CASA of Jefferson and Gilpin Counties

CASA Book Club - November 2025
2025-11-20 18:00 - 20:00 UTC | Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO, 80401, United States
Note the change in time and location to 6 pm at the Courthouse.
The CASA Book Club will be meeting on Thursday, November 20 at 6 pm at the Jeffco Courthouse. We will convene in the Bear Creek Room which is left of the elevators as you enter
The movie we will watch and discuss is Failure to Protect (2023). This film is a documentary of the child welfare system as told by parents and professionals. The list of actor/characters include psychologists, judges, social workers, juvenile dependency and parents.
The movie is available on Amazon.
Watch the movie and come prepared to discuss how the movie impacts your current or past cases and how we might apply concepts to our mission. Watching and coming to the meeting earns 3 hours of training credit.
Note that our CASA Book Club meets regularly every other month on the 3rd Thursday and alternates between books and movies related to foster care, adoption and fulfilling the mission of the best interests of children. Contact Larry Varys with questions at larryvarys@aol.com.

November 2025 New Volunteer Training
2025-11-03 - 2025-11-20 | Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO, 80401, United States
Our next CASA Volunteer Training will begin in October of 2025. Jefferson County Courthouse100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO 80401The CASA training program is 30 hours of in-person training, including court observations, and an additional 6-10 hours of at home assignments as well as a swearing-in with Judge VanGilder.

Training Dates:
Mon, November 3 – 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Thurs, November 6 – 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Sat, November 8 – 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Mon, November 10 – 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Thurs, November 13 – 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Mon, November 17 – 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Thurs, November 20 – 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
November (TBD) – 5-6 pm Swearing-In Ceremony
*CASA Volunteer Application and Interview is required to attend training

For more information or questions, please contact:
Jill Dalton | Volunteer Onboarding Supervisor
(303) 271-6537 | jilldalton@casajeffcogilpin.com

CASAs Connect - Coffee & Chat October 2025
2025-10-29 10:00 - 11:30 | Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO, 80401, United States
CASAs Connect: Support, Share, and Learn
CASAs Connect is a monthly gathering for CASA Volunteers to come together, share experiences, and discuss their cases in a supportive environment. It’s a chance to ask questions, offer advice, and connect with fellow advocates. This year, CASAs Connect is also hosting a Speaker Series, bringing valuable insights and expert perspectives to enhance your advocacy. Join us to stay engaged, informed, and inspired!
Jefferson County Courthouse, Bear Creek Room

CASAs Connect Speaker Series - Human Services Prevention Team
2025-10-27 18:00 - 19:30 | Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO, 80401, United States
CASAs Connect: Support, Share, and Learn
CASAs Connect is a monthly gathering for CASA Volunteers to come together, share experiences, and discuss their cases in a supportive environment. It’s a chance to ask questions, offer advice, and connect with fellow advocates. This year, CASAs Connect is also hosting a Speaker Series, bringing valuable insights and expert perspectives to enhance your advocacy. Join us to stay engaged, informed, and inspired!
These count towards continuing education credits!
Department of Human Services – Prevention Training
Monday, October 27th, 6:00-7:30pm – Jefferson County Courthouse, Faye Griffin Conference Room
100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO 80401
This training is specifically on mandated reporting and how our DHS child welfare system functions. More details to come.

Reach out to Jill with questions.
jilldalton@casajeffcogilpin.com | (303) 271-6537

CASA Book Club - October 2025
2025-10-23 18:00 - 20:00 | Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO, 80401, United States
CASA Book Club Reminder
The CASA Book Club group usually meets every odd month on the 3rd Thursday and explores both Books and Movies pertaining to our work with at risk children.
Due to scheduling conflicts, the meeting normally held in September is being delayed until October.
The Book Club will meet Thursday, October 23 at 6 pm at the courthouse, in the GOLDEN ROOM for a special guest and training opportunity. Mark your calendar and plan to come. Refreshments will be served
Our own Jeffco/Gilpin CASA volunteer and author, Pamela Manresa will be with us to discuss her book, To Trap the Tortured Soul.
Pamela is a new CASA volunteer and received her first case 6 months ago. Before CASA, Pamela was a Victim Advocate with Adams County Sheriff’s office for 5 years. Her book is a reflection of her experiences in helping victims through trauma. Pamela’s journey from Victim Advocate to CASA is a wonderful testimony and inspiration of working with and advocating for our children.
Our CASA Book club is a great way to learn and connect with others.
Read the book before hand. The book is available on Amazon. Pamela will share her background and have time to take questions and sign book copies. Even if you don’t read the book, please come and hear about how your peers are making an impact and get 1.5 hours of educational credit.
Note that our CASA Book Club meets regularly every other month on the 3rd Thursday and alternates between books and movies related to foster care, adoption and fulfilling the mission of the best interests of children. Reading the book and attending the discussion earns 3 hours of continuing education credit.
Contact Larry Varys with questions at larryvarys@aol.com.

