November 2024 Newsletter | Vol. 7

MOC’s Commitment to Our Community:

Moving Forward Together

In times of change and uncertainty, we want you to know that MOC stands strong, shoulder-to-shoulder with our community. We understand that for many, the election results were unexpected and may bring concerns about the future for immigrants, people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, women, and other underrepresented groups.



Know that our dedication remains unshaken. Montbello Organizing Committee is here, committed to supporting and empowering ALL members of our community—no matter their race, gender, sexual orientation, immigration status, or age. We will continue to fight for the rights of our neighbors, to provide essential services, to be a gateway to resources, and to work collaboratively with our partners who share similar values.

Now, more than ever, our role as a community organization focused on galvanizing and cultivating Montbello stakeholders and resident leaders to proactively address the critical issues affecting their quality of life is crucial. Together, with our community and its leaders, we will use our collective strength to advocate for a brighter, more inclusive future for Montbello and all who call it home.

Building Community Wealth Receives CEDS Finance

'Most Closed Loans' Award

The Montbello Organizing Committee (MOC) was recently honored by Community Enterprise Development Services (CEDS) at its Partner Gratitude Event, receiving the “Most Closed Loans” award. This recognition celebrates MOC’s dedication to empowering Montbello residents through its Building Community Wealth initiative.

The Building Community Wealth program supports local entrepreneurs in Montbello’s 80239 and 80249 zip codes with a 12-week Entrepreneurship Foundations curriculum. Participants gain vital skills in marketing, finance, and business planning, helping them turn their business dreams into reality. Graduates like La Dogueria, a family-owned business selling Sonoran-style Mexican hot dogs, have used this support and their CEDS loan to grow and give back to the community.

MOC’s work with CEDS exemplifies a commitment to fostering economic growth and opportunity. By helping more residents access culturally responsive lending and financial tools, MOC is creating pathways to sustainable local ownership and generational wealth. This award marks a significant achievement for Montbello, showcasing the power of community partnerships to drive real economic change.

Tip of the Month: Relief for the Winter Blues

As winter settles in, it’s common for some of us to experience a seasonal slump, with shorter days and colder weather affecting our mood. Known as the “winter blues” or seasonal depression, these feelings can often be managed with small changes to our daily routines.

Experts suggest a few ways to lift spirits: start the day with exposure to natural light and find ways to stay active. Explore activities and wellness classes for all ages available at the Montbello Recreation Center. Embrace cozy moments with a warm drink or bundle up and go outside to enjoy nature. Socializing, practicing gratitude, and getting enough sleep can also help improve mood. Check out the Montbello Calendar for upcoming virtual workshops and group gatherings.

If you’re experiencing more intense symptoms of seasonal depression, don’t hesitate to reach out. Visit the Montbello Solutions webpage for more information on community resources and mental health support.

Job of the Month:

Sandwich Artist at Subway



Join the Subway team as a Sandwich Artist at their Montbello location, located at 4660 Peoria St., Denver, CO 80239. In this role, you'll focus on providing excellent guest experiences, preparing fresh food, maintaining a clean restaurant, and collaborating with your team. No prior experience is required—this is a great opportunity to gain hands-on experience in the restaurant business. Enjoy benefits like brand discounts, scholarship opportunities, and potential university course credits. Walk in and ask for an application or apply by clicking HERE.

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: FreshLo Hub Welcomes WellPower Mental Health Services

The FreshLo Hub continues its mission to be a central, welcoming space for healthy living and cultural connection by announcing an exciting addition: WellPower Mental Health Services. Located on the ground floor of the FreshLo Hub Residences, WellPower (formerly the Mental Health Center of Denver) offers vital mental health programming and services for youth, families, individuals, and the entire Montbello community. As a cornerstone of the Hub’s focus on wellness, these services aim to support mental health needs in a culturally responsive and accessible manner. 

