[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 150 (Wednesday, November 28, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1819-E1820]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              LEAH VARNELL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ED PERLMUTTER

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 28, 2012

  Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud 
Leah Varnell for her outstanding service to our community.
  In 2000, Leah Varnell was a leader in the creation of the Court 
Appointed Special Advocates of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties (CASA 
Jeffco/Gilpin). Its mission is to recruit, train and manage community 
advocates who act as officers of the court for the best interest of 
children that are abuse and neglect victims.
  Since its inception, Leah's success with CASA Jeffco/Gilpin has led 
to a 110% increase in revenue and 60% increase in staffing, which 
enables the program to serve more

[[Page E1820]]

children. In addition, Leah's has been successful creating numerous 
partnerships with courts and human services to better utilize CASA 
volunteers.
  In 2010, Leah was selected as the Staff Person of the Year by the 
State Association of CASA programs in Colorado. She also serves on 
numerous boards including Rewired, Inc., Leadership Jefferson County 
Alumni Association, Jefferson County Good News Coalition, Jefferson 
County Best Practice Court Team, and the Emancipation Court Steering 
Committee.
  I extend my deepest congratulations to Leah Varnell for her well 
deserved honor by the West Chamber serving Jefferson County. I have no 
doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all her 
future accomplishments.

                          ____________________