Meet the Board - Crystal Yepez

“For there to be growth, you need accountability. What we do so well here is show them the truth and the way – even when it’s hard to hear – while making sure they feel seen, valued, and loved.”

Crystal Yepez is no stranger to the world of nonprofits – having served as an Executive Director, and volunteering her time across several organizations, we are lucky to have her wealth of experience on our board. Originally a volunteer, Crystal was brought to the Café seeking her own healing, and has found that and so much more.

L: Go ahead and introduce yourself!

CY: I’m Crystal Yepez and I am the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at Recovery Café Longmont.

L: How long have you been on the Board?

CY: Since January of 2022.

L: Where are you from?

CY: I am from Gypsum, Colorado – just west of Vail.

L: What is your professional background?

CY: I work for a national nonprofit doing fundraising!

L: So what brought you to the Café?

CY: Post-COVID, I was the Executive Director (ED) at the YMCA in Longmont. During a St. Vrain Community Council meeting, the former ED of the Café shared that they needed volunteers. Having just lost my father to a battle with alcoholism in 2020, I felt like being an Ambassador of Hospitality could be healing. Knowing how important community was for my dad in the good seasons of his life, I knew the value of giving my time, even just having lunch with people on Saturdays and creating a safe space for them. It helped me feel connected to my dad and find more empathy, which helped my grieving and made our relationship stronger, even though he’s not here. It brings such an immense amount of purpose to be a part of this community.

I would say that most people have a relationship with someone who struggles with substance use, and even if they don’t, they have something to gain by being part of a community that is so life-giving. You just feel so much love here. I love the community of non-judgment.

L: What part of our mission speaks to you the most?

CY: I would say accountability with compassion. Like Jen says, “We’re all recovering from something,” but for there to be growth, you need accountability. What we do so well here is show them the truth and the way – even when it’s hard to hear – while making sure they feel seen, valued, and loved. 

L: What makes the Café unique?

CY: It’s such a diverse group of people. Each staff member has a different skill set and is equipped to love and meet people where they’re at. I think Jen does an excellent job of letting everyone lean into their strengths and trusting the team – it all contributes to the respect and safety in this space.

L: Has there been a moment where you’ve been moved or reminded of the importance of this work?

CY: Anytime I hear a story from the day-to-day of the Café, it brings me so much hope. Someone is stepping into the light, finding healing, and on their path to recovery.

L: How has being a part of the Café impacted you?

CY: I have a different perspective on loving people. Everyone is someone’s somebody, and they deserve healing, dignity, and community. When people are ready for that, we create that at the Café.

L: What does community mean to you?

CY: You want to surround yourself with people who have similar values and a life-direction that is good for you. The Café embodies that by being this safe, trusting, loving space.

L: What drew you to saying yes to being on the board?

CY: It’s serving in a different capacity – while I’m raising teenagers, I don’t have as much time to be serving on a day-to-day basis, I miss being on the ground with members. But if board service is how I can help right now, I’ll step up and do it. In my position, I can make sure that the staff have everything they need to deliver the Café’s services and that the members are getting the most out of this community that they can.

L: How would you describe the role of a board member?

CY: We’re there to walk alongside and link arms as a team to push forward the mission and values, while ensuring that the staff and members have everything they need. It’s more supporting than it is overseeing.

L: What are your hopes for the organization in the next few years?

CY: We daydream about this often as a board, but seeing the Café’s benefit to the community in Longmont, and now in Boulder, it reaffirms that we need a Café in every city.

L: What is your favorite Café event you’ve attended?

CY: The comedy event in March was fantastic. I also loved the Volunteer Brunch – feeling acknowledged and recognized as a part of the organization was such a nice reminder and reinforcement of the Café’s values and mission.

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L: What are your hobbies and interests?

CY: I love sports – I’m a substitute team member for a local women’s volleyball team, and played basketball all throughout high school. I felt like sports kept me going and kept me out of trouble.

L: What’s the best book you’ve read recently?

CY: Just Mercy by Brian Stephenson.

L: Movies or TV series?

CY: These days, definitely TV series. We’re watching The Rookie right now.

L: What is your favorite food?

CY: I love Mexican food. Teocalli has the best shrimp, fish, and veggie tacos.

L: What is something you never leave the house without?

CY: I have a rock that says ‘Believe’ on it that belonged to my dad – whenever I feel like I need some encouragement, I bring it with me in my pocket.

L: Who is your role model?

CY: My mom. Her faith, strength, and sense of hope inspire me. She works for a nonprofit helping survivors of domestic violence and is so knowledgeable and resourceful. She’s my best friend and I talk to her every day.

L: What does the perfect day look like for you?

CY: Spending time with my family! With growing teenagers and a husband who travels for work, even small moments like dinner together or a car ride are special.