In the humble little gray building, which was generously donated by the Knights of Columbus Council 4079, a new charity planted deep roots in September 2013 when Donna Potter engaged a committed group of community volunteers to establish a much-needed location to serve the less fortunate.

Named the Little Flower Assistance Center (LFAC) in honor of St. Therese of Lisieux and in remembrance of Donna’s mentor, Sister Michael Mary Eagan (affectionately called “Sister M&M”), the emerging charity progressed with support from the City of Aurora, several local Catholic Churches, the Denver Foundation, and the Sisters of Charity of Cincinnati (Sister M&M’s Motherhouse). By December 2013, the fledgling agency was embraced under the sponsorship wing of Catholic Charities.

Recently, LFAC underwent a major renovation thanks to a generous Community Development Block Grant administered by the City of Aurora. Improvements included a more client-friendly and functional reception area, improved wheelchair entry, a restroom accessible to handicapped individuals, a filing and storage room, and enhanced lighting. New flooring, expansion of the doors and exterior upgrades were also completed.

LFAC provides referrals and resources that assist clients of all faiths, backgrounds and cultures in meeting basic human needs and achieving greater access to economic opportunities. Our dedicated team of over 100 volunteers offer their time, talents and assets to assist our neighbors in need throughout Aurora and the Northeast Metro neighborhoods of Montebello and Green Valley Ranch. Clients are invited to visit the Little Flower Assistance Center on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays between 9:30am-3pm.

Every month, Little Flower helps its low-income neighbors with the obtaining the necessities and overcoming challenges by providing:

· A generous supply of groceries for a household (typically for two weeks)

· Distribution of personal care items such as soap, shampoo, deodorant, oral hygiene supplies, and adult incontinence needs

· Diapers and formula for infant children

· Gently used clothing provided through the generosity of Our Lady of Loreto Church parishioners

· Employment counseling for clients needing assistance finding jobs

· Bus passes for seniors and persons with disabilities requiring transportation to medical appointments

· Monthly commodity allocations to clients aged 60 and older who meet federal eligibility requirements

· Health and wellness education

· Referrals to additional community resources such as local human service agencies

In addition to its routine activities, LFAC conducts special programs throughout the year, including the popular holiday “Joy Drive.” During this community-wide event, Christmas gifts are collected and delivered to low-income Aurora schoolchildren, students enrolled in an Aurora tutoring program, elderly clients, and teen parents who remain in school while raising their babies.