CASA 101 - October 2025
2025-10-15 17:30 - 18:30 | Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO, 80401, United States
October 15th 2025 5:30pm – 6:30pm

Event Address: 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Bear Creek Room 1319, Golden, CO 80401

Parking is available on both of the upper lots at the courthouse. Enter through the main entrance and the Bear Creek room is on the first floor on the left hand side. There will be signs to help direct you.

We will have some light snacks and a quick program to learn more about volunteering with CASA Jeffco/Gilpin. Get the opportunity to meet other current and prospective volunteers. All current CASA/YA volunteers are encouraged to attend and bring a friend!

RSVP HERE

Reach out to Audrey with any additional questions.
audrey@casajeffcogilpin.com | (719) 306-3477

CASAs Connect - Coffee & Chat September 2025
2025-09-24 10:00 - 11:30 | Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO, 80401, United States
CASAs Connect: Support, Share, and Learn
CASAs Connect is a monthly gathering for CASA Volunteers to come together, share experiences, and discuss their cases in a supportive environment. It’s a chance to ask questions, offer advice, and connect with fellow advocates. This year, CASAs Connect is also hosting a Speaker Series, bringing valuable insights and expert perspectives to enhance your advocacy. Join us to stay engaged, informed, and inspired!

September Volunteer Appreciation - New Terrain
2025-09-16 17:00 - 19:30 | New Terrain, 16401 Table Mountain Pkwy, Golden, CO, 80403
September 16th from 5:00pm – 7:30pm

Event Address: New Terrain Brewing 16401 Table Mountain Pkwy, Golden, CO 80403
Come to our September Volunteer Appreciation Event at New Terrain Brewing! We will be providing drinks, snacks and a small appreciation gift. Family/guests are welcome to attend as well (the venue is kid-friendly). Feel free to stop by anytime during those hours to drink, eat and chat with other volunteers and the CASA staff!

Reach out to Audrey with any additional questions.
audrey@casajeffcogilpin.com | (719) 306-3477

RSVP HERE

Putt Fore CASA 2025
2025-08-27 16:00 - 20:00 | Putter’s Pride, 3604 S Kilping St, Denver, CO, 80235, United States
Save the Date: Putt Fore CASA!
August 27th, 2025
Putters Pride

More details coming soon!

CASAs Connect - Coffee & Chat August 2025
2025-08-27 10:00 - 11:30 | Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO, 80401, United States

August 2025 New Volunteer Training
2025-08-25 - 2025-09-11 | Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO, 80401, United States
Our next CASA Volunteer Training will begin in August of 2025. Jefferson County Courthouse100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO 80401The CASA training program is 30 hours of in-person training, including court observations, and an additional 6-10 hours of at home assignments as well as a swearing-in with Judge VanGilder.

Training Dates:
Mon, August 25 – 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Tues, August 26 – 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Tues, September 2 – 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Thurs, September 4 – 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Sat, September 6 – 8:30 am to 3:30 pm
Tues, September 9 – 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Thurs, September 11 – 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm
September (TBD) – 5-6 pm Swearing-In Ceremony
*CASA Volunteer Application and Interview is required to attend training

For more information or questions, please contact:
Audrey Miklitsch | Community Engagement Coordinatior
(719) 306-3477 | audrey@casajeffcogilpin.com
Ellie Landry | Training and Retention Coordinator
(719) 221-4881 | ellielandry@casajeffcogilpin.com

CASA 101 - August 2025
2025-08-05 17:30 - 18:30 | Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO, 80401, United States
August 5th 2025 5:30pm – 6:30pm

Event Address: 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Bear Creek Room 1319, Golden, CO 80401

Parking is available on both of the upper lots at the courthouse. Enter through the main entrance and the Bear Creek room is on the first floor on the left hand side. There will be signs to help direct you.

