April 2026 Newsletter | Vol. 4

Celebrating the Power of Local Service

Each April, we celebrate National Volunteer Month – a time to recognize the contributions of volunteers, learn more about the impact of volunteerism and encourage others to get involved in their communities and support causes. Montbello is fortunate to have a strong base of volunteers who help neighbors in need, beautify outdoor spaces and work together to create programs, events and opportunities that make our community thrive.

For Montbello resident Tavaris, volunteering is a way to give back to the community that raised him. Having grown up in Montbello and attended Montbello High School, he knows firsthand how important community support can be.

“You never know who your volunteer work will impact,” Tavaris shared. That belief continues to guide his commitment to serving others and helping make neighborhood spaces cleaner, safer, and more welcoming.

Tavaris recently volunteered at an Earth Day tree mulching event on April 22 at Marie L. Greenwood, where 35 elementary school students helped mulch more than 20 trees. For Tavaris, projects like this, along with community cleanups and food distribution, do more than improve a space for a day – they bring neighbors together and build community pride.

Tip of the Month: Free Trees Available from Denver Parks & Recreation

Denver Parks & Recreation’s Be a Smart Ash program is focused on planting new trees to help grow and expand Denver’s beloved urban canopy. The program offers FREE trees to be planted in right-of-way areas. In residential neighborhoods, these are typically the areas of the yard that border sidewalks, streets and alleys. Once you apply and are approved for a tree, Denver Parks & Recreation does all the work including marking the underground utilities, determining the best type of tree for the location and the best spot for optimal growth, delivering and planting the tree and providing care instructions to make sure your tree thrives. The online application process is free and easy to complete. The addition of a new tree to your yard not only beautifies your landscape and increases property value, it also benefits the neighborhood by offering shade and helping to purify the air. If you don’t have space in your right-of-way for a tree, but would like one planted in your yard, check out Denver Digs Trees offered by The Park People.

Jobs of the Month:

Wyoming and Colorado Regional Job Fair: April 30^th

Customer Service Representative Packaging Corporation of America

As a Fortune 500 company with approximately 15,000 team members in more than 100 locations in the United States, Packaging Corporation of America (PCA) is an ideas and solutions company. The company’s mission is to serve the needs of our customers, today and tomorrow, with products and services that exceed expectations for performance and environmental responsibility.

The Denver plant is hiring a Customer Service Representative. This position will be responsible for providing superior service to customers including responding to customer inquiries regarding product availability, pricing, freight rates, allocations, delivery dates, receiving new orders, and monitoring status of current orders as well as resolving complaints and requests for billing adjustments. 

In addition to a high school diploma or GED, this position requires two years+ previous work experience in a customer service role with experience handling customer orders on an order entry system and maintaining/building strong positive customer business relationships. An associate’s degree or college business coursework, previous experience using automated order entry system and previous experience in the manufacturing sector, containerboard and corrugated packaging industry are preferred. 

This full-time position has a starting salary range between $46,000-$69,000, plus a comprehensive benefits package and opportunity to earn bonuses. To learn more and apply visit the job posting page.

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: Much Anticipated Grocery Store Opening this Summer

“Everything takes longer than you thought it would.” This is a common refrain among many Montbello nonprofits, the rest of the mantra goes – “you can’t do it by yourself, but in the end it will be worth it.”

Nowhere is that more aptly true than in the case of this community’s long-voiced need for a centrally located grocery store. One that is within a walkable distance of thousands of residents living in Montbello’s more established neighborhood. Since 2014, residents have called for a grocery store that would serve their need for access to healthy, affordable food. Finally, that wish is coming true.

This summer, the Montbello Fresh Food Market will open at 4660 Peoria Street in the Montbello Plaza across from the parking lot for the FreshLo HUB at 12444 Albrook Drive. Operated by Denver Table Fresh Food Market, this small but mighty fresh food market will feature access to fresh, nutritious food (some of it locally grown), will provide jobs for residents, and will be focused on improving community health outcomes. Residents may even be able to utilize food-based prescriptions, and the market will accept federal and state food benefits. The market will be open to all residents and provide food items at 15% - 30% discounted prices.

For more information on this initiative of the MOC-Community Development Corporation, please send an email to info@denvertablemarket.org.  

The Many Faces of MOC: Meet April Martinez

April Martinez serves as MOC’s Director of Operations, helping to ensure operations run smoothly and facilitating collaboration with other organizations and community members. She has several years of experience supporting nonprofits and also worked in the construction industry for 15 years, as well as managing several businesses in the beauty sector. April is dedicated to social and economic advocacy and enhances community opportunities by advocating for respect and inclusivity.

