Empowering Our Immigrant and Refugee Neighbors

VEC has ridden many currents since its inception. Despite the mounting challenges of this past year,  we have continued to grow our programs and services in 2021, continued to thrive in a time of disparity, and continued to nevertheless keep sights on the heart of our organization - providing a space where our immigrant and refugee communities can learn, grow, and overcome barriers new and old.

In April we extended a warm congratulations to our newest Youth Natural Leaders.  Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman was in attendance to recognize our nine graduates, and we are grateful for the support of the City of Aurora across so many of our programs. These students represent the best of us, and the best of their countries of origin, including Mexico, Ethiopia, Tanzania, and the United States. This 10-week leadership development program sees participants build leadership skills, earn school credit and digital badges, jumpstart their post-secondary education, as well as offer them vital skills to support their struggling peers. Natural Leaders will return this fall with two new cohorts!

The Village Pantry has grown fast this year, experiencing a weekly growth of 10.45%. Our food access program continues to serve Aurora and Metro Denver immigrants, refugees, and struggling communites.  Through strategic partnerships, the food pantry meets our community needs for fresh produce, meals, toiletries, and diapers, and we have provided food security to 871 families this year. So far, 4,018 people have received food support, representing 28 countries.  With the help of our amazing volunteers, we have deliver overed 265,300 pounds of food. 

Our Natural Helpers have been hard at work in the community this year as well.  They serve as volunteers in our many programs and have helped screen hundreds of low-income workers in Adams County, those experiencing financial hardships due to a covid positive test and the need to self-quarantine. With the pandemic not yet in our rear-view, VEC recognizes our Natural Helpers as our best line of defense against slowing down or losing sight of the growing needs of our community members. These individuals have been the backbone of the successful launch of our weekly vaccine clinics this spring, where we have served over 800 community members.

Last but certainly not least, our Village Farm continues to expand its productivity; diversify our crops; increase access to organic, local, and culturally relevant produce; provide educational opportunities for youth and adults around food and farming; support career development in these areas; and celebrate and uplift the diversity of food.  This spring we saw the launch of our “Learn As You Earn” program at the farm, where eight participants recently graduated (representing 6 different countries).  These students learned how to grow food, construct raised beds, work as a team, sell produce, and care for a 1-acre urban farm. Training includes in-depth lessons, hands-on experience, guest instructors, and field trips to local farms and businesses.

We are ever grateful to our donors for their faith in the Village Exchange Center and its mission.  As we are soon able to open our doors again, we look forward to continued growth, meeting newcomers, and quality programming.  We thank you for your support which is crucial in helping our team adapt to the needs of our communities.  Please get in touch with us directly to receive our monthly newsletter, and follow us on social media to learn about our progress for the rest of 2021 - exciting things ahead!