New Location for Community Services
Mary McPhail Gray
Everyone knows where they are. All you have to say is “You know those two buildings that are all completely painted with bright images?” “Oh yes—they are right on Paseo Del Canon East. You are there?!”
A new home for Taos Behavioral Health
Yes indeed— as of June, Taos Behavioral Health (TBH) has moved all its youth programs into the two buildings at 216 and 218 Paseo Del Canon E, which most people know as the Vagrant Art Buildings. It is a wonderful change—to have all the programs in one location simplifies administration and collaboration in activities. It provides a safe environment for youth activities while they also receive therapeutic services. One building houses the middle school and high school students, including the SUCCESS program. The other building provides space for the elementary aged students. The TBH administration offices, the Family Center, the Bi-Lingual program and the Outpatient services are still at 104 Bertha .
Supportive landlord
Taos Behavioral Health (TBH) wants to express deep appreciation to many people who have made this major move a reality. First—our landlord has gone above and beyond making sure the building was outfitted in ways that would keep our youth safe. He and his family embraced this new use of the buildings and spent personal time refurbishing the space, so they felt pride in its support for the youth of Taos. German Valle, the Grounds and Maintenance manager, has been responsive to every request and is committed to creating a safe welcoming environment for each of the programs.
Staff and community respond
The community has enabled us to create unique dedicated space for each program through the donations of furniture and supplies. We wish to thank local businessman Howard Spellman for his donation of many different items which enabled the staff to richly equip their spaces. The TBH staff has enthusiastically embraced the move to the new space. They have spent their personal time and finances to make certain that each space is unique and represents the interests of their students. They value the paintings on the outside of the buildings and they are encouraging their youth to use creativity and art skills to decorate the interior spaces. We expect it to be a long-term location for TBH and appreciate how the community has helped us create a wonderful environment.
Unique program activities
The summer program at TBH operates 5 days a week and provides many unique experiences for our clients. Besides therapeutic services, we provide a variety of field trips making full use of the beautiful natural surroundings of Taos. There are many nature outings—and visits to unique resources such the New Mexico Natural History Museum, Meow Wolf in Santa Fe and the Explora Science Center and Children’s Museum in Albuquerque. Most often, our clients had never had any of these experiences and outings before.
Taos Behavioral Health looks forward to a long residency in these buildings. We feel that the environment supports our mission and our goals for youth clients. We have openings for appropriate youth clients who are qualified through our intake process. Information is available by calling our main number (575-758-4297) to start the process. Join a wonderful community service.
Taos Behavioral Health has the largest staff of licensed and credentialed behavioral health professionals in northern New Mexico. We can be reached at 575-578-4297, www.taosbehavioralhealth.org or at 105B Bertha St. for scheduled appointments.
Mary McPhail Gray is the Board Chair of TBH and can be reached at 575-779-3126 or at mcphailconsulting@gmail.com
