March 2025 Newsletter | Vol. 3 | | |
THE BELLOS – March Edition!
Welcome to the March edition of THE BELLOS, your trusted e-newsletter connecting Montbello neighbors, businesses, and organizations. March is Women's History Month. Read about the legacy of Ms. Ann White, learn more about District 11’s Town Hall and explore tips, jobs, upcoming events and more in our wonderful community!
The January/February edition of the MUSE, which includes a focus on uplifting voices of color as well as in-depth features and articles from elected officials, is available online or pick up a copy at your favorite Montbello community spot. We also invite you to visit our updated website to learn all about MOC’s programs and community resources.
As always, we welcome your story ideas and event submissions for future editions of THE BELLOS or the MUSE. Have something to share? Reply to this email.
| | Women Moving The Needle Forward: Ms. Ann’s Journey | | |
Ann White, affectionately known as Ms. Ann, has been a cornerstone of the Montbello community for decades. Born Queen Esther, a name that signified strength from a matrilineal lineage, Ms. Ann set out to be a woman who carried not only herself but her family forward.
In 1965, with the strength of generations, Ms. Ann moved to Colorado with her five children, seeking better opportunities for her disabled daughter. Adjusting to the harsh winters was challenging, but with the support of family, she built a stable life. She began her career at Lockheed Martin, assembling electrical systems for satellites, before transitioning to the Colorado Department of Labor, where she spent 30 years helping residents navigate workforce challenges.
As a founding member and the current executive director of Montbello 2020, Ms. Ann has played a pivotal role in workforce initiatives and community development. Her life is a testament to resilience, service, and a steadfast commitment to uplifting others. Ms. Ann is a case study in women moving the needle forward. In August, you can show appreciation and further support Ms. Ann and her legacy in Monbello by supporting Montbello 2020 Back to School Backpack give away Community Event on August 9th 2025.
| |
Tip of the Month: Reach Out to a Friend
| | |
In a close-knit community like Montbello, looking out for one another is essential. If you're worried about a friend, don’t hesitate to reach out. A simple text or call to say, “Hey, I’ve been thinking about you. How are you doing?” can mean the world and provide much needed support. If they seem distant or are struggling, offer to meet for coffee or a walk. Listening without judgment creates a safe space for them to open up.
If more support is warranted, gently encourage your friend to seek help, whether from family, a faith leader, or a professional. Remind them they’re not alone. In Montbello, we thrive when we stand together! Your small act of kindness could make all the difference in someone’s life.
If you or a friend need help or someone to talk with, please visit Montbello Solutions to learn more about therapists, groups and resources in our community.
Check in. Reach out. Be a Friend.
| | FreshLo Hub and MOC Receive Statewide Recognition | | |
During NAIOP Colorado’s 38th Annual Awards of Achievement ceremony in late February, both the FreshLo Hub and Montbello Organizing Committee received impressive awards from the statewide organization. The FreshLo Hub was chosen as the Community Impact Project of the Year for its role in transforming an underutilized site into a vibrant hub of housing, retail, and cultural spaces. Additionally, the Montbello Organizing Committee was recognized as this year's Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Honoree, highlighting their commitment to fostering a more inclusive commercial real estate industry.
The FreshLo Hub offers 97 units of affordable housing – all of which were leased within five months of opening. The first floor of the building is home to the Montbello Wellpower Mental Health Center. Phase two of the FreshLo Hub will include a coffee shop, non-profit grocery store and business incubator and co-working space.
The team behind the FreshLo Hub includes Montbello Organizing Committee, FLO Development Services, Burgess Construction, Gilmore Construction, Alliance Construction Services, SB Clark Companies, Charles Knight, Roybal Corp., Van Meter Williams Pollack, Ross Envolve and a large group of funders, investors and community members.
| | Job of the Month: Director of Operations, Denver Food Market Consortium | | |
The Denver Food Market Consortium (DFMC), a new nonprofit organization opening grocery stores across the Denver metro area with the mission of providing access to healthy, affordable food in the areas where it is needed most, is seeking a Director of Operations. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape store operations and mission delivery from day one, with the first grocery store planned to open in mid-2025. Previous experience managing multi-unit grocery or retail stores and a passion for creating access to healthy, affordable food for communities across Denver are required.
As a self-motivated and engaged leader, the Director of Operations will start in a direct store leadership role in the first store and expand to oversee multiple stores as they come online throughout 2025-26. The salary for this full-time position is $90,000- $120,000. To apply, send a resume and cover letter to careers@montbelloorganizing.org with the subject line “Director of Operations." View the full job description.
