Maryland
VQ has worked with the state of Maryland for 15 years to help youth overcome adverse situations and create communities with stronger relational ties and happier members.
VQ got its start in Maryland in 2005 with Morningstar Youth Academy, a program dedicated to offering specialized treatment to youth in need. Since that time, we have continued to expand the population served by the Morningstar program and constantly improved on the treatment that we provide, always keeping on the cutting edge of the social services industry.
Morning Star Youth Academy
Morning Star Youth Academy is a 24 bed, CARF accredited residential program for young men aged 13 to 18 located on Maryland’s Eastern Shore. We offer both a 6-9 month and 90 day short term program. The program accepts up to and including ASAM criteria Level II. The program offers Substance Abuse, Trauma Informed Care, Equine Assisted Learning, Mental Health, Wellness, Life Skills, Community Service and Physical Activities.
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Our features:
Substance Abuse Treatment
The Seven Challenges is designed specifically for adolescents with drug problems. This involves a multi-phase therapeutic process that works first on establishing a foundation of trust, self knowledge and positive values, and then specifically on drug and alcohol issues. The program motivates youth to commit to change and supports their success by implementing the desired changes.
Education
The program is an onsite Type I Non-Public School, approved through the Maryland State Department of Education. The program offers 7-12th Grade, GED, Pre GED and credit recovery. The curriculum includes all four core content areas, Physical Education and Life Skills. The program partners with several local organizations to provide youth with the opportunity to work toward the seventy five hours of community service required in order to graduate from Maryland High Schools.
Sanctuary Model
The Sanctuary® Model of Trauma Informed Care is a blueprint for change that creates a community, both within VQ as well as families, one that recognizes that trauma, adversity and stress impact us as individuals, groups and as a society. VQ has incorporated Sanctuary into our practices as a foundation that promotes safety, recovery and resiliency.
Equine Assisted Learning
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Equine Assisted Learning is a groundwork-centered, interactive learning in the dynamic presence of horses. EAL emphasizes the non-verbal relationships between horse and human. Participants are encouraged to closely observe and interact with the horse, in order to understand and challenge their own assumptions and habits.
Extraordinary Experiences
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Equine Assisted Learning is a groundwork-centered, interactive learning in the dynamic presence of horses. EAL emphasizes the non-verbal relationships between horse and human. Participants are encouraged to closely observe and interact with the horse, in order to understand and challenge their own assumptions and habits.
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Our Leadership
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Emma Diaz
Program Administrator
emma.diaz@vq.com
(443) 521-4512 (cell)
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Ashley Conway-Benson
Addictions Counselor
ashley.conway@vq.com
(410) 352-4118 x4502
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JaNice Stephens
Case Manager
janice.stephens@vq.com
(410) 352-4118 x4501
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Lisa Robbins
Program Nurse
lisa.robbins@vq.com
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Vicki Newman
Director of Education
vicki.newman@vq.com
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Pat Smith
Business Manager
pat.smith@vq.com
(410) 352-4118 x4503
Age
12-17
Gender
Males
The Don Barnes Center (DBC) is dedicated to supporting adolescent unaccompanied children through a range of residential programs, community-based case management, family preservation services, and therapeutic interventions. We prioritize safety, support, and supervision while delivering evidence-based and trauma-focused services. Through Community-Based Education, Casey Life Skills, clinical support, and community integration, we foster positive outcomes and personal growth. Our commitment to unaccompanied children is rooted in creating a nurturing environment that promotes their well-being and future success.
Quantinette Jordan
Age
Gender
The Parenting Education Program supports families and communities by teaching, modeling, and strengthening effective parenting skills through evidence-based, strength-based, and trauma-informed care. Designed for families with children from infancy to age 18 who may be at risk of abuse, neglect, conflict, or instability, the program offers short-term, intensive family and home-based interventions. Staff act as community liaisons, connecting families to essential services and supporting their progress. With a focus on preserving family unity, ensuring children’s safety, and reducing out-of-home placements, the program empowers parents to make better choices and create stable, nurturing environments for their children.
