August 2025 Newsletter | Vol. 8

Finding Your Space at College

For many, the transition to college marks more than just a change of address; it’s a leap into the unknown, where familiar support systems give way to independence, and expectations—both internal and external—can weigh heavily. Zayra Saucedo, a Montbello HS graduate who will soon start her junior year at University of Denver, offers some advice for incoming college students. 



Transitioning to college is a big event and it is completely normal to feel unsure, uncomfortable and to not know what to expect. That's why it is important to be positive, optimistic and to stay true to who you are. 

A nice way to get involved in college is by attending on-campus events. These are a great way to explore the various college offices, clubs, or programs that you can get involved with during your college career. Don’t be afraid to ask questions or to start small conversations with staff or other students as they can be the beginning of meaningful relationships. However, don’t feel like you have to connect with everyone or fit in every space. Instead, invest time in the activities that matter the most to you. 

In this process give yourself grace and time to adapt but also push yourself to grow.

Tip of the Month: Preparing Young Students for Back to School

The start of the school year can be both exciting and overwhelming. For children entering preschool, kindergarten, or transitioning to a new grade level, school represents a new world of structure, social interaction, and expectations. Parents and caregivers play a vital role in laying the groundwork for a successful school year. Academy 360 shares tips on how to help build confidence and prepare young students for the new school year.

• Plan a visit: arrange to meet your student’s teacher in the classroom before the start of school to familiarize your student with their environment.

• Pretend school: use pretend play to act out common school scenarios with your student. You can also visit your local library for age-appropriate books and resources on returning to school.

• Child wellness: encourage healthy nutrition and sleep patterns. Young children should get 10-12 hours of sleep on school nights and sleep in a space that is free of noise, lights and screens. Also, make sure that your child’s vaccinations are up to date.

• Set routines: set a consistent bedtime and work towards it before the start of school, establish screen time limits, lay out clothes for the next day and set a space for backpacks and school materials.

• Engage with your student: On the first day of school, establish a “goodbye routine” and stick with it each day. At the end of the school day, set aside time to talk with your student about what happened during their school day. If they express anxiety or stress, validate their feelings.

If your child is struggling emotionally, consult with teachers or mental health staff members at your school or pediatrician's office.

Building Bright Futures: Empowering Montbello Youth

Building Bright Futures is a youth-centered program created by the Montbello Organizing Committee to equip young people with essential life skills. Since its launch in 2023, the program has supported over 40 high school students through weekly workshops focused on financial literacy, mental health, college and career planning, and community involvement. Students also earn a $100 incentive for consistent participation.

The sessions are both valuable and enjoyable. Highlights from past sessions include field trips using public transit, caring for rabbits and a community banquet. Valeria, who recently completed the program, shared, “Each class was a new lesson that will prepare us for what's next. We learned about how to buy a car or a house, the importance of protecting the environment, how a loan works, how to search for scholarships, how to start a business, and much more.” Past program graduate Sergio encourages other Montbello youth to enroll stating, “My sincere hope is that more young people will be encouraged to explore outside their routines and discover new knowledge that will be very useful in the future.”

The next cohort begins August 27 and is open to youth ages 14–20 living in the greater Montbello area.

Register online or email chris.urias@montbelloorganizing.org for more information.

Job of the Month: Pavement Marking Technician II, RoadSafe Traffic Systems

RoadSafe Traffic Systems, the largest provider of traffic safety products and services in the United States, is recruiting a Pavement Marking Technician. The position includes driving and operating pavement marking equipment for road construction and maintenance projects. This role ensures the precise application of road markings, adherence to safety protocols, and proper maintenance of equipment. The ideal candidate will be able to work in various weather conditions, follow detailed instructions, and collaborate effectively with team members and contractors to ensure project success.

A valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) is required, and candidates must obtain a CDL Class B license within 60 days of employment. In addition, applicants must complete relevant ATSSA training courses, be able to read plans, ensure traffic control plans are implemented and maintained, comply with road signs, complete paperwork, understand federal and state motor carrier safety regulations, have knowledge of state and local roadways and experience operating delivery vehicles of varying sizes. The pay range is from $22-$26/hour and also includes a generous benefits package. To learn more or apply for this position, visit https://www.roadsafetraffic.com/about-us/careers/. 

Struggle of Love Foundation Finds a New Home in Montbello

At the start of August, the Struggle of Love Foundation (SOLF) proudly moved into its new location—a milestone that has been years in the making for the SOLF leadership team. Located at 12005 E. 45th Avenue, the new center will serve as a vibrant hub for the community, featuring dedicated indoor space for the Sacks of Love food bank, creative youth programming, and a welcoming haven for mental wellness.

