As soon as the ribbon was cut, the doors opened.
On Saturday, September 26th, 2015, the Esperanza Center held its Grand Opening Celebration. Formerly Ericsson Elementary School, the slightly remodeled facility in the middle of the Floreciente Neighborhood will "facilitate partnerships with and provide space for local organizations and ministries to engage with real-time needs in the surrounding area," said a press release.
To see inside the Esperanza Center, click here.
Heritage Church bought the building from the Moline-Coal Valley School District. Representatives are wanting the community's ideas on how to best use the new center. They're holding a listening session on the evening of Sunday, October 11th.
"We are so excited to be here in this neighborhood," said Ben Moncivaiz, Project Leader. "That's where our heart is and we just want to come in and serve the community."
Today's celebrations included a ribbon cutting ceremony and a carnival. On Sunday, September 27th, The Esperanza Center will hold its first bilingual church service, called Iglesia Vida Nueva, at 9am and 10:45am.