VisionQuest continues to seek state’s approval

‘Misunderstanding’ cited after CYFD denied initial application

The Arizona company attempting to start an Albuquerque shelter for undocumented children will continue seeking approval to open despite the state’s recent decision to deny its initial license application.

New Mexico’s child welfare agency last month alleged VisionQuest purposefully provided incomplete and misleading information about why the state of Pennsylvania had in 2015 temporarily revoked the license for one of the company’s East Coast residential facilities. An official with the New Mexico Children, Youth and Families Department cited that as a justification for denying the company’s application to operate a shelter in Albuquerque.

But a VisionQuest official has responded with a five-page letter, citing a “misunderstanding” during the New Mexico application process due in part to inconsistent directions and saying the company ultimately provided the state all the requested information.

VisionQuest is asking the state for a hearing and informational resolution conference, part of an appeal process allowed under state code.

“We believe that concern (that Vision

Police ID victim of shooting in NW Albuquerque with a friend when the shooting occurred.

Jennie Valles said her son told her, “I love you, Mommy, I’ll see you later” when he left his grandmother’s house hours before.

“His heart was golden,” she said. Jennie Valles said her son — one of two siblings — was a kind person and a goofball who always tried to make people laugh.

Although Daniel Valles had dropped out of school, his mom was ready to sign him up for the Job Corps, an opportunity that wouldn’t come.

“I just can’t,” the mother said, her voice trailing off into sobs.