The Sacks of Love food bank is already running at the new location and is open Monday through Friday. The team is hard at work preparing the rest of the space to host programs and events that will continue SOLF’s tradition of serving and empowering the Montbello community.

Congratulations to the entire SOLF team on this exciting new chapter!

NLC to Offer Grant Writing and Leadership Training Sessions Beginning in Late August 

Beginning in late August, the Montbello Organizing Committee will kick off leadership training sessions in the newly opened Nonprofit Leadership Center (NLC). The first sessions will focus on grant writing. Grant Writing 101 will be held from 9 am – 5 pm on Friday, August 29^th and Grant Writing 201 will take place from 9 am – Noon on Saturday, August 30^th. Upcoming sessions will cover topics such as fundraising, sustainability, policy, and staff/board management. Workshops will range from enhancing board recruitment to mastering data analytics, digital marketing, and cybersecurity. Each session lasts 1-2 days and costs $100 per session; a series of four sessions is just $375.

Located on the 2nd floor of the Montbello Community Building, the NLC is designed to support community-focused organizations. Services available at the NLC include grant writing support, affordable office space with Internet, training, and meeting rooms that can accommodate 20-30 people. In addition, the NLC offers assistance with nonprofit incorporation, federal 501(c)(3) filings, and fiscal oversight from MOC. Organizations can also participate in data collection and form collaborations with like-minded groups. Four brand new office spaces within the NLC are available for annual lease.

Costs for office and meeting space and training vary; interested individuals and nonprofits can contact andres.carrera@montbelloorganizing.org to sign up and learn more about the program.

The Many Faces of MOC: Meet Michael Crossland

As MOC’s Program Manager of Economic Development, Michael assists community members in finding and retaining living wage jobs that allow them to thrive and grow. His holistic approach supports

job seekers by offering a range of programs aimed at addressing the broader needs of individuals and families – including food access, transportation, and case management services.

Michael is certified as both a Peer Coach and Employment Specialist, and is also a qualified Behavioral Health Assistant. He recently helped MOC launch a Life Skills program to help Montbello residents gain skills to improve their quality of life and is leading sessions on financial literacy, job readiness, and resume preparation.

Michael earned a bachelor’s degree in business information systems from DeVry University. He serves as Vice Chairman of Programming for Urban League of Metro Denver and volunteers with numerous local organizations. Michael’s newest hobby is plants. The Alocasia is his favorite among his collection of 50+ plants, and he is in the process of building a greenhouse cabinet to help the plants thrive.

Reach out to Michael via email.

Event Recap: CFA Farm Stand Brings Fresh Food to the Neighborhood

On July 26th, Children’s Farms in Action (CFA) hosted a low-cost farm stand at the Montbello Community Building, offering fresh produce grown with organic practices in nearby school gardens at Academy 360 and Monarch Montessori. Just a block from the stand, students and youth community members helped cultivate a rich harvest of cilantro, basil, thyme, corn, peaches, Mexican squash, cucumbers, tomatoes, watermelon, radishes, cantaloupe, lettuce, collard greens, chiles, and onions. The event supported local food access and youth leadership in our neighborhood’s food system. 



CFA’s next market will be held on August 16th from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm at the FreshLo Hub. 

Featured Event:10th Annual Montbello Alive!

Community Connections: Events, Classes & Happenings*

A&B Brawl and Back to School Bash

Saturday, August 16th from Noon to 5:00 PM

Athletics &  Beyond: 4990 Nome Street, Denver, CO 80239

Enjoy a fun, family-friendly event to kick off the school year. Free food, school supplies and backpacks, boxing gear giveaways and boxing matches featuring some of Colorado’s top amateur boxers.

Admission is $20; children ages 8 and younger are free. 

Trauma Recovery & Empowerment

Begins Saturday, August 16th from 2:00 to 3:15 PM

Virtual/online

Michelle Simmons Counseling is hosting an 18-week group for adult women to address the impact of recovery from sexual, physical and emotional abuse. Sessions emphasize empowerment and skill building.

Insurance accepted and scholarships available.

For more information, email info@mrscounseling.com 

3rd Annual Back to School Event

Saturday, August 16th, from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Evie Dennis Campus: 4800 Telluride St., Denver, CO 80239, Student Union Center

Hosted by Denver Public Schools (DPS) Family and Community Engagement (FACE), this event offers free backpacks, school supplies, shoes, groceries, lunch, treats and activities for DPS students.

Register online.

Montbello Mobile Food Pantry

Thursday, August 21st at 9 AM

Montbello Recreation Center: 15555 E. 53rd Ave., Denver, CO 80239

The Mobile Food Pantry distributes food boxes out of the parking lot at Montbello Recreation Center. New clients can streamline their visit by registering ahead of time here. 

*Unless otherwise noted, events are free. Visit montbellocalendar.org to register and to see additional events happening in the community.

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