Commún: Deep roots, strong connections

From Commún staff

In just a few short years, Commún has grown roots in the Harvey Park community of Southwest Denver. The organization fosters deep relationships with its neighbors and works in constant alignment with their gifts, needs, and aspirations.

The story of Virginia and her family demonstrates the beauty of this holistic approach. In 2020, just as Commún was launching, Virginia became one of the first five gardeners in their urban farm program. Her teenage daughter, Lucia, soon joined the youth-led mental health program, eventually becoming a youth community organizer. Lucia’s brother, José, started volunteering at the Thursday food share, which serves up to 300 families each week with healthy, locally sourced food.

Lucia and José then brought a friend, Ana, to an open meeting of the youth mental health group. When the group leader put out a call for someone to help on an interview team tasked with hiring a new bilingual therapist, Ana volunteered. Her question for the therapist, “As a therapist of color, what do you wish you had known before you came into the field?” It turns out that Ana aspires to be a therapist herself.

This story is one of so many that the Commún staff and volunteers can share. “This proves our approach works,” says Laura Engelman, Manager of Youth Mental Health and Food Sovereignty programs. “If you’re connected, and you’re in conversation with and responding to the community, you learn that everyone has something to give.”

Connect with Commún

commundenver.org / @commundenver

Open door for community navigation

Commún welcomes community members who need connections to resources during their weekly food share from 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. on Thursdays.

Volunteer and Community Celebration

Commún has been working for years to open a community center in Southwest Denver and they are nearing the purchase of their building. All are invited to join the Commún family as they celebrate their dynamic volunteers in the Machebeuf Hall community center on the Loretto Height campus on Saturday, Oct. 7, 2023, from 2 p.m. - sunset. There will be excellent food, dance, music, and activities for kids and adults.

When?

Saturday, Oct. 7, 2 p.m. - sunset

Where?

Loretto Heights Community Center (Machebeuf Hall)

3040 S. Loretto Way, Denver, CO 80236