About
A Place to Find Support,
Strength, and Community
Sister Carmen Community Center is here to support families in Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, and Erie through life’s challenges. We provide food, financial assistance, and other essentials, while also helping people gain the skills and support they need to build a stronger future. Above all, we strive to create a welcoming place where everyone feels respected, cared for, and part of a community that believes in their potential.
Our History
Our story began in the 1970s with Sister Carmen Ptacnik, a Catholic nun who came to Lafayette to support local families. She gave her time and her heart to the community, building trust and offering help where it was needed most–especially amongst the Spanish-speaking community. Volunteers were inspired by her dedication and began donating food, clothing, and toys to carry on her work.
When Sister Carmen moved back to California, the people she had touched kept her vision alive by forming a nonprofit organization in her name. Over the years, we have grown into the only Family Resource Center serving Lafayette, Louisville, Superior, and Erie. Today, we support thousands of families each year, guided by the same compassion and community spirit that started it all.
Our Impact
Every year, more than 3,000 local households turn to Sister Carmen for help. For some, that means putting food on the table or keeping the lights on during a tough month. For others, it means finding support with parenting, learning new skills, or simply having someone to talk to who understands their challenges. Behind every number is a story of resilience, and we are honored to be part of each family’s journey toward greater stability and hope.
Our Team
Leadership Staff
Board Members
Leadership photos courtesy of Be Boulder Photography.
Employment
Joining Sister Carmen means being part of a team that believes in compassion, dignity, and the power of community. If you are looking for meaningful work where you can see the impact of your efforts every day, we would love to hear from you.
Accountability
Trust is at the heart of everything we do. Families count on us to be there when life feels uncertain, and donors and volunteers trust us to make the most of their support. Sister Carmen is community-powered, which means every hour volunteered, every item donated, and every gift given directly strengthens our ability to serve families in need. We honor this responsibility by sharing our results openly, caring for resources wisely, and ensuring that the generosity of our community creates lasting change for those who need it most.