A Desert Story Comes to Life: AZYP Announces Community Mural Project in New Tucson Office, in Partnership with Vantage West and Local Artist Jessica Contreras
TUCSON, AZ. — [September, 2026] — Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP), a statewide nonprofit dedicated to empowering youth to live healthy, purposeful lives, today announced the mural reveal in their community-room at their new Tucson office, made possible through the generosity of Vantage West Credit Union and the artistry of Tucson-based painter and Vantage West team member, Jessica Contreras. Jessica and a team of Vantage West employee volunteers painted the mural over the course of a five-day community effort, September 15–19.
The murals stretch across the walls of AZYP's new community space, depicting a joyful desert world of saguaros, roadrunners, javelinas, quail, hummingbirds, and howling coyotes rendered in bold, folk-art-inspired color. Woven throughout the artwork is AZYP's own heart-and-leaf mark, a quiet reminder that this space, like the organization itself, is being built with care for the youth and families who will fill it.
"This mural is so much more than paint on a wall," said Gauri Gladish, CEO of AZYP. "It's going to be the first thing families see when they walk into our new Tucson space, and we wanted it to say: you belong here, this is yours, and this community was built with you in mind. Jessica captured that feeling perfectly, and we are so excited to see it come to life."
A Space Built for Community
AZYP's new Tucson office is designed to be more than a program site, it's a gathering place. The community room will host a dedicated parent space for connection and quiet work while youth attend programming, new mental health programs for children ages 0–5, family game nights, youth-led clubs, nonprofit networking events, and AZYP's existing suite of programs serving youth and families across Southern Arizona. The space will also be home to Nigel's Nourish Nook, a resource corner stocked with hygiene items, socks, school supplies, weekend snack packs, and essentials for young children — free and accessible to every family who walks through the door.
The murals set the tone for all of it: a space that feels warm, welcoming, and unmistakably rooted in the Southern Arizona community it serves.
A Partnership Rooted in Belief in the Mission
The project began when Jessica Contreras, a Tucson artist and employee of Vantage West Credit Union, learned about AZYP's mission and offered to bring the community room to life herself, free of charge. Her generosity opened the door to an even bigger partnership: Vantage West employees volunteered their time alongside Jessica to prime, paint, and finish the space, turning the mural into a true community effort.
"As an artist, there's nothing more meaningful than creating something that brings people together. When I learned about AZYP's mission and the impact they have on youth and families across Southern Arizona, I knew I wanted to contribute in a way that felt personal. My hope is that this mural helps create a space where every young person who walks through the door feels welcomed, valued, and inspired. The fact that Vantage West volunteers will help bring it to life makes it even more special because it truly reflects the power of community. — Jessica Contreras, Artist and Records Coordinator, Vantage West Credit
Vantage West's involvement reflects the credit union's deep commitment to the communities it serves.
“Our partnership with Arizona Youth Partnership is rooted in a shared belief that strong communities are built by empowering young people and the families who support them. By helping create a welcoming space for connection, learning, and growth, we're investing in the long-term well-being of Southern Arizona youth. We're proud to stand alongside AZYP in advancing opportunities that help young people thrive.”— Rosanna T. Ramirez, AVP of Market & Community Engagement, Vantage West Credit Union
About Arizona Youth Partnership (AZYP)
AZYP is a statewide nonprofit dedicated to building healthy, resilient youth and strong families. Through evidence-based prevention programs and community support services, AZYP empowers youth to harness their strengths to live healthy and purposeful lives. Learn more at www.azyp.org
About Vantage West Credit Union
Striving to provide its members with the personalized service, knowledge and honesty they deserve in a financial partner, Vantage West is proud to be among the largest credit unions in Arizona. From a one-room Air Force barracks over 71 years ago to $3.3B in assets and serving nearly 220,000 members, Vantage West has been dedicated to earning and rewarding the loyalty of the people and communities they serve, so they can all thrive together. Learn more at www.VantageWest.org.
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