MADA for a Better Future - ALL OF MADA PROGRAMS ARE FREe

Empowerment is at the heart of MADA’s work. Through leadership programs, workshops, volunteer opportunities, and community-led visioning and planning, we create pathways for residents to shape the decisions that impact their lives. Every program is rooted in meaningful community engagement—ensuring voices are heard, leadership is cultivated, and lasting change is driven by the people we serve.

MADA believes informed communities are empowered communities. We use our voice to support local initiatives, equip residents with tools to engage in civic processes, and create space for respectful dialogue. By hosting candidate forums and community conversations, without taking political sides we ensure access to information, encourage participation, and strengthen collective voice.

Our community garden is a space for recovery, growth, and connection. Through intergenerational programming, youth engagement, and garden-to-table education, we cultivate healthy food, hands-on learning, and meaningful relationships.

We offer free lunch for older adults every Tuesday from 11am-1pm in partnership with VOA. We also offer Free Income tax Preparation for older adults. 

MADA brings community to life through Fiesta celebrations, neighborhood revitalization, clean-up days, cultural events, and year-round gatherings that foster connection and belonging. By creating spaces where neighbors come together to celebrate, serve, and lead, we strengthen relationships, build local pride, and invest in a thriving Montrose for everyone.

MADA is committed to preserving and strengthening our neighborhoods through community clean-ups, local initiatives, public art, and advocacy for improvements to parks and shared spaces. By working alongside residents, we help enhance safety, beauty, and pride to ensure our neighborhoods remain vibrant, welcoming places for generations to come.

Through youth and teen empowerment programs, MADA partners closely with LULAC students to cultivate leadership, confidence, and opportunity. We provide internships, volunteer pathways, mentorship, and expanded teen programming that supports academic growth, career exploration, and civic engagement to empower young people to lead today and shape tomorrow.

MADA advances economic development and wealth building through our incubator commissary kitchen by creating accessible pathways for entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses. We meet people where they are, reduce barriers to entry, and support local businesses especially those historically underserved as they scale, build stability, and step into leadership roles. As we expand into new space, we continue investing in shared prosperity and a stronger local economy for all.

MADA is centering history, heritage, and culture through a community-led commitment to learning and sharing our story. From oral history interviews and Photovoice projects to pursuing historic neighborhood designation and creating a living “Museum of Memory,” we are collecting and honoring the voices that have shaped our community ensuring the past informs and strengthens our future.

MADA provides direct gap assistance for community members facing urgent needs that other programs may not cover. From bus passes and one-time emergency expenses to short-term crisis hotel stays, we step in where gaps exist—offering timely, compassionate support to help individuals and families stabilize and move forward.