July 2025 Newsletter | Vol. 7

Supporting Unique Identities: National Minority Mental Health Month

July is National Minority Mental Health Month, a time to raise awareness about the unique mental health challenges faced by communities of color and to promote accessible, culturally responsive care. Mental health is not one-size-fits-all—lived experience, cultural background, and historical trauma all shape how we experience and cope with life’s challenges. 

Michelle Simmons Counseling Group offers these simple yet powerful ways to support your emotional well-being: 

• Take five deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed to help reset your nervous system. 
• Say “no” without guilt, and honor your boundaries to protect your energy and peace.
• Reach out to someone who understands your experience, and remember that connection can be healing. 
• Most importantly, make space for joy—doing one thing just for you, no matter how small, is an act of resistance and self-care. 

You deserve care that honors your identity and supports your healing. Montbello Solutions offers culturally relevant wellness solutions and connections to therapists experienced in the unique challenges of minority mental health. Learn more. 

Tip of the Month: Bug Balance in the Summer Garden

July and August are peak months for both helpful and harmful insects in our gardens. You can attract beneficial bugs including ladybugs, lacewings, and hoverflies by planting pollinator-friendly flowers such as yarrow, dill, and sunflowers. These natural predators help keep aphids, caterpillars, and whiteflies under control.



To prevent pests before they start, consider companion planting. Marigolds repel aphids and nematodes (round worms), onions and garlic deter beetles and cabbage moths, and basil can keep mosquitoes and flies at bay. Adding these plants alongside your vegetables helps create a more resilient garden ecosystem.

Want to dig deeper into natural pest control? Join us for a FREE workshop:

Integrated Pest Management with CSU

Tuesday, July 23 | 5–7 PM

12000 E 47th Ave, Denver, CO 80239

Job of the Month: Peer Navigator, Denver Rescue Mission

Denver Rescue Mission (DRM) is hiring a Peer Navigator to provide information, support, referrals, and assistance to guests experiencing homelessness who come to DRM for help. Peer navigators have their own lived experience with substance misuse or homelessness and have successfully transitioned into housing or been in recovery for a year or more. DRM Peer Navigators know what it takes to get out of homelessness and how to gently navigate others through what is often a complicated and slow-moving system. Responsibilities include informing and assisting clients in navigating resources, providing

documentation, developing reports and administrating records, collaborating with case management, and planning and initiating conversations and activities with targeted guests.

A high school degree or GED and knowledge of Denver-area resources and social services are required. In addition, applicants must possess strong verbal, writing and active listening skills, have a current driver’s license, have a working knowledge of Windows software and be able to follow detailed workflows, and have experienced recovery from substance misuse or homelessness and been in recovery or have been stably housed for at least one year.  The pay range is from $20.29-$27.07/hour and also includes a generous benefits package.

View the full job description.

FreshLo Update: WellPower Community & Mental Health Celebration

In honor of BIPOC Mental Health Awareness Month, WellPower invites the community to join us for an open house at our newly opened space at the FreshLo Hub. On July 24th, from 3:00 to 6:00 PM, attendees will have the opportunity to tour our facility, meet our team, and engage in wellness activities designed to promote mental health and well-being.

This event offers a chance to connect with local community partners and learn about the mental health services WellPower provides, specifically tailored to the needs of BIPOC communities. At WellPower, we are committed to providing culturally responsive care, ensuring that every individual has access to the support they need.



We welcome everyone to come, explore our new space, and join us in strengthening our community’s mental health. For more information, contact Bonnie Graham at bonnie.graham@wellpower.org. 

New Nonprofit Leadership Center Supports Those Who Support the Community

The Montbello Organizing Committee recently launched a Nonprofit Leadership Center (NLC), housed in the Montbello Community Building. The NLC offers a place where nonprofits can:

• Lease affordable office space with internet access and training/meeting spaces.
• Access training and technical assistance.
• Receive support in incorporating as a Colorado nonprofit and filing for federal 501c3 status.
• Work under MOC’s fiscal oversight.
• Participate in aggregated data capture, analysis, and reporting.
• Form collaborative partnerships with other like-minded organizations. 

