January 2025 Newsletter | Vol. 1

THE BELLOS – January Edition!

Welcome to the January edition of THE BELLOS, your trusted e-newsletter connecting Montbello neighbors, businesses, and organizations. This month, we’re highlighting the lasting impact of MLK Jr. and don’t miss the the recap of Councilmember Gilmore’s Holiday Party. We’ve also included information on upcoming events like the District 11 Town Hall and Montbello Mobile Food Pantry.

We also invite you to visit our updated website to learn all about MOC’s programs, resources, and view the latest edition of the MUSE!

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. 

The Power in A Dream 

January 20th is a national holiday recognizing the great civil rights activist Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He was a political philosopher and one of the most prominent leaders in the civil rights movement from 1955 until his assassination in 1968. Most of us have heard his speech “I Have Dream,” which was part of the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Dr. King's speech talked about imagining the future of America, where there would be freedom, equity, and equality for all. Dr. King said: “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.” His words resonate with each of us, inspiring us to imagine a world where equality is not just a dream, but a reality. Yet even though we’ve come a long way, there are millions of miles to go to fight for equal justice and equal rights. 

As we celebrate this holiday, ask yourself: What is your dream for peace, harmony, and equality? Do you believe you can be the change the world needs to see? 

Your Dream is powerful! It provides insight into some of the most profound areas of our subconscious mind, our emotions, and our desires. It serves as a tool for self-reflection, motivating and inspiring us to make the right choices, to be the advocate and the voice in the room. Today, give yourself the power to keep dreaming and be a change agent, and you will not judge people by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. 

Tip of the Month: Holistic Approach to 2025 Stress

The new year often sparks change, which elevates unsettledness and anxiety. However, understanding the bio-psycho-social-spiritual health model can promote resilience and a positive lifestyle. Focusing on stress management in 2025 can build resilience and create a happy, balanced life with healthy habits.

Instead of stressing over tasks, plan your goals around aspects of well-being such as social connections, emotional state, and spiritual practices such as interconnectedness. In addition to physical goals, integrate activities surrounding the mind, body, and spirit that regulate the whole person using activities like mindfulness meditation, spending time in nature, prayer, connecting to supportive communities, and practicing gratitude to foster inner peace.

“The biopsychosocial spiritual health model, when applied to stress, suggests that stress is not solely a biological phenomenon but is influenced by a complex interplay of biological factors (like genetics and physiological), psychological factors (like thoughts, emotions), social factors (like family dynamics), and spiritual factors (like meaning and purpose in life), all interacting with each other to determine an individual's stress level and how they manage it,” explains Physiopedia.

Take small steps, such as daily mindfulness or deep breathing exercises, to start 2025 with greater calm and balance. Montbello Organizing Committee (MOC) offers FREE holistic mental health resources through Montbello Solutions to help manage stress and enhance well-being. 

Job of the Month:  Children’s Farms in Action - Garden Maintenance Internship

Children’s Farms in Action (CFA) is hiring Garden Maintenance Interns! This part-time, seasonal role runs from June through August, offering high school students the chance to gain hands-on experience in gardening, food access, and youth education.

As an intern, you'll assist with planting, weeding, and maintaining school gardens while helping distribute fresh produce to local food pantries. You'll also support educational workshops for Montbello youth and families, making a tangible impact in the community.

Pay is $18/hour, with weekday shifts from 8:00 AM–12:00 PM. Montbello residents are strongly encouraged to apply.

To apply, send a letter of interest to Namiah Hope at namiah.hope@montbelloorganizing.org. Optional resumes are welcome.

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.

Colorado Black Health Resource Directory: A Free Compilation of Wellness Resources for Culturally Responsive Care

The Colorado Black Health Collaborative, a community-based nonprofit committed to improving health and wellness in Colorado’s Black, African, and African American communities, recently released its 2024 Colorado Black Health Resource Directory with support from Connect for Health Colorado, the state’s official insurance marketplace.

