Team & Directors
Our Directors
Our volunteer board is dedicated to providing guidance and raising funds to keep Community Ministry serving those in need. These are the individuals to whom we owe thanks.
Susan Penner
Chairperson
I have always had a desire to serve in a more meaningful way, and retirement has given me a greater opportunity to do so. As a food bank volunteer for the past year, I have had a chance to better understand the needs of the neighborhoods served by Community Ministry and appreciate those who work so tirelessly to meet those needs. I hope my background in business, project management and teaching along with my deep belief in the fundamental need for each of us to be well fed, cared for and prepared for learning, will be an asset to the Board. There is so much that we can do together.
Catie Barber
Vice Chair
I have chosen to serve on the board of Community Ministry because I was looking for a new opportunity to volunteer and support communities in Colorado. Previously my time volunteering has been exclusively hands-on and I want to learn how to best support nonprofits from an organizational level. I am hoping that my experience in business management, event planning, and crowdfunding will allow me to help Community Ministry continue to grow and provide crucial support to families in the Denver area.
Donya Powell
Board Treasurer
I have served Community Ministry in some form, whether that be through volunteering at the food bank, summer vacation Bible schools, or as a board member, for the last fifteen years. I have recently returned to serve as Board Treasurer. The mission of CM is one of great importance, and I serve because I see the dedication of so many who continue to work tirelessly to provide for the Southwest Denver community and its needs. To watch those who have been served by CM, and in turn become volunteers to pay it forward, is incredibly rewarding and why I just can’t say “no” to being a part of this amazing organization.
Debbie Gomez
Board Secretary
Annie Huter
Board Member
I got involved with Community Ministry to raise awareness of the need in our area through fundraising and events, to belong to a Christian organization with the beliefs in helping our neighbors, and to pass on the importance of kindness and compassion.
Jeffrey LeBeouf
Board Member
Donna Repp
Board Member
I spent three years as the president of my neighborhood organization and saw first-hand some of the challenges facing the southwest Denver community. In my day job, I find myself connecting people to resources so serving in this capacity feels like a good fit. My neighborhood is very important to me, and I am delighted to give back in a way that is meaningful and helpful to the community.
Erica Augustine
Board Member
What better way to serve my community than through an organization that is located right down the street, whose mission is to help the people in my neighborhood and beyond in their time of need? I'm honored to be able to lend my time, talent, and treasure to help Community Ministry reach more, serve more, and love more.
Cheryl Kirksey
Board Member
I can see an ever increasing need in our community for people to receive extra help with food, housing, and electricity due to the changing economic conditions. I’m very grateful for the blessings in my family life and in my career as a Denver Public School Teacher. I really want to be able to share with others who need help.
Graydon Washington
Board Member
Our Staff
Although we have only a few part-time staff, they give 100% effort every week. They work hard to ensure the services continue as smoothly as possible. Tell ’em, “Thanks” if you recognize them, along with all of the other regular volunteers we are privileged to have.
Joyce Neufeld
Executive Director
Service and organization are the words that describe my professional, volunteer and personal life. As early as high school I used my administrative abilities to organize activities for my church youth group. This desire to organize activities carried on in college as I worked on youth conferences, with my post college experience as and activity director in retirement facilities and in volunteer positions at my children's schools. My desire to help others further their professional careers lead to my volunteer work with Rocky Mountain Ophthalmic Personnel where I served as Secretary/Treasurer for 17 years. Education was a large part of my job as an ophthalmic technician. In addition to my job duties, I wrote informational brochures for parents on various eye conditions and started support groups for families with children having similar eye conditions. As a volunteer at my children's school's I planned activities for the students and staff and revitalized the PTO into a vital part of the school programming. Volunteering for Community Ministry in various areas and becoming the board president allowed me to use all of my skills to make a difference in the lives of my neighbors in southwest Denver. Now, serving as the Executive Director for Community Ministry I am able to focus on expanding services through collaborating with other agencies, administration and fundraising.
Karen Hunt
Development Director
From a young age my parents raised me to always help others. I also have the middle child characteristic of being a social butterfly, peacemaker, and pleaser. Community Ministry is the perfect place for me to use my life skills to help the community in which I grew up. After 30 years of working in the hospitality industry and a couple years off for the family, I have now found my new place to make a difference.
Justin Brannan
Facilities Manager
I grew up in a household that taught me to care about other people and do good. After volunteering at Community Ministry, a need arose for my skills in facilities management. Being a part of Community Ministry is a great opportunity to expand and improve my skills and have an impact on the lives of people in need.
Lindsey Richardson
Office Manager
After enjoying a career in teaching, I realized my heart is drawn to community and serving. During a time of experiencing financial struggles personally, I know how powerful this ministry can be for families. I am thrilled to be a part of this opportunity of loving people!
Alexa Escalante
Food Pantry Manager
I love serving others in their time of need. My goal is to be a social worker and Community Ministry is a start for my career. I am exposed to people of diverse backgrounds and needs here, and I can see the impact I am making every day in their lives.
Nancy Rojas
Resource Navigator
I love to help people in my community. Working at Community Ministry gives me the opportunity to connect with people and help them find the resources they need in a timely way.