February 2026 Newsletter | Vol. 2

Heart Health Starts with Awareness

February is American Heart Month, a time to focus on preventing heart disease and protecting those we love. According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States. While progress has been made, Black communities still face a much higher risk of heart disease, stroke, and high blood pressure.

Black Americans are 30% more likely than white Americans to die from heart disease. Black men also have a 70% higher risk of developing heart failure. Research shows these differences are due to social determinants of health, such as environment and income, along with lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and sleep.

Symptoms of a Heart Attack

• Chest pain, but not always
• Pain or pressure in the lower chest or upper abdomen
• Jaw, neck or upper back pain
• Nausea, indigestion or vomiting
• Shortness of breath
• Fainting
• Feeling a cold sweat
• Extreme fatigue

Women may experience chest pain in different ways. For some, it may feel more like pressure or tightness. Women also more often experience extreme fatigue and nausea or vomiting.

If you notice chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, or extreme fatigue, call 911 right away. To learn more about heart health, visit https://www.heart.org/en/.

Take Control

The number one step you can take to manage your heart disease risk is to check your blood pressure. You can get a free or low-cost blood pressure reading at your local pharmacy, community health clinic or urgent care clinic. In March, a blood pressure cuff will also be installed at the Montbello Community Building. Once the Montbello Fresh Food Market opens, community members will be able to get a free blood pressure reading while shopping for groceries.

Stay tuned to MOC’s social media pages (@MontbelloOrg) for more information.

ICYMI: Khadija Haynes and Wil Alston Share the Importance of Black Arts

Earlier this month, well known Jazz musician, Wil Alston, and head of the Colorado Black Arts Movement, Khadija Haynes were featured guests during a Colorado & Company interview on 9News. They shared the importance of Black arts, which have served as a lifeline and provided the community with a common cultural gathering. The episode, which aired as part of a series on Black History Month, highlights how art shares both stories and history.

Khadija and Wil also spoke about two future projects that will help preserve and build upon Black arts in the Denver area: the FreshLo Hub Arts Education Center will provide on-site performing arts, presentation arts, education, programming, and classes for the community; the Five Points Jazz Center will offer performances, training and youth education.



View the full segment.

Namiah Hope Honored as Youth Recipient of Nutrition Leadership Award

During the recent 14th annual BeWell Awards & Community Celebration, Namiah Hope was honored as a youth recipient of the Nutrition Leadership Award. The award recognized her years of dedicated service advancing community wellness through nutrition education and youth support.


Namiah began her journey at the age of 16 with Children's Farms in Action and has remained deeply committed to promoting healthy living through hands-on garden programs, nutrition advocacy, and youth mental health support. Now at 22, she continues expanding that impact through her ongoing work as a Community Engagement Specialist with Montbello Organizing Committee, helping young people understand the powerful connection between nourishment, wellness, and thriving communities.

FreshLo Update: Business Accelerator and Ariel’s Café Grand Opening Delayed

Due to a delay in receiving the Temporary Certificate of Occupancy (TCO), the FreshLo Grand Opening, Business Accelerator, and Ariel’s Café celebration originally scheduled for Wednesday, February 18, 2026 will be rescheduled to a later date.

FreshLo represents more than a space; it is a vision for small businesses to grow, a welcoming hub where community and entrepreneurship meet, and a place where collaboration and opportunity can thrive in Montbello.

We are looking forward to receiving the TCO and celebrating with community leaders, neighbors and the business community to mark this important milestone as we open the doors in the coming months.

Stay tuned to Montbello Organizing Committee’s social media pages (@MontbelloOrg) for updates on the Grand Opening celebration.

Job of the Month: Block Captain Project Manager - be well

be well is a resident-driven health and wellness movement serving Northeast Park Hill, Greater Park Hill, East Colfax, Northwest Aurora, and Central Park. They are hiring for a full time

Block Captain Project Manager responsible for growing, strengthening, and sustaining the be well Block Captain Network, which is a powerful cohort of residents who champion health in their neighborhoods.

The Block Captain Project Manager recruits and trains new Block Captains, supports their ongoing engagement, and partners with community members to design, implement, and assess community-driven health equity projects.

Position requirements include 5+ years experience in grassroots community organizing, working with diverse populations, engaging, motivating, or managing volunteers, and project management. In addition, 2+ years of nonprofit experience is required. Community health experience and bilingual skills are preferred.

This position requires reliable transportation and may involve some evening and weekend hours. The salary is $55,000 – $65,000 annually, plus a comprehensive benefits package. To learn more, view the full job description. To apply, email a cover letter and resume to SHudnall@FSUCommunities.org.

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.

The Many Faces of MOC: Meet Silvia Gonzalez

As MOC’s Food Access Program Manager, Silvia is deeply passionate about leveraging food justice and education to foster healthier communities. She runs the twice-monthly Montbello mobile food pantry and collaborates with other organizations to create a positive and lasting impact on the mental and physical well-being of community members.

Silvia has worked in the healthcare industry and has expertise in addressing food accessibility issues across the metro area. She is a certified Yoga instructor and received a bachelor’s degree in nutrition and dietetics at Metropolitan State University of Denver. Silvia was recently accepted into the Masters of Public Health-Community and Behavioral Health program at CU Anschutz and hopes to pursue her studies in fall 2026.

Originally from Michoacan, Mexico, Silvia relishes the company of her loved ones and enjoys exploring new culinary delights, practicing and teaching Yoga, and the natural beauty of the outdoors in Colorado.

Event Recap: Charter School Advocacy Day

Ten students from KIPP Northeast Denver Leadership Academy had the opportunity to participate in the 2026 Charter School Advocacy Day on Thursday, January 29. The 9^th-12^th graders visited the State Capitol, where they met with Senate President James Coleman and Representative Jennifer Bacon. In addition, they experienced several historical locations near the Capitol during a walking tour.

Featured Event: Career Bloom Environmental Job/Networking Fair

Saturday, February 21, 2026, 9:30 am to 3:30 pm

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

Hosted by ELK and Cottonwood Institute, this free opportunity includes opportunities for youth ages 14-24 to build/check resumes, learn about networking, participate in mock interviews, and find out about environmental job opportunities for youth this summer.

Community Connections: Events, Classes & Happenings*

Far Northeast (FNE) Denver Townhall in partnership with Senator Coleman

Wednesday, February 18^th from 6-7:30 pm

Evie Garret Campus, Cafeteria - 4800 Telluride St., Denver, CO 80249

Hear from your elected leaders to learn their priorities for 2026 and share what's most pressing for you.
Learn more and reserve your spot

Montbello Mobile Food Pantry

Thursday, February 19th 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. 

African Americans Who Make a Difference

Thursday, February 26^th at 5 PM

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

Celebrate this year’s 17 honorees at a Black History Month reception.

$15 admission. For more information or to RSVP, call 303-292-6466.

2026 Denver Mayor’s Office Black History Month Celebration

Friday, February 27^th from 5:30-7:30 PM

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

An evening dedicated to honoring the rich legacy, resilience, and contributions of Black communities in Denver.

RSVP online or by calling 720-944-2498

Montbello 2020 & Beyond, RNO Community Outreach Meeting

Thursday, March 12^th from 5:30-7:30 PM

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

Speakers include United Airlines, District Attorney John Walsh, and Xcel Energy. Updates from DPD District 5, Council Districts 8 and 11.

No registration necessary.

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