We will have some light snacks and a quick program to learn more about volunteering with CASA Jeffco/Gilpin. Get the opportunity to meet other current and prospective volunteers. All current CASA/YA volunteers are encouraged to attend and bring a friend!

RSVP HERE

Reach out to Audrey with any additional questions.
audrey@casajeffcogilpin.com | (719) 306-3477

CASAs Connect - Coffee & Chat July 2025
2025-07-30 10:00 - 11:30 | Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO, 80401, United States

Golden Bike Cruise
2025-07-29 17:30 - 21:00 | CO
Come see CASA at the July Golden Bike Cruise!
The Golden Bicycle Cruise is a family friendly event held on the last Tuesday evening of the month, May through September. Participants cruise along the bike paths and streets of Golden. The rides are themed, and riders encouraged to wear costumes and decorate their bikes. 100-150 riders of all ages participate. Each cruise features a different Golden band and two prize drawings. Beer from New Terrain Brewery is paired with burgers from Bob’s Atomic Burgers. 5280 Magazine has called the Golden Bike Cruise one of the “5 Best Social Bike Rides Around Denver”!
Calvary Church Parking Garage
818 14th Street

2025 Human Trafficking Summit
2025-07-23 08:30 - 2025-07-24 16:00 | CO
CASA Jeffco/Gilpin is grateful to be a part of the Human Trafficking Summit this year.
Registration open! Free to Attend. July 23rd- 24th 8:30am – 4pm
Register Here: https://form.typeform.com/to/b4DMe9uE
Mission Hills Church
620 Southpark Dr
Littleton, CO 80120

Taste of Arvada
2025-07-10 17:00 - 20:00 | Apex Center, 13150 72nd Ave, Arvada, CO, 80005
Come see the CASA Booth at Taste of Arvada!

Thursday, July 10, 2025
Apex Center, 13150 72nd Ave
General Admission: 6:00 – 8:00 PM
VIP Early Access at 5:00 PM

Get ready for an unforgettable evening at Taste of Arvada, presented by Climb Credit Union, where culinary creativity meets community celebration! This event features over 50 of the best restaurants, craft breweries and distilleries, coffee shops, and non-food vendors from across the Denver Metro and Arvada areas. Indulge in exceptional bites and sips while exploring the indoor/outdoor space, complete with live music performances and a spirited atmosphere that promises something for everyone.
Taste of Arvada also serves as a friendly competition among participating restaurants and bars as they vie for coveted prizes in their categories, with winners chosen by you—the attendees! Whether you’re a foodie, craft beer enthusiast, or just want to learn more about your community, Taste of Arvada is your chance to experience the best flavors, sounds, and sights our community has to offer.
Don’t miss out on this celebration of all things local—secure your tickets early as they sell out fast

CASA Book Club - July 2025
2025-07-07 08:00 - 17:00 | Barnes and Noble, 14347 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO, 80401, United States
The CASA Book Club will be meeting on Thursday, July 17 at 7 pm at the Barnes and Noble Bookstore at Colorado Mills, 14000 W. Colfax. The store is located near Whole Foods.

The movie we will watch and discuss is I am Somebody’s Child-the Regina Louise Story. (2019) The movie portrays a real-life story of a child who navigates 30 foster homes and psychiatric facilities by age 18.

The movie is available on Prime.

Watch the movie and come prepared to discuss how the movie impacts your current or past cases and how we might apply concepts to our mission. Watching and coming to the meeting earns 3 hours of training credit.

Note that our CASA Book Club meets regularly every other month on the 3rd Thursday and alternates between books and movies related to foster care, adoption and fulfilling the mission of the best interests of children.

Contact Larry Varys with questions at larryvarys@aol.com.

