The Board of El Paso County Commissioners honored the retirement of Rebecca “Becky” Atencio with a Proclamation, expressing thanks for her 22 years in the Department of Human Services.
“Ms. Atencio has been a valuable asset to the Department of Human Services,” said Board President Pro Tem Mark Waller as he read the Proclamation into the record. “Her dedication to the families she worked with cannot be measured, as evidenced by the fact that some families and now-grown children remain in touch with her.”
Atencio began her career in 1996 as a caseworker II in DHS and was promoted to caseworker III in 1997. She worked in several units including Ongoing Child Protection, Kinship and Youth in Conflict handling specialized caseloads such as those involving adolescents and human trafficking.
“You truly had one of the most difficult jobs in our County; you’re dealing with people’s lives every day,” Waller said. “It’s not just a great contribution to our own county, but certainly a great contribution to our community and you should be proud of all the work you have done.”
Throughout her career, Atencio traveled significant distances to help facilitate permanency for children and youth. She shared her knowledge and expertise with her involvement with the Milton Foster Care Funds Committee and the Southern Colorado Human Trafficking Task Force.
“Becky has shown her love and her passion for helping families,” said Christopher Garvin, Department of Human Services Deputy Executive Director.
During her time at DHS, she participated on committees focused on bringing improvements to DHS. Atencio also started a suitcase and clothing closet for children in foster care. She made an incredible difference in the life of a co-worker when she donated a portion of her own liver.