Four offices within the NLC are still available for an annual lease. The training and meeting spaces, which hold 20-30 participants, can be reserved for a nominal fee for a day, evening, or weekend.

Training modules, which will be delivered in 1-2-day sessions, will commence in September. Topics include:

• Nonprofit Management 
• Grantwriting A–Z  
• Building Strategic Plans 
• Establishing Financial Infrastructure 
• Building Collaborative Partnerships 
• Accountability and Evaluation Approaches 
• Building Strong Boards
• Diversifying funding streams 

Individuals and nonprofit organizations interested in being a part of the NLC can reach out to andres.carrera@montbelloorganizing.org for more information.

The Many Faces of MOC: Meet Namiah Hope

Namiah serves as a Community Engagement Specialist for the Montbello Organizing Committee and as the Intern Manager with Children’s Farms in Action. Her work includes engaging with community members and groups, and recruiting and leading youth interns to provide food resources to the community. She first became involved with the organizations eight years ago as an intern and became a full-time employee in 2021.

A Montbello native, Namiah has a strong passion for providing resources to the community and working with children. She finds it rewarding to build connections with youth and provide them with a positive influence and leadership. Currently, Namiah is exploring programs in garden therapy for children as well as psychology.

In her free time, Namiah enjoys hiking and shopping. Reach out to Namiah via email.

Event Recap: Community Gathered for 19th Annual Heal the Hood

The 2025 Heal the Hood celebration was a resounding success with more than 450 people in attendance. Entertainment included diverse cultural performances from No MO Violence, 5280 Line Dance Crew, Platinum Divaz Dance Company, Bubble Piece, and My Sister’s Keeper Dance Ministry. Coach Marvin Williams, Certified Health Coach and owner of Marvelous Light Coaching, was honored during the event. Hosted by Families Against Violent Acts (FAVA), Heal the Hood is an annual event aimed at fostering community support and solidarity.

Featured Event: Montbello 2020 Annual Back2School Backpack Giveaway

Community Connections: Events, Classes & Happenings*

I Love ELK Celebration!

Saturday, July 19th  from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM

ELK Education Center: 12680 Albrook Dr., Denver, CO 80239

Celebrate all things ELK and joy in the outdoors! Have your photo taken with family and friends; share your favorite ELK memories by talking, drawing, or writing; play in the Montbello Open Space Park; interact with ELK staff; and eat lunch with our amazing community. Contact Lauren Keller at lkeller@elkkids.org to register.

Community Self Defense Class

Saturday, July 19th from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM

Denver Police District 5 Station: 12025 E. 46th Ave., Denver, CO 80239

Learn to protect yourself and avoid dangerous situations from experts at the Denver Police Department during a FREE self-defense class. Open to Denver residents 12 and older. Register online.

Community Conversations: Summer Edition - Clean Conversations & Coping Skills

Tuesday, July 22nd from 5:30 to 8:30 PM

Struggle of Love Foundation: 12000 E. 47th Avenue, Suite 403, Denver, CO 80239

Join us for a powerful, interactive, and educational experience designed to uplift and empower! SOLF trained therapists, Ronika and Tonya, and Wellness Community Liaison, Ashley, will dive deep into the art of clean communication and the power of practical coping skills. Come ready to learn, share, and grow in a supportive and fun environment.

Register online.

National Night Out

Tuesday, August 5th at 5:00 PM

Village Place Park: East Albrook Dr. and North Carson St.

Connect with neighbors and enjoy family-friendly fun, food, games, music and more!

For more information, contact Monique Cabrera at monique.cabrera@denvergov.org. 

17th Annual Brains Over Bullets Peace Jam & Supply Giveaway

Saturday, August 9th from 1:00 to 4:00 PM

Montbello Community Building Parking Lot: 12000 E. 47th Avenue, Denver, CO 80239

Join the Struggle of Love Foundation for a free community event filled with food, entertainment, local vendors, backpacks and school supplies! Sign up to be a vendor.

10th Annual Older Adult and Youth Breakfast

Saturday, August 16th from 10:00 AM to Noon

Green Valley Ranch Rec Center: 4890 Argonne Way Denver, CO 80249

Join Councilmember Gilmore for breakfast and music to celebrate our youth and older adults. Register for free tickets.

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

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