Denver Pridefest
2025-06-28 - 2025-06-29 | CO
Come see the CASA booth at Denver Pride!
Saturday, June 28, 11:00 am – 7:00 pm
Sunday, June 29, 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

“Join us at Denver Pride 2025 for the ultimate celebration of love, diversity, and equality. Our two-day festival unites communities from across Colorado and the Rocky Mountain region, bringing in an estimated attendance of over 500,000 people year after year.
We’ll kick off the weekend with the Pride 5K on Saturday, June 28, 2025, followed by the iconic two-day Denver PrideFest event at Civic Center Park boasting 250+ exhibitors, 30 food vendors, and captivating live performances. Sunday’s Vizzy Denver Pride Parade flaunts colorful floats, marchers, music, and more, drawing over 120,000 spectators leading up to Civic Center Park, where day two celebrations continue.”

Leah's Next Chapter Celebration
2025-06-26 16:00 - 19:00 | Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO, 80401, United States
Join us as we honor Leah Varnell, Executive Director of CASA Jeffco/Gilpin, for her remarkable 25 years of dedicated service and leadership in our community.
Event Details

Date: Thursday, June 26th
Time: 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM Open House
Place: Jefferson County Courthouse Lower Level Cafeteria
Address: 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO 80401
Enjoy a patio space, weather permitting!
Light refreshments and appetizers will be served

A Note on Gifts
In lieu of personal gifts for Leah, please consider making an in-kind donation or contributing directly to CASA in her name to support the vital work she has been so passionate about. Follow the link here to donate: https://www.coloradogives.org/organization/CASAJeffcoGilpin. For in-kind donations, please consider generic gift cards that could be used directly for client support.
PHOTOS
If you have any photos of Leah that you would like to be included with her gift, please send them to Audrey Miklitsch at audrey@casajeffcogilpin.com.

RSVP
We look forward to celebrating Leah’s incredible journey with all of you! Please RSVP HERE. You can reach out to Melissa Hellmuth at melissahellmuth@casajeffcogilpin.com with any questions.

CASAs Connect - Coffee & Chat June 2025
2025-06-25 10:00 - 11:30 | Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO, 80401, United States

Lakewood Family Fun Day
2025-06-21 10:00 - 13:00 | Carmody Park, 2200 S. Kipling St, Lakewood, CO, 80227
CASA will have a booth at Lakewood Family Fun Day!
Fun activities for the whole family! There will be obstacle courses, games, face paint, family fitness demos/classes, water play, and local vendors. Make sure to bring your wheels and helmet for the scooter/bike course and finish the day off with a fun color run! Come have some fun with Lakewood Recreation as they celebrate community fitness on Family Fun Day, formerly Family Health and Fitness Day.
Date: Saturday, June 21
Time: 10 a.m.- 1 p.m.
Location: Carmody Park

Pints & Purpose
2025-06-17 18:00 - 19:30 | Great Divide Brewery & Roadhouse – Belmar, 7260 W Alaska Dr, Unit D, Lakewood, CO, 80226, United States
Pints & Purpose Open House

Join us for Pints & Purpose, a laid-back volunteer recruitment event where you’ll enjoy a free beer/NA drink and light appetizers while learning how you can impact a child’s life as a CASA volunteer. Meet some of our current volunteers, hear their stories, and find out why advocates are so important for children navigating the court system due to abuse and neglect.
Already a CASA volunteer? Bring a friend who might be interested in learning more!
Come for the pints, stay for the mission.

Date: Tuesday, June 17th at 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Address: Great Divide Brewery & Roadhouse, 7260 W Alaska Dr, Unit D, Lakewood, CO 80226
Can’t make this date? Sign up for more info below! We host recruitment events like this 3 times a year. And CASA 101 sessions 6 times a year. Learn more HERE.

Please RSVP so we can have an accurate headcount for food/drinks! It is open house style, so you can also stop in at any portion of the night.

Reach out to Audrey with questions
audrey@casajeffcogilpin.com or (719) 306-3477

D&N Bench Bar
2025-06-17 12:00 - 13:00 | Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO, 80401, United States
As Judge VanGilder approaches the year mark of being in the Presiding Juvenile Judge role, she wants to hear stakeholders’ input about Division 10 operations. The hope is that this builds on the history of collaboration amongst juvenile stakeholders in the 1st JD and aims to be an open conversation and discussion about what is going well, what we could improve upon, and how we can continue to best serve children and families in Jeffco and Gilpin. GALs, CFYs, RPC, County Attorneys, Caseworkers, and CASAs are all welcome and encouraged to attend. Lunch will be provided. Volunteers can see the weekly update for RSVP information.

