Construction Starts on a New Respite Center in the South Valley
November 22, 2019
Mayor Tim Keller and elected officials from the City, State and County broke ground today on a new adult day care and respite center in the South Valley.
The new respite center is many years in the making and will meet the growing demands from South Valley residents who are taking care of their elderly and disabled family members. This effort started back in 2010 when the New Mexico State Legislature and then Governor Bill Richardson appropriated the initial dollars for this center. The City of Albuquerque is managing the construction of this project and contributed $200,000 for the benefit of the south valley community.
Mayor Keller said, “Family is a New Mexico value. We came together at the City, the County and the State to deliver a vital service for our residents in the South Valley. Not everyone can afford long-term care for aging loved ones and this new respite center meets a need for a place for folks who are elderly or have disabilities to spend the day.”
“As our population ages and as our needs shift, we find increasing facilities like these are more than a luxury, but a valuable way of holding families and communities together,” said State Senator Jerry Ortiz y Pino. “I am very pleased to see this being developed today.”
State Representative Miguel Garcia added; “It is a glorious day when we can break ground on a long-awaited program that provides comfort to our residents who care for their elderly family members. An Adult Respite Center serving Atrisco and the South Valley is just what the Doctor ordered.”
“This long-awaited facility will be a welcomed addition for south valley and south west mesa residents. To provide respite for families with aging adults and assist in improving the entire family’s quality of life,” said Councilor Klarissa Peña. “I’m proud to have worked with my colleagues at the State, City, and County levels of government to achieve this vital facility and service.”
“The County and City are finally able to bring some assistance to residents who provide one of the most selfless acts, that of caregiver to their loved ones. Now we can help bring a semblance of normalcy to their lives, at least for a few hours, when needed,” said County Commissioner Steven Michael Quezada.
The new South Valley Respite Center will be immediately next to the current South Valley Multipurpose Center located at 2008 Larrazolo Road SW. The project costs $1.6 million which includes design, construction, equipment, furnishings and other related expenses. The money is a combination of city, state, and county funds.