From Community Vision to Vibrant Multicultural Hub
Amanda Blaurock and the Village Exchange Center are in the heart of Aurora, Colorado, a vibrant community center emerges as a beacon of hope and unity, thanks to the visionary efforts of Amanda Blaurock and her co-founder Marcel Narucki. The Village Exchange Center (VEC), born from the transformation of St. Matthew Lutheran Church into a multicultural and multi-faith space, stands as a testament to the power of community and innovation in addressing the needs of immigrants and refugees.
A Visionary Leader with a Diverse Background
Amanda Blaurock, with a diverse career as a lawyer, realtor, and entrepreneur, co-founded VEC to respond to Aurora’s growing diversity, where over 20% of the population are immigrants and refugees (Home | Village Exchange Center).
Her legal expertise, combined with a heartfelt commitment to social justice, has fueled her mission to empower these communities. Amanda holds degrees in Psychology and Japanese from Rutgers University and a J.D. from Temple University. She is admitted to practice in multiple states, bringing a wealth of knowledge to her community initiatives (Biennial of the Americas).
Transformative Community Programs
Under Amanda’s leadership, VEC has launched several key programs that have significantly impacted the local community. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the center expanded its food pantry services, adapting to meet the increasing needs of the community. From serving 50 families to reaching thousands, the pantry exemplifies Amanda’s ability to scale solutions in response to crises (The Planning Report).
VEC also initiated social enterprises like Village Farm at Stanley, which not only provide food security but also serve as educational and job training sites. These initiatives demonstrate Amanda’s innovative approach to community development, focusing on sustainability and empowerment (The Planning Report).
Recognitions and Achievements
Amanda’s dedication has not gone unnoticed. She has been recognized as an Everyday Hero by the City of Aurora and has received accolades from the Woman’s Foundation of Colorado and the Salvadorenos Residiendo of Colorado for her commitment to the El Salvadoran community (Home | Village Exchange Center). These honors reflect her impact and the respect she has garnered across various communities.
A Growing Impact and Future Vision
With a budget that rapidly expanded to support its missions—from combating vaccine hesitancy to providing financial assistance to low-wage workers—VEC’s influence continues to grow. This growth is a direct result of Amanda’s leadership and the community’s trust in her vision (KUSA.com).
Documenting a Visionary Transformation
“My Father’s House” is an award-winning documentary that intimately captures the inception of the Village Exchange Center. Directed by Rob Shearer and produced by Amanda Blaurock, the film follows Pastor Marcel Narucki as he confronts his faith and the failures of the past while transforming his former church into a vibrant community center.
This transformation is beautifully portrayed, showing how spaces can be repurposed to serve new and diverse communities. The documentary has been recognized with awards such as Best Documentary at the American Pavilion Emerging Filmmakers Showcase in 2020 and the “Progressive World” Award in 2021 for its inspiring message of positive change.
Get Involved or Find Support
If you or someone you know needs support, the Village Exchange Center offers a variety of programs and services tailored to assist immigrants and refugees. Whether it’s through social, cultural, or economic activities, VEC is dedicated to empowering its community members. For more details on their services, please visit the Village Exchange Center Programs page. Those interested in volunteering or donating can explore opportunities on the Get Involved section of their website.
