Inspiration Ranch, an equine therapy center located in Magnolia, was assisted by the Texas National Guard with construction needs May 18, according to a news release.

As the therapy center has been expanding its services during the coronavirus pandemic, more time was being spent on completing the expansion project.

The Texas National Guard was stationed at the Montgomery County Food Bank and reached out to offer their assistance on their day off.

“This couldn’t have come at a better time,” Inspiration Ranch Property Manager Cole Moxley said in the release. “We have been working long hours to try to finish our mental health arena, and they were able to get that nearly finished for us.”

Around 30 members of the National Guard assisted with building fences and railing and with painting the pasture area.

According to the release, the coronavirus pandemic has caused an increase in need for mental health care, stemming from job loss, isolation and stress.

Inspiration Ranch President MG Tindall said in a May 15 email that the center has continued to see mental health clients throughout the COVID-19 quarantine and is seeing seeing a spike in sessions.

With the help of the National Guard, the center will soon be ready to handle more clients, according to the release.

“This was an incredible boost for the mental health program,” said Moxley. “It would have taken us at least a week to complete the work they did for us in one day.”