ALAMOSA — As of June 1st the Mi Esperanza Wellness Center is now open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The Mi Esperanza Wellness Center is a behavioral/mental health walk-in crisis center. Services are free of change and available to anyone.

On May 31st the center hosted an open house in celebration of its expansion of hours. More than 300 community members attended the event to learn more about their services and to enjoy burgers and hot dogs prepared by the emergency services staff.

Prior to the event, the center underwent a beautiful face-lift. The front of the building now features a large mural of hummingbirds. When asked why hummingbirds, the center responded: “Throughout the history of the world, cultures have revered the hummingbird for its majestic presence, magical characteristics and spiritual connections and gifts. The Native American cultures depict the hummingbird as a healer, a bringer of light, and a carrier of luck, joy and love. Even their movement symbolizes enjoyment of life and lightness of being. As their wings move to form a figure eight, a symbol of infinity and empowerment, they appear to defy gravity. Beating their wings up to 200 times per second, their surroundings appear frozen in time. Symbolically exemplifying how we must move beyond time, to heal the past, and fully center our presence and awareness in the moment of now. The hummingbird, in all its glory is a symbol of hope, healing and recovery.”

Caption: From left are Louise Sanchez, board member, Jennifer Silva, CCO, Fernando Martinez, CEO, at the Mi Esperanza Wellness Center open house on May 31st./Courtesy photo