The Directory was carefully assembled by Black Coloradans for Black Coloradans and is the most comprehensive source of Black health information in Colorado, providing listings for culturally responsive doctors and specialists from Ft. Collins to Pueblo. Twenty grassroots organizations are also featured, along with Black health-related articles from over a dozen individuals, and information about accepted insurance carriers and the availability of telehealth.

Since the first Directory was launched in 2010, it has been updated every three years and become a trusted source of reliable information for those seeking treatment by Black health professionals. 

The 2024 Colorado Black Health Resource Directory is available online at blackhealthresources.org.  Printed copies are available on request by emailing info@coloradoblackhealth.org.

Elevate Your Business with the Montbello Organizing Committee's Entrepreneurship Foundations Program!

Are you a resident of Montbello or Green Valley Ranch with a passion for starting your own business? Join our 12-week Entrepreneurship Foundations Program, beginning in Spring 2025, to gain essential skills, receive one-on-one support, and access funding opportunities.

This program covers business topics, business plan development, and offers technical assistance to help turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality. Graduates will also be eligible for a 2% interest start-up loan.

Don't miss out —apply today!

Event Recap: District 11 10th Annual Holiday Party

The 10th annual holiday party hosted by District 11 was a wonderful success with over 1,500 community members in attendance. We had wonderful food, fun activities for the entire family, a raffle and Santa was there as well. This has become such a successful time for our community to gather at the holidays and provide an opportunity to share stories, celebrate our successes and plan for our next year. 

We enjoyed great music by DJ Squirrel, and the entire District 11 staff made up of Daija,  Andrew, and Meredith along with our committed volunteers made sure that everyone had exactly what they needed to have a fabulous time. The theme was Holiday Movies and there were so many characters at the party from favorite movies such as The Grinch, Elf, and others. We look forward to this event all year long and ask that you mark your calendars for December 6, 2025. We are already planning for it!

Featured Event: 10th Annual District 11 Town Hall

Thursday, February 13, 2025, 5:30 - 7:30 PM

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

Join Council Member Gilmore for the 10th Annual District 11 Town Hall! This event is your opportunity to bring your ideas, questions, and concerns to the forefront and get answers directly from our dedicated city agencies.

The town hall will feature a round-robin format, offering a unique chance to engage with city representatives one-on-one. Don’t miss this chance to have your voice heard and help shape the future of our community.

Community Connections: Events, Classes & Happenings*

Martin Luther King Jr. Marade 2025

Monday, January 20th at 10:30 AM

City Park, 2001 Colorado Blvd, Denver, CO 80205

The nation’s only Martin Luther King Jr. Marade, a combination march and parade, takes place on January 20, 2025, to honor Dr. King’s legacy. Celebrate and reflect on Dr. King’s vision for equality and justice. Find out more here. 

Montbello Community Health Town Hall

January 26th at 1:30 PM

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

Make your voice heard as the City works to improve Denver's health services for all. Help shape the City’s 5-year health plan at this town hall. RSVP HERE

Montbello Mobile Food Pantry

Thursday, February 6th at 9 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. 

Buying Affordable Homes 

February 9th and 21st from 11 AM to 2 PM

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

Join ELK and Elevation Community Land Trust to learn more about land trust programs which help people buy first homes. We will learn about Community Land Trust programs which differ from regular home purchases.

Yoga for Love

Every Wednesday from 5 to 6 PM

Love Center, 12000 East 47th Avenue, Denver, CO 80239

Join Struggle of Love for a grounding yoga class, where love and community come together. This class is free, and donations are warmly welcomed. Contributions help bring in special guests, such as sound healers and breathwork facilitators, and provide additional yoga props to enhance the experience. RSVP HERE.

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

Get In Touch!

Montbello Organizing Committee

12000 E. 47th Ave. Suite 201

Denver, CO 80239 

info@montbelloorganizing.org

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