As a teen mom, April was determined to create better opportunities for her children. She is committed to continuous learning both as an adult college student and by actively listening to and supporting those who have been historically underrepresented and underserved. She enjoys exploring the Colorado outdoors, spending quality time with her family, and staying active.

Event Recap: Montbello Business Accelerator and Ariel’s Café Grand Opening

Montbello community pride was high on April 1^st as a capacity crowd joined together to celebrate the Grand Opening of the Montbello Business Accelerator and Ariel’s Café. Located on the first floor of the FreshLo Residences, the Accelerator features flexible and professional areas for solo work, training sessions, and collaborative projects as well as retail space for a select group of five dry-good businesses and event space. Several graduates from MOC’s Entrepreneurship Foundations have already opened their spaces in the Accelerator. This state-of-the-art facility was a collaborative effort of everyone who believed in what this space could become – a vibrant hub for living, working, and creating together.

Featured Event: Free Seedling Distribution

Saturday, May 30, 2026, 10 am to noon

Montbello Community Building, 12000 E. 47^th Ave., Denver, CO 80239

Join Children’s Farm in Action for their annual Free Seedling Distribution. Each take-home box includes a variety of seedlings and seeds, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, and herbs. Boxes are limited to the first 150 registrants; registration is required and closes on May 23^rd. You can also stop by the event to pick up free compost and seeds, receive gardening advice, and talk with gardening experts.

Fun and Exploration: Summer Camp Opportunities

Now is the time to register your children for summer camps, which offer young people the opportunity to pursue their passions, learn new skills, socialize and enjoy new experiences. My Spark Denver provides eligible 5^th grade and middle school students with up to $1,000 annually to explore their passions through afterschool and enrichment programs including summer camps. Apply at dpsfoundation.org.

Here are two summer camp opportunities in Montbello. Be sure to check with other youth organizations and recreation centers for additional summer camp options.

Camp G.L.O.W.

Camp G.L.O.W. (Girls Learning Our Worth) is a structured mental health and empowerment program designed for girls to build confidence, resilience and emotional well-being. Through interactive workshops, group discussions and skill-building activities, participants explore topics such as self-esteem, healthy relationships, coping strategies and identity development. Led by licensed clinicians, the camp creates a safe, supportive environment where girls can connect, learn and grow while gaining tools to navigate life’s challenges with confidence and self-worth. Lunch and snacks are provided.

July 20-23, 2026 from 10:00am-3:00pm

Montbello Community Building, 12000 E. 47^th Avenue, Denver, CO 80239

Ages: middle and high school students, aged 11+

Cost: $50, limited scholarships available Registration link

Struggle of Love Foundation Summer of Love Camp

Sign your child up for a summer filled with fun activities, friendships, and unforgettable memories. Activities include arts & crafts, outdoor games, music & dance, educational fun, field trips and much more.

June 8-July 31, 2026 Monday-Friday from 9:00 am-3:00 pm

Oakland Elementary School, 4580 Dearborn St., Denver, CO 80239
Ages: Kindergarten through 5^th grade

Cost: $100/child to cover field trips, supplies and special programming Registration link

Community Connections: Events, Classes & Happenings*

L.O.V.E. Music Wellness Program

Tuesdays & Thursdays, 5-7 pm

Love Center: 12005 E. 45^th Ave., Denver, CO 80239

Kickstart your music career with hands-on training from James “Smurph I.E.” Murphy in studio recording techniques, music theory, artist branding and more.

Register online.

Leaders for Education Advocacy Denver 101

Saturday, May 2^nd 8:30 am-5:30 pm and Sunday, May 3rd 8:30 am-3:30 pm

This interactive workshop brings together values-driven leaders from across the Denver Public Schools community to better understand how local education policy works, strengthen their advocacy skills, and explore pathways to leadership within their schools, communities, and city. Open to Denver residents 18+ and DPS community members. Participants who complete both days are eligible for $150 stipend.

Learn more and apply.

Montbello Mobile Food Pantry

Thursday, May 7th 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. 

Grant Writing in an Uncertain Climate

Thursday, May 14^th 12-4 pm, Friday, May 15^th 9 am-3 pm

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

This session focuses on grant writing and fund development with the aim of writing stronger grant proposals and building fundraising plans that work even in tough times. Topics include writing persuasive proposals, making budgets, and finding different funding sources.

Cost: $100 for both days

To learn more or register, email andres.carrera@montbelloorganizing.org or call 720-415-4887.

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