November 2025 Newsletter | Vol.11

Celebrating Native American Heritage Month in Colorado

November is Native American Heritage Month – a time to honor the traditions, languages, and contributions of Native American and Alaska Native communities who have deeply enriched the quality and character of our nation. President George H.W. Bush signed a joint congressional resolution designating November as National American Indian Heritage Month in 1990 and every U.S. President since then has issued proclamations reaffirming the importance of honoring Native heritage.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 100,000 Coloradans identify as American Indian or Alaska Native, alone or in combination with another race. The state’s Native population has grown by over 30 percent in the past decade. Nationally, there are about 7.4 million Native Americans and Alaska Natives, a number expected to rise to 9 million by 2060.

Native American Heritage Month invites all people—not just those within Indigenous communities—to learn and take part in this story. Supporting Native-owned businesses, attending cultural events, or learning about the land one lives on are ways to honor this month’s recognition.

Check out beautiful scenery and learn about some of the lands originally settled by Native Americans with a visit to the Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge at 6550 Gateway Rd. in Commerce City, the First Creek at DEN Open Space at 56th and Pena Blvd. in Denver, and the Plains Conservation Center at 21901 E. Hampden Ave in Aurora. 

Tip of the Month: Food Resources

We are thankful that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments have resumed and recipients are receiving full payments in November. However, we know that many in our community continue to struggle. If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, please check out these community food resource sites:

Sacks of Love Food Pantry: 12005 E. 45^th Ave., Denver, CO 80239

• Register by texting SOLF to 726879
• Pick up times are available Monday through Friday from 1:00 to 4:00 pm

Montbello Mobile Food Pantry: 15555 E. 53^rd Ave., Denver, CO 80239

• New client registration is available through Food Bank of the Rockies online site
• Distribution takes place on the 1^st and 3^rd Thursdays, beginning at 9 am

Montbello Ascension Catholic Parish: 14050 Maxwell Pl., Denver, CO 80239

• Registration is Monday and Friday at 8 am
• Pick up is from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm 

Far Northeast Community Hub Mini Market: 5440 Scranton St., Denver, CO 80239

• Only for families whose children are enrolled in DPS schools
• Contact 720-424-2961 

FreshLo Hub Update: Montbello Business Accelerator Readies for New Era for Local Entrepreneurship

The community of Montbello is on the cusp of a major economic milestone with the imminent launch of the Montbello Business Accelerator. Located in the FreshLo Hub (12444 Albrook Drive, Suite 170), this state-of-the-art facility will become a catalyst for innovation and growth among local entrepreneurs.

A Collaborative Ecosystem for Success

More than just a physical space, the Accelerator was designed as an ecosystem built on the principles of collaboration and practical support. It offers a sophisticated, yet accessible, environment for business development, featuring:


• Ariel's Cafe: A welcoming, Black-woman-owned coffee shop, owned by one of the entrepreneurs who graduated from MOC’s Entrepreneurs Foundation Program, that will offer refreshments and tasty treats. 
• Dedicated Workspace: Flexible and professional areas equipped for everything from solo deep work to large-scale training sessions and collaborative projects. The workspace is designed as a dynamic hub where ideas can be freely exchanged and nurtured.
• Business Vendor Space: Five entrepreneurs will host their dry-good retail businesses in the space.
• Event Space: The workspace will be flexible and adaptable to transform into a small event space for community gatherings, workshops and conferences. 
  

Stay tuned to MOC’s Facebook and Instagram pages (@montbelloorg) for updates on the Montbello Business Accelerator and an invitation to the ribbon cutting ceremony.

Job of the Month: Distribution Center Associate, Rexel USA

Rexel USA is one of the largest distributors of electrical products, data communication, and related supplies in the US. The Distribution Center Associate is responsible for signing for deliveries, checking in and putting away product, picking material for outgoing orders, and packing orders for delivery. This position involves safely operating various types of material handling equipment and tools. No experience necessary; a high school diploma or GED and certification to operate forklift, hand truck, pallet jack and other warehouse equipment is preferred.

Hours are Monday-Friday from 6:30 am to 2:30 pm. The pay range is $17.33 to $31.44 per hour and a $1,500 sign on bonus is available.

To learn more or apply for this position, visit https://careers.rexel.com/job/distribution-center-associate-in-denver-co-united-states-jid-898

Montbello Talent is dedicated to connecting local job seekers with living wage jobs where they can thrive. Whether you're seeking your first job, looking to shift careers, or aiming to climb higher in your current path, Montbello Talent offers personalized support and resources. Each month in THE BELLOS, we will highlight a job meant to help strengthen our community's economic fabric. If you are a job seeker, or employer, please reach out to Michael.Crossland@montbelloorganizing.org.

DEN Seeks Community Input on Clean Energy Plans

Denver International Airport (DEN) is inviting the community to help shape its future energy strategy. As part of Vision 100 and Operation 2045, DEN is planning for a future with 100 to 120+ million annual passengers and is exploring clean, reliable power solutions to support that growth.

To ensure the airport remains a strong economic engine for Colorado, DEN is evaluating options such as renewable energy, microgrids, and advanced storage technologies. Residents, travelers, airport employees, and stakeholders are encouraged to share their ideas, questions, and priorities related to clean energy, sustainability, and long-term power needs to help guide future decisions.

Make your voice heard and help shape an energy strategy that supports growth, protects the environment, and strengthens the region for decades to come. Please click on the link to complete the survey: Community Engagement Survey

Holiday Resources in Montbello and the Denver Metro Area

The holiday season is a time to come together as a community and support families in need. Several organizations in Montbello and across the Denver Metro area are offering food, gifts, and other holiday resources this November and December. Colorado Gives Day is Tuesday, December 9^th. This annual giving holiday provides a great opportunity to support your favorite nonprofits.