Shaped by the vision of thousands of residents, the FreshLo Hub was designed to celebrate cultural heritage, improve health outcomes, and create spaces that unite the community. With the addition of WellPower, the Hub takes another meaningful step toward enhancing Montbello’s physical and emotional well-being while bringing the community’s vision to life. 

To access WellPower services, please visit: https://www.wellpower.org/access-services/

Event Recap: Exploring the City via RTD

The Montbello Organizing Committee recently led an insightful community trip aimed at educating both young adults and older participants on the benefits of public transportation. The group learned how to navigate the RTD system, from riding the light rail to utilizing bus connections. Key destinations included Denver Health, Union Station, Auraria Campus, Saint Joseph Hospital, and even Boulder.

Participants gained valuable knowledge about public transportation routes and also developed an awareness of its convenience, cost-effectiveness, and environmental benefits. Throughout the trip, they discovered new perspectives on their surroundings while engaging with each other and connecting across different educational and cultural backgrounds. This unique experience fostered an understanding of how public transit can bridge generational gaps, encouraging both youth and older adults to come together and navigate the city with confidence.

MontbelloOrganizing.org: Information at the Click of a Mouse

Featured Event: BCW Fall Banquet: Celebrating Entrepreneurship Foundations Graduates 

Make your Colorado Gives Day donation online to the Montbello Organizing Committee from now until Tuesday, December 10th. Held each December, Colorado Gives Day is the state’s biggest giving movement, bringing communities together to support nonprofits. As part of this campaign, eligible nonprofits receive a matching gift from the Incentive Fund based on the percentage of the total donations they receive. Plus, if you set up a new monthly donation to MOC, Colorado Gives Foundation will match your first monthly donation up to $100! Click here to visit MOC’s donation page.

Community Connections: Events, Classes & Happenings*

Green Valley Ranch Indoor Pool Grand Opening

Friday, November 15th from 4:00 to 5:30 PM

Green Valley Ranch Recreation Center, 4890 Argonne Way, Denver, CO 80249

Join Mayor Mike Johnston, Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore, and city officials to celebrate the grand opening of the new indoor pool at Green Valley Ranch Recreation Center. After the ribbon-cutting, everyone is welcome to swim for free and enjoy fun activities and snacks. Don’t forget your swim gear!

District 5 Commanders Meeting 

Wednesday, November 20th at 6:00 PM

District 5, 12025 E. 45th Ave., Denver, CO 80239

Commander Penn and the District 5 Lieutenants will present on crime trends for the district. This month will feature DPD’s Special Operations Response Team (SORT) to address questions about gangs, gun violence, graffiti, etc. This meeting will be in-person at District 5 or virtually via Teams (click here).

Montbello Mobile Food Pantry

Thursday, November 21st at 9:00 AM

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

The Mobile Food Pantry distributes food boxes on the first and third Thursday of each month, weather permitting. The pantry operates out of the parking lot at Montbello Recreation Center. New clients can streamline their visit by registering ahead of time here. 

ELK Family and Community Potluck 

Saturday, November 23rd from 11:30 AM to 3:00 PM

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

Join Environmental Learning for Kids to celebrate a great summer of programming! Feel free to bring a dish for our community to share. Sign up by clicking here. 

17th Annual Need to Feed

Saturday, November 23rd from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Struggle of Love Foundation Parking Lot, 12000 East 47th Avenue, Denver, CO 80239

Join the Struggle of Love Foundation for the Need to Feed event, where 1,000 turkeys and food boxes will be given to families in need. Bring your family and friends, and help us spread the word! Turkeys will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.

District 11 Holiday Party 

Saturday, December 7th from 4:30 - 7:30 PM 

Evie Garrett Dennis Campus, 4800 Telluride St., Denver, CO 80249

Join District 11 Councilwoman Stacie Gilmore for a festive holiday party filled with fun for the whole family! Enjoy BBQ, hot chocolate, holiday movies, arts and crafts, and more. It's a great opportunity to celebrate the season and connect with the community. RSVP HERE.

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