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Nonprofit 'A Reason to Survive' showcases youth arts programs and paid apprenticeships
Summary
A Reason to Survive reported serving more than 1,000 National City residents last year through 21 programs, partnerships with schools and new paid apprenticeships; council members praised the group's community arts work and discussed mural and anti‑graffiti partnerships.
A Reason to Survive presented its program report to the National City Council, highlighting youth arts programming, school partnerships and economic‑development benefits tied to community arts.
Jose Lopez, advancement coordinator, and Lucy Eagleson, the nonprofit’s executive director, told the council the organization served more than 1,000 local residents over the past year through 21 programs and outreach projects. They highlighted paid youth apprenticeships, arts‑in‑schools partnerships (reaching more than 600 students across National City schools), community festivals and public‑art initiatives such as murals and the 19th Street underpass work. The presenters said arts projects generate economic activity in the city and provide workforce and healing opportunities for youth.
Council members thanked the presenters and discussed cooperative ideas, including murals to reduce graffiti in targeted areas and future collaboration on public‑art placements and youth apprentice recruitment. Council member Molina asked for demographic details on program participants; presenters offered to provide a follow‑up report with numbers by school and program.
What’s next: Staff and the nonprofit plan to coordinate on potential mural projects and circulate a more detailed report on program participation and outcomes.