Thanksgiving Food Baskets – ACSO Operations Freebird

The Adams County Sheriff’s Office will host its annual Operations Freebird event, distributing Thanksgiving food baskets to families in the community. The event will take place on Saturday, November 22^nd from 2:00 to 4:00 pm at Mountain States Toyota, 201 W. 70th Ave., Denver, CO 80221. The event is open to all Denver Metro residents, with no registration required. Baskets are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

Fresh Thanks – IFCS Drive-Thru Event

Interfaith Community Services (IFCS) will host a Fresh Thanks drive-thru event to provide holiday meals for families. The event is scheduled for Saturday, November 22^nd starting at 11:00 am at Arapahoe Community College, 5900 S. Santa Fe Dr., Littleton, CO 80120. This drive-thru event is open to the community and designed to provide a safe and convenient way to access food resources.

Struggle of Love Foundation – Need to Feed Event

The Struggle of Love Foundation and its partners will host the 18^th annual Need to Feed event to provide families with a turkey and food box for Thanksgiving. The event will be held on Saturday, November 22^nd beginning at 1:00 pm at 12005 E. 45th Ave., Denver, CO 80239. This event is open to the public, but registration is required in person on the day of the event.

Kenzi’s Causes – Holiday Gifts and Toys

Kenzi’s Causes will provide holiday gifts and toys for children at the National Western Complex. The event will take place on Saturday, December 6^th from 8:45 am to 3:00 pm Participation requires registration, which opens on Thursday, December 4^th and can be completed through the website kenziscauses.org.

Denver Santa Claus Shop – Toy Distribution

The Denver Santa Claus Shop will host toy distribution events on December 12, 13, 15 and 16, 2025. The exact location will be announced soon. Registration is required and can be completed online at denversantaclausshop.org/register-for-toys

Tip: Plan ahead and register for events when required to ensure your family receives support. Spread the joy this season by sharing this information with neighbors who might benefit from these programs.

The Many Faces of MOC: Meet Mary Etta Curtis

As Human Resources Manager, Mary Etta oversees HR operations and leads several special projects that strengthen the organization’s internal systems and community partnerships. She also manages bookkeeping and serves as a Notary Public for the State of Colorado.

Mary Etta’s deep roots in the Montbello community began when she volunteered during MOC’s early years, helping lay the foundation for the organization’s growth. Her dedication to community impact includes roles as the Board Treasurer for Children’s Farms in Action (CFA) and her leadership position as CEO of United Church of Montbello, where she serves alongside Pastor Vernon Jones. She has also served as a board member for Dress for Success Denver.

Outside of her professional and community commitments, Mary Etta enjoys golf, gardening, and spending time with her vibrant book club. Her commitment, compassion, and community leadership continue to make a lasting impact throughout Montbello and beyond.

Event Recap: Love Center Celebration

On Friday, November 14th, the Struggle of Love Foundation welcomed the community into its new Love Center and celebrated the nonprofit's 25th anniversary. Speakers at this festive celebration included Mayor Mike Johnston, former Deputy Mayor Allegra "Happy" Haynes and 9News anchor and NEXT managing editor, Kyle Clark.

Featured Event: 18^th Annual Need to Feed

Saturday, November 22, 2025, 1:00 PM * Struggle of Love Parking Lot

12005 E. 45th Ave., Denver, CO 80239

For the 18^th year, nonprofits are coming together to ensure that all Montbello community members had the opportunity to enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. One thousand turkeys and food boxes will be distributed on a first-come, first- served basis beginning at 1:00 pm. Registration will open up via the Plentiful App on Nov. 22^nd.

Community Connections: Events, Classes & Happenings*

ELK Family Potluck

Friday, November 21^st, 6:00-8:00 PM

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

Enjoy music, games and lots of great food at the annual ELK family potluck. Feel free to bring your favorite dish (ingredients labeled) to share.

Contact Franklin Cruz for more information at fcruz@elkkids.org.

Building Legacy: A Black Homeownership Series

Wednesday, December 3^rd, 5:30-8:00 PM

Spangalang Brewery: 2736 Welton St., #102, Denver, CO 80205

This free homeownership series from CHFA explores barriers and how to overcome such challenges, as well as the tools and financial resources available to become a homeowner and create generational wealth. This session will focus on creating and retaining wealth through home ownership. Families are welcome and food and refreshments will be served.

Register online.

District 11 Holiday Party

Saturday, December 6^th, 4:30-7:30 PM

Evie Garret Dennis Campus: 4800 Telluride St., Denver CO 80249

Bring your family and friends for a night of jazz, BBQ, kids' activities, movies, hot chocolate, and meet Santa and Buddy the elf!

Reserve your free tickets online.

Developing an Effective Board Nonprofit Leadership Seminar

Thursday, December 11^th, 12:00-4:00 PM and Friday, December 12^th, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM

MOC Nonprofit Leadership Center: 12000 E. 47^th Ave., Suite 201, Denver, CO 80239

This interactive and informative seminar is designed to build an effective board of directors, a critical component of governance that has a profound impact on an organization. Registration, which costs $100/person or $150/2 people, is available online. Contact Andres.carrera@montbelloorganizing.org for more information. Meals and snacks provided.

Retirement Party for Commander Penn

Friday, December 12^th, 11:00 AM

District 5 Community Room: 12025 E. 45^th Ave., Denver, CO 80239

The community is invited to celebrate Commander Penn’s 34 years of service and wish him well on his retirement!

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