Founded in 2013, the Carbon Valley Help Center is a local nonprofit started on behalf of the Carbon Valley Network, which is a local group that exists to share information and enhance collaboration between human services groups, faith-based organizations, the school district, municipalities, Weld County and nonprofits serving the Carbon Valley region and the communities of Firestone, Frederick and Dacono.
In 2008, community and regional organizations serving the Carbon Valley area realized those in need were turning to local churches or neighboring communities to find help. To many, it was a familiar story from the early days of the OUR Center in Longmont, which today is a community-based agency that provides a strong foundation for those in need to regain self-sufficiency. OUR Center employees graciously started conversations with the Carbon Valley Network after realizing they didn’t have the resources to serve the growing Carbon Valley area. With the OUR Center’s assistance, leadership and guidance, the goal became to create a sister organization that could serve the Carbon Valley.
In 2011, the Carbon Valley Help Center committee began facilitating ideas and started the registration process with the State of Colorado. One year later, the Carbon Valley Help Center board of directors was formed and official nonprofit status was received. By the fall of 2012, the Help Center received approval from the Town of Firestone to utilize its old town hall for the organization and volunteers came forward to help make the Help Center a reality. The Carbon Valley Help Center opened in February 2013 and continues to grow in its mission to help people in immediate need move toward self-sufficiency.
Carly has been a member of the Carbon Valley community since 2013. She and her husband of 22 years have one son who is 20. Carly has been a volunteer with the Carbon Valley Help Center since 2018. She loves volunteering in her community and giving back directly to those around her. When she's not volunteering at the Help Center, you can find her coaching softball for her niece's softball team, doing crossfit, and hanging out with her family.
Bonnie considers herself a Colorado native, living here the majority of her life. She has lived in Frederick the last 5 years. Since her retirement in 2016 from 30+ years as an executive assistant, she now devotes her time to volunteering. Besides her volunteering at the Help Center for the past year, she is also a volunteer for the Town of Frederick serving on the Arts Committee, working at the courthouse and helping with special events. Aside from focusing on community service, she loves sports, especially football, baseball and soccer, playing cards, crafting, scrapbooking and spending time with her friends, family and three granddaughters.
Glenda is a native of Colorado, born in Southern Colorado and raised on a large cattle ranch. After attending college in California, she relocated to the Northern Colorado area, where she has lived in the Carbon Valley community for over 20 years. Glenda spent 10 years as an Accounting Manager for a non-profit organization in Boulder County, gaining extensive experience in financial management and technology for several Colorado nonprofit organizations. She has volunteered at many Native American Nation Reservations, providing technical consulting and assisting in setting up computer labs within their libraries and schools. She has over 30 years of experience managing technical departments and providing independent IT consulting in public, not-for-profit, and private organizations. In her spare time, Glenda enjoys training her two new puppies, going on mountain adventures, and caring for her farm animals.
Paul Sorensen grew up in the suburbs of Chicago before relocating to Southern California, then Tennessee, and ultimately settling in Firestone in 2013. He and his wife Julia, married for 35 years, cherish time spent with their three children, their spouses, and seven beloved grandchildren. With over two decades of dedicated service to the Firestone community, Paul has worn many hats—including Rotarian, Firestone Trustee, Mayor, and most recently, a member of the Help Center Board of Directors since 2023. His deep commitment to serving others has been a guiding principle throughout his life. “The Help Center is a vital resource to our community. My faith teaches me to look for ways to help others and serve to make a positive difference.” —Paul Sorensen
Mark was born in Colorado & grew up as a military dependent. He is well traveled but always considered Colorado his home, returning in 1999. Mark and his family moved to the Carbon Valley community in 2013. He and his wife of 18 years have 2 children in their teens. He worked at IBM for over 22 years in different divisions. Mark has been a volunteer with the Carbon Valley Help Center since 2025. He also volunteers with his church in several roles including working with the youth group and has volunteered with "Frank's Ride for Children" benefitting Make-A-Wish Colorado.
Laura Strother was born and raised in Connecticut, but has called Colorado home for the last 25 years. Laura has lived in the Carbon Valley area since 2005 and has raised three wonderful children here- a son who is 21 and a senior at CSU, a daughter who is 19 and a sophomore at Augustana College and a son who is 17 and a senior at Frederick High School. Laura has nearly two decades of experience in public service working for both local and state government. Laura first became a supporter of the Carbon Valley Help Center in 2013 and is excited to now be giving back to the community that has meant so much to her by serving on the CVHC Board. In her spare time, Laura enjoys hiking, paddleboarding, baking, reading, and spending quality time with her husband and her pets.
Doug is a Colorado native and Navy veteran, residing in the Carbon Valley community since 2008. After retiring from a career in Engineering Services in 2024, he began volunteering at the Carbon Valley Help Center and the Carbon Valley Library. He likes volunteering and being involved in the community, that has previously included coaching little league football and leading a Cub Scout Pack. Doug’s wife and High School sweetheart, Jean, were married in 1981 and are proud parents of two sons. Jean is also a volunteer with the Carbon Valley Help Center.
Stephanie moved from Longmont to the Carbon Valley in 2015 and is proud to call this community home with her husband, three children, and two dogs. She enjoys camping and spending time outdoors with her family, and she is always looking for meaningful ways to give back. Over the years, Stephanie has been involved in local volunteer efforts and believes strongly in supporting neighbors through connection and compassion. She is especially passionate about the mission of the Carbon Valley Help Center, ensuring that families and individuals can access the resources they need in times of challenge. As a board member, she looks forward to continuing to strengthen community partnerships and contribute to the growth of the Help Center’s impact.
Ann Schmitz became the Executive Director of the Help Center in January 2024. Prior to this role, she served for four years as Vice President of Sponsorships on the board of the Frederick High School Booster Club. Her passion for community involvement also led her to spend over a decade volunteering with the Boy Scouts of America, taking on roles ranging from Den Leader to Day Camp Director. In addition, Ann has contributed her time and talents as a board member for several Parent-Teacher Organizations at her children's schools. Ann dedicated nine years as a substitute teacher in the St. Vrain Valley School District and has taught private music lessons to dozens of students for more than 20 years. She is a proud mother of four sons, mother-in-law to three daughters-in-law, and a grandmother of two. Ann’s favorite way to spend time is with her family. She has been married to her husband for 32 years, and they’ve called Colorado home for the past 17 years. Ann also serves her church community as the Music Coordinator.
Claudia joined the Help Center in April 2024 as our part-time bilingual Resource Specialist. In addition to her work with us, she has been with Walgreens for 14 years. Originally from Los Angeles, Claudia has also lived in Florida and has called Colorado home for the past six years. She comes from a big family—one of seven siblings—with roots in Puerto Rico on her father's side and El Salvador on her mother's. Claudia and her husband are proud parents of three children. A true animal lover, she shares her home with four dogs. In her free time, Claudia enjoys nothing more than spending time with her family and beloved pets.
