Mayor Keller, Councilor Peña, and Local Leaders Unveil the New South Valley Respite Center

ALBUQUERQUE – Mayor Tim Keller and leaders from the City, State and County unveiled a new adult day service and respite center in the South Valley. The approximately $1.6 million facility is adjacent to the South Valley Multipurpose Center and will be leased and operated by a licensed adult day service provider. The South Valley Respite Center will serve as a valued community resource for residents to provide unpaid care to aging and disabled loved ones.

“This center is a reflection of the tremendous value we place on family here in Albuquerque,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “Family caregivers shouldn’t have to go it alone. This space will help community members stay safe and healthy. This effort that spanned the city, county and state shows why it’s so important to have leaders work together and cut through red tape to deliver for our residents.”

State Representative Miguel Garcia added; “It is a glorious day when we can provide this a long-awaited resource that provides comfort to our residents who care for their elderly family members. An Adult Respite Center serving the South Valley is just what our community needs.”

“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.”

 “When family members are the full-time caregivers, it’s tough to trust someone else to take care of our loved ones,” says Bernalillo County Commissioner Steve Michael Quezada.  “A trusted, loving place for even a few hours can mean the world to everyone involved and help ease the burden.”

The project began in 2010 when the New Mexico State Legislature appropriated the initial dollars for this center. Later in the course of the project, the City of Albuquerque’s Division of Municipal Development managed the construction until completion and Department of Senior Affairs contributed $200,000 determined to meet the needs of our growing, aging population and their unpaid family caregivers.