CASA of the Continental Divide marks 20 years of helping abuse victims with harrowing, inspiring stories

Speaking with confidence and grace, Jewel Arledge stood before a roomful of people Wednesday night at the Silverthorne Pavilion and recounted the hell that was her childhood. Now 20, Arledge works two jobs as she takes classes full-time at Red Rocks Community College. She’ll soon transfer to Metropolitan State University of Denver, where she’ll pursue a double major, and she has designs on chasing a doctorate degree in corporate law after that.

“I’m not slowing down anytime soon,” she said.

Arledge was one of several guest speakers Wednesday night as CASA of the Continental Divide celebrated its 20th birthday, thanked its donors and honored two of its success stories.