CASAs Connect - Coffee & Chat
2025-05-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO, 80401, United States

May Volunteer Appreciation - Yoga
2025-05-20 15:00 - 18:00 | CO
Yoga at Gray Yoga – Details Coming Soon!

CASA Book Club May 2025
2025-05-15 19:00 - 20:00 | Barnes and Noble, 14347 W Colfax Ave, Lakewood, CO, 80401, United States
CASA Book Club May 2025
The CASA Book Club will be meeting on Thursday, May 15 from 7 – 8 pm at the Barnes and Noble at Colorado Mills, 14000 W. Colfax. (The store is located on the north side of Colfax near the Whole Foods).
The BOOK we will read is Finding Fish: A Memoir. The book is the autobiography of Antwone Fisher, a story of overcoming a difficult childhood marked by abandonment, abuse, and homelessness leading to eventual life success. You may have heard of the movie Antwone Fisher with the book club viewed in the past. The book has many copies available for free through Prospector, our public library system.
Read the book and come prepared to discuss how the characters and plot have helped you to understand and apply your CASA role to a wider array of cases.
Zoom or Face Time participation is also an option. Contact Larry for the links.
If you are new to the club, have questions, want to join via Zoom or want to get involved, contact larry at larryvarys@aol.com

CASA 101 - May 2025
2025-05-14 17:30 - 18:30 | Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO, 80401, United States
May 14th 2025 5:30pm – 6:30pm
Upcoming dates in July

Event Address: 100 Jefferson County Parkway, Bear Creek Room 1319, Golden, CO 80401

Parking is available on both of the upper lots at the courthouse. Enter through the main entrance and the Bear Creek room is on the first floor on the left hand side. There will be signs to help direct you.

We will have some light snacks and a quick program to learn more about volunteering with CASA Jeffco/Gilpin. Get the opportunity to meet other current and prospective volunteers. All current CASA/YA volunteers are encouraged to attend and bring a friend!

RSVP HERE

Reach out to Audrey with any additional questions.
audrey@casajeffcogilpin.com | (719) 306-3477

CASAs Connect Speaker Series - CHEEZO
2025-05-08 17:30 - 18:30 | Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO, 80401, United States
CASAs Connect: Support, Share, and Learn
CASAs Connect is a monthly gathering for CASA Volunteers to come together, share experiences, and discuss their cases in a supportive environment. It’s a chance to ask questions, offer advice, and connect with fellow advocates. This year, CASAs Connect is also hosting a Speaker Series, bringing valuable insights and expert perspectives to enhance your advocacy. Join us to stay engaged, informed, and inspired!
We have one more upcoming Speakers this spring. These count towards continuing education credits!
Child Sex Offenders Internet Investigations – CHEEZO
Thursday, May 8th, 5:30-6:30pm – Jefferson County Courthouse, Faye Griffith Conference Room
100 Jefferson County Parkway, Golden, CO 80401
The Child Sex Offender Internet Investigations Unit, known as Cheezo, is at the forefront of the Sheriff’s Office’s commitment to ensure the safety of our children. Predators use the internet as a gateway to victims because of the anonymity and the ability to lure children with minimal detection and apprehension. This same anonymity is capitalized upon by highly trained Cheezo investigators who portray themselves as teenagers online where adults seek victims for sexual purposes.

April 2025 Swearing-In Ceremony
2025-05-07 17:00 | Jefferson County Courthouse, 100 Jefferson County Pkwy, Golden, CO, 80401, United States
Join us for our new volunteer swearing-in ceremony!

Champions For Children Breakfast 2025
2025-05-01 07:30 - 08:30 | Denver Marriott West, 1717 Denver West Marriott Blvd, Golden, CO, 80401
Join us for a delicious breakfast and learn more about CASA!

Our speaker this year is Sabastian Moore, a current CASA volunteer, who decided to become a volunteer after his own experience with the foster care system. Living off and on with his parents and in foster homes, he never felt like he had anyone to advocate for him, and wanted to help children who were in a similar situation. Sabastian is an amazing advocate and support system for the children and families he serves through CASA. His dedication goes beyond expectations, ensuring that every child has access to the resources and opportunities they need to thrive.

RSVP and Learn More HERE
