ALAMOSA — The Barn at La Manzanilla in Alamosa was standing-room only on Saturday night when staff, board members and a crowd of supporters of the San Luis Valley Immigration Resources Center (SLVIRC) gathered for the organization’s annual Donor Appreciation and Community Celebration event. 

Alejandro Jimenez, a commanding spoken word/performance poet living in Santa Fe, N.M., transfixed the audience with the power of his poetry. A two-time Emmy nominee, Jimenez was the subject of a May 2023 episode on PBS’ American Masters and gives frequent TEDx talks.

Board member Eric Carpio followed, expressing strong praise for the work of the resources center, and gratitude to the donors for their support throughout the year. He shared his appreciation for those who made their voices heard at the recent Alamosa County Commissioners’ meeting where a non-sanctuary resolution failed to be voted on.

Mariachi San Luis wrapped up the evening with another invigorating performance.

Since it was first formed in 1987, the SLVIRC has been fulfilling its mission to connect and empower immigrants with resources to achieve legal documentation, fulfill their economic needs and integrate into the community.

Even with a small staff and a relatively limited budget, the SLVIRC manages to offer a wide range of important services, meeting — and sometimes anticipating — needs that are, literally, not met by any other resource in the Valley. Donations to this long-time cornerstone of the community can be made by going to the website https://slvirc.org or calling 719-587-3225.