Chapala’s Nueva Vida rehab center recently celebrated its 17th anniversary as a local safe haven for individuals battling addictions and substance abuse, particularly those from families of limited means.
The non-profit facility has operated on a shoe-string budget since 1991 under the direction of Luis Manuel García Ramírez (far right). Professional guidance in the treatment for its current 18 live-in patients is provided by medical advisor Dr. Enrique Gutierrez Ortega (left) and psychologists Antonieta Salcido Morales and Nadia Espinosa Romero (center) from the Renovare counseling clinic.
The humble dwelling located near the old railway station is situated on large grounds where recovering addicts tend to gardening tasks and the care of domestic animals as part of their occupational therapy.