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
| | FreshLo Update: Community Safety and Resources | | The FreshLo Hub Residences recently hosted a Community Safety Event in partnership with the Denver Police Department, offering valuable resources for residents. Denver Police provided steering wheel locks and gun locks, and helped residents enroll in their vehicle tracking system to improve stolen vehicle recovery. Meanwhile, Colorado Access’s community outreach team assisted with Medicaid and SNAP enrollments, and the Struggle of Love Foundation signed attendees up for their “Sacks of Love” food bank to further support the community’s access to healthy foods and well-being. | | The Many Faces of MOC: Meet Bernadette McClair | | |
| |
As the Development Director for Montbello Organizing Committee, Bernadette plans and executes fundraising events and campaigns, supports grant writing, and fosters relationships to advance the development of programs and services for the Montbello community. She also contributes to the Colorado Black Arts Movement, volunteers for the Denver Health Patient-Family Advisory Council (PFAC), serves on the board of the Lotus Network, and collaborates with Jackie’s War Victims of Domestic Violence.
| | Bernadette has 30 years of experience working in nonprofits, higher education, workforce development programs, and government agencies. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Community Development Improvement Services from Metropolitan State University of Denver and is part of the class of 2025 at the University of Denver’s Institute for Leaders in Development and the class of 2025 for Colorado Business Committee for the Arts. She also holds an Honorary Master of Chaplaincy from the International Police & Fire Chaplains Bible College & Seminary. Bernadette is the mother of six children and enjoys spending time with family, volunteering, mentoring youth, and supporting the growth of others. Connect with Bernadette via email. | | Event Recap: District 11 Town Hall | | |
The District 11 Town Hall was more than a meeting, it was a testament to the power of community. Bringing residents, city agencies, and partners together fostered open dialogue, collaboration, and resource-sharing.
One of the most impactful aspects was having residents feel seen and heard. When people voice concerns, share experiences, and contribute to solutions, the entire community benefits. These gatherings are not just about information, they strengthen relationships and ensure accountability from leaders.
Town halls reinforce that change starts locally. The connections made, knowledge shared, and commitments voiced at the District 11 Town Hall serve as stepping stones toward a stronger Montbello. By coming together, we amplify voices, uplift one another, and create a more united, engaged community.
| | Featured Event: For Montbello (formerly First Fridays) | | |
Friday, March 28, 2025, 6-9 pm
ELK Education Center * 12680 Albrook Dr. Denver, CO 80239
For Montbello, formerly known as First Fridays, celebrates community with food, music and games at the ELK Education Center and Montbello Open Space Park. Everyone is welcome! For more information, email fcruz@elkkids.org, call (720) 865-4390 or visit www.ELKKids.org.
| | Community Connections: Events, Classes & Happenings* | |
Seed Starting Workshop at Montbello Spiral Garden
Saturday, March 15th from 1:00-3:00PM
United Church of Montbello, 4879 Crown Boulevard, Denver, CO 80239
Learn how to start seeds for your garden and reap the rewards this growing season! Please bring a soda bottle and/or a milk jug. Find out more information here.
Yo Self-Care!
Sundays through March 23rd from 1:30-2:30 PM
This FREE 6-week group presented by Revolutionary SelfCare will support and empower Youth ages 11-17, to increase their self-care, self-esteem, and joy.
Register online.
FaithBridge- Family Advocacy Day
Friday March 28th from 8:00AM-3:30PM
FaithBridge Offices: 1888 N. Sherman St., Suite 375, Denver, CO 80203
Enjoy a day of Advocacy! Meet at our main office for breakfast & prep. We will walk together to the state capitol and meet with James Coleman, Senate President. We’ll end our day back at FaithBridges to debrief and enjoy refreshments. A Lunch break will be available.
Denver Town Hall
Saturday March 29th from 10:30AM-12:00PM
Hiwatha Rec Center: 3334 Holly St, Denver, CO 80207
Join us for an opportunity to talk with some elected leaders: Senate President James Coleman, Senator Matt Ball and Rep. Lindsay Gilchrist. Light food and coffee will be provided.
RSVP here.
Struggle of Love Foundation’s 2nd Annual Peace Sweep
Saturday, March 29th from 12:00-4:00 PM
Utah Park: 1800 S. Peoria Street, Aurora CO 80012
Join us as we clean up our streets and promote peace in our neighborhood. Enjoy free food, haircuts (first 10 people), phones, gift cards, resources and music.
*Unless otherwise noted, events are free. Visit montbellocalendar.org to register and to see additional events happening in the community.
| | |
|  | | | | | | |
