A View of Community

Mindy Stone, 2024 Northeast District Finalist, Colorado's Heart Award

Growing need during COVID inspired REALTOR® Mindy Stone to volunteer in her tight-knit community.

It was 1994 when REALTOR® Mindy Stone, CMAS, moved from Illinois to the mountains of Estes Park, Colorado – a town she calls the most beautiful place on Earth. “I absolutely love my community,” she said. “We come together in times of need no matter what.”

It is this devotion to her community which inspired Stone to volunteer with Crossroads Ministry, having begun her service with the organization just before COVID hit. Crossroads Ministry helps to support the community through a resident food bank and provides clothing, financial assistance, and literacy training.

“Being a REALTOR® has encouraged me to get involved in the community and the flexible schedule allows me to really participate,” Stone said.

Crossroads Ministry began its efforts to help low-income residents of Estes Park through times of hardship offering a food pantry and emergency services in 1982. After the Lawn Lake Flood struck Estes Park in 1982, Crossroads Ministry became a vital resource to victims affected by the flood. Over the years, the organization has grown through an outpouring of local support and is now comprised of 15 local churches and eight affiliated service groups, as well as representation from many local businesses. Their mission is to provide human services to the community of Estes Park with unconditional love.

Historically, when the community need has grown, so has the support offered by Crossroads Ministry. Stone shares that the number of clients needing assistance in the food bank has nearly doubled in the last year and they are doing all they can to keep up with the demand. To help with that need, Stone volunteers every single week. “Someone wise once said you will make time for what is important to you,” said friend Stacy Huyler-Fisher. “Mindy is dedicated to Crossroads Ministry. She never misses a week at the food pantry [and] she will not schedule anything over the time she has reserved for her volunteer duties.”

Stone’s dedication to Crossroads Ministry includes planning their annual fundraising event: a night of food, wine, and a silent auction. Under her leadership, the event raises $40K-$100K annually. “This fills my heart with joy and gratitude,” said Stone, who also serves as Vice President on Crossroad Ministry’s Board of Directors. “I am honored and take so much pride in being part of an organization [whose] sole purpose is to better the lives of others and let them know that everything is going to be alright.”