To build a walkable community through advocacy while improving the physical and emotional health of residents through walking engagement groups and other outdoor activities.

​

We hope to inspire a community takeover for health equity.  By creating safe, walkable and enjoyable community spaces for everyone to enjoy; through advocacy against social injustices; and working towards improving resident’s health by providing opportunities for physical activity i.e.; walking, hiking, cycling, providing healthy food options through our Mobile Food Pantry and promoting the daily practice of self-care for Caregivers and all participants.

​

​

​

 

We are a campaign to heal intergenerational trauma, fight systemic racism and transform lives.  As we mobilize walking groups, we also mobilize community members to support advocacy efforts and lead a Civil Rights-inspired health movement that addresses systemic racism upon underserved communities of color.  

 

Montbello Walks was founded in 2016 by a resident, Pam Jiner who after raising 2 sons, fostering 13 children for the City & County of Denver and adopting her 16th child decided to step outside her front door to take a walk in the community where she was raised as a child.  Remembering everything about the community and noticing how the community had grown - without any attention to infrastructural improvements; Pam internalized that her community had been ignored - overlooked and forgotten.  Inspired by the non-profit health organization named GirlTREK which was founded in 2010 and had only reached Denver CO in 2015; Pam joined the organization in September of 2016.  

 

In March of 2017, GirlTREK offered a 6 month Community Advocacy course which Pam quickly signed up for (feeling wronged by the then state of her community).  The course was facilitated by GirlTREK’s partnership with Stanford University’s Citizen Scientist team who were developing a Discovery Tool for mapping city streets, identifying needed improvements and or likable spaces along city streets.  The purpose for the now “Our Voice: Discovery Tool” is to empower residents to engage City departments to advocate for needed improvements.  Participants were instructed to select a community improvement project that could be developed during the 6 month course. Of all the projects to select, Pam decided to address the lack of public sidewalks along North Peoria Street at Interstate 70. 

​

"Just step outside your door and take those first steps. You will meet your neighbors, you will get fresh air, and you are creating the possibilities for stronger community and new connections. Join us!"

~ Montbello Walks Founder & Girl Trek Organizer of the Year, Pam Jiner