[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 44 (Thursday, April 18, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E580]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                 PAYING TRIBUTE TO RITA BARRERAS------

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, April 18, 2002--

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize the efforts of a woman who has devoted her life's work to 
improving the lives of children, the elderly, and the disabled in the 
State of Colorado. Rita Barreras has taken tremendous strides in the 
social services field and has proven herself a dedicated leader in her 
profession. For her service to others, she was recently honored by her 
alma mater, the University of Southern Colorado, as Outstanding 
Alumnus. It is my honor to bring the accomplishments of such an 
astounding provider of care and service before this body of Congress, 
and this nation.
  Rita is currently the Director of the Division of Aging and Adult 
Services for the Colorado Department of Human Services in Denver. In 
this position, she provides the leadership and vision for sixty-three 
social service county departments. After twenty-five years in the 
field, Rita is known as a respected administrator and dedicated care 
provider. She is credited with many innovative policies that have 
changed the lives of the elderly and aging, as well as their families 
throughout Colorado. A 1974 graduate of the University of Southern 
Colorado, Rita attributes much of her success and her approach to her 
profession to her experience and education at USC.
  Rita has long been an active member of the community, and has gone to 
great lengths to improve the lives of her fellow Coloradans. She serves 
as a Board Member of Metro Denver Hospice, the Denver Foundation, and 
the Colorado Hispana Leadership Council. She also serves as an advocate 
for the United Way, the Metro Denver Homeless Initiative, and the 
American Diabetes Association. As a member and leader of these groups, 
Rita has been a driving force in developing and achieving worthy and 
often difficult goals for the organizations.
  Through her professional success and her unfaltering efforts to help 
others, Rita has become a model citizen of the Hispanic community and 
the broader Colorado community. She has been well rewarded over the 
years, most notably in 1993 when she was a nominee for the Denver 
YWCA's Women's Achievement Award, where she was invited to attend and 
organize the Colorado Delegation for the White House Conference on 
Aging. In addition, in 1995, the AARP honored Rita with the Partnership 
Award for her successes in providing care to the aging.
  Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor today to bring the accomplishments 
of Rita Barreras before this body of Congress, and this nation. Rita 
embodies the extraordinary spirit of service and dedication in this 
country, and it brings me great pride and joy to bring her efforts to 
your attention today. Thank you for all of your efforts in improving 
our lives and community, Rita. Good luck, and congratulations on your 
recent achievement.

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