Prevention/Intervention Specialist. With over 30 years of sobriety, I now work closely with at-risk individuals, using my experiences to guide them through their battles with addiction and gang involvement.

I’ve had the privilege of mentoring at-risk youth, speaking at prisons and juvenile facilities, and helping individuals find hope and healing.

As the founder of ART NOT DRUGS (AND), I’ve combined my love for art with my commitment to service. This nonprofit empowers individuals to channel their creativity into legal art projects while educating them about the dangers of substance abuse.

While enjoying my art, I often encountered young people who, like me, used art as a way to cope with their emotions. I took these opportunities to guide them by sharing my past experiences and counseling expertise, helping them find a better outlook on life through Art Not Drugs!