The Village Institute's 2024 Year in Review
The Village Institute’s focus on supporting cross-cultural connections, resource sharing, and joyful gatherings made 2024 a year of tremendous growth and impact.
In 2024, the Village Institute welcomed two new values-aligned coworking tenants, Food Justice Northwest Aurora and Montessori on Wheels, to its beautiful building. In addition to these partnerships, the Village Institute shared its space with groups like Asian Girls Ignite and the Somali American Community Center to host cultural events for their communities.
The Village Institute also hosted its Cultural Festival and Night Out Gala. These events showcased the incredible talent, passion, and cultural richness of the Village Institute’s community. With vibrant performances, storytelling and delicious food, these events embodied the Village Institute’s commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding and joyful community.
The Little Village Early Learning Center welcomed more than 30 new and returning students in 2024, including students from Venezuela, Colombia, Rwanda, and Congo. A partnership with the Universal Pre-K program expanded enrollment and the opportunity to offer much-needed educational opportunities to immigrant families who do not typically qualify for other tuition subsidy programs. By providing this support, the Village Institute ensures that children have access to a strong educational foundation.
Village Futures onboarded its second amazing cohort of peer facilitators in 2024, expanding its reach in numbers and language access. The Village Futures team now represents seven different languages and cultural groups. With culturally aligned peer facilitators providing wellness activities, career workshops, and academic guidance, participants have shared that they never realized mental health support could look like a room full of peers and a trusted mentor. This model has proven to be an invaluable resource, and its impact continues to grow.
