ESPAÑOLA, N.M. (KRQE) – One of the most influential programs in northern New Mexico is looking for a new place to call home and they only have a few months left to do so.
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This program was highlighted on CNN Heroes back in 2019. For those in the Espanola Valley, it’s a special place. “I’ve been coming here since I was at least three,” said Peyton Maestas, a student at Moving Arts.
Moving Arts in Espanola been a staple for the last 17 years, with hundreds of kids and teens coming through their doors. “I’ve been here for 8 years since I graduated high school,” said Aaron Martinez, who works as a gymnastics instructor.
Many of the students come from different backgrounds. “There’s such a large population of youth that don’t have parents or they’re living with their grandparents. We don’t talk about that that often, but our youth are just needing mentors,” said Marcella Maestas, one of the many parents whose kids attend the program.
“I would just like to say Moving Arts has changed my life for the better, both of my parents were on drugs,” said Martinez.
The lease of the building that the program uses is not being renewed, with the owners hoping to bring more economic development to the area.
“Moving Arts is so grateful to the tribal community and SEI Corporation for the ten years to be able to build this program to where it is. We owe a debt of gratitude,” said Co-Founder, Roger Montoya.
The news has been hard for the program’s community. “They need a place to really be there, to really find out who they are,” said Marcella.
“This building has so much life. I mean, the colors around us just show there’s, there’s 300 kids in this building. And to see this leave is really heartbreaking,” said Peyton, Marcella’s daughter.
The organization is looking to find a new place to set up shop, all before December. “We’ve also looked into some local owners of real estate commercial real estate that’s for lease with the option to purchase there are a couple of opportunities we’re navigating through,” said Montoya.
Those who love this program are trying to fight to keep it going.
“We have a lot of wonderful people that are here to help them do whatever it takes to find a place for us to be for these kids to be,” said Martinez.
“We need this in our community. And this is a big, big deal,” said Peyton.
If you would like more information on moving arts Española or how you can help, click the link here.