Age
6 - 16
Gender
Males & Females
The VisionQuest Truancy Program supports children, youth, and families in Luzerne County by addressing school attendance challenges through three distinct models: Check and Connect, The PASS Program, and the Truancy Ongoing Program. Designed for K-12 students, the program helps eliminate barriers to school attendance, fostering pathways to graduation. Families and students may transition between models as needed, guided by a multidisciplinary team. The Truancy Ongoing Program provides additional support for families facing complex issues such as behavior or mental health concerns, substance use, or parent/child conflict, with staff offering weekly check-ins, court testimony, and detailed reporting to county agencies.
Age
Gender
The FFT program provides specialized, family-focused treatment for youth aged 11-18 and their families, utilizing a strength-based, relational approach where all members feel respected and heard. Referrals often come from agencies like Juvenile Justice, Child Welfare, and Mental/Behavioral Health. Functional Family Therapy (FFT) aims to engage and motivate families, reduce risk factors, enhance protective factors, and create sustainable behavior change through individualized plans. The program fosters positive relationships and equips families with the tools to utilize community resources, promoting long-term success and well-being.
Age
Gender
The DE Umbrella Program provides comprehensive, statewide services for justice-involved youth aged 10-19 and their families. Services include Pre-Trial Case Management, Accountability (curfew/surveillance), Functional Family Therapy, Mentoring, and community-based interventions tailored to each youth’s criminogenic needs. Committed to fostering recovery, growth, and independence, the program equips youth with skills for successful adaptation to home, school, work, and community life. Guided by values of care, integrity, and dedication, the DE Umbrella Program works to reduce the likelihood of criminality and incarceration, empowering youth and families to build fulfilling, competency-driven futures.
Age
16-24
Gender
Males and Females
The Supervised Independent Living (SIL) program provides safe and supportive housing for males and females aged 16 to 24 who are homeless or cannot live safely with parents or guardians. Each participant receives a furnished one- or two-bedroom apartment, with costs for rent, utilities, and a security deposit covered by the program, along with a weekly allowance. Through individualized case management, life skills training, and goal-setting, the program helps youth achieve self-sufficiency by pursuing education, securing employment, and mastering essential life skills. SIL focuses on leveraging familial and community strengths to support a successful transition to independent living and long-term stability.
Age
11-17
Gender
The Outreach Prevention Program provides evidence-based services for youth aged 11-17 referred by Juvenile Probation and Children and Youth Services. By working directly with adolescents and their families in homes and schools, the program addresses issues identified through assessments and case plans, focusing on parenting, career guidance, and resource coordination. Parents are actively involved, and the program empowers families with strategies, skills, and knowledge to promote positive lifestyle choices, reduce out-of-home placements, and prevent further involvement with juvenile probation or child welfare systems. The goal is to help youth become positive, contributing members of their communities.
Age
Gender
The Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI®) program is an innovative, trauma-informed approach designed to meet the complex needs of vulnerable children and youth up to 18 years old. Developed by Dr. Karyn Purvis and Dr. David Cross, TBRI® focuses on connection, empowerment, and correction to address physical needs, attachment challenges, and fear-based behaviors. Rooted in attachment, sensory processing, and neuroscience research, TBRI® equips caregivers, parents, and educators with practical tools to understand and nurture the “whole child.” By fostering trust and addressing the impact of early adversity, trauma, or toxic stress, the program aims to rebuild family bonds and help children reach their full potential.
Age
Gender
VisionQuest’s Community-Based Prevention Program supports families and communities by addressing educational, medical, social, and emotional needs while enhancing parental involvement and family well-being. Designed to prevent child abuse, neglect, and family dependency on child welfare or juvenile probation services, the program provides advocacy, family support, and referrals to community resources. It also assists families experiencing homelessness or eviction in finding appropriate housing within their local community. By fostering collaborative relationships with schools and community partners, the program helps families build skills, expand social networks, and reduce risk factors, ensuring the safety and well-being of children and families.
Age
Gender
The Nurturing Parenting Education Program provides parenting education to parents of all ages who need support in developing effective caregiving skills. With a focus on respect and understanding, the program treats all parents equally, regardless of their reason for involvement. By equipping parents with the tools and knowledge to become the best caregivers possible, the program promotes the well-being and best interests of their children.
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