MEND - Meet Each Need with Dignity, generally referred to as MEND, is a 501 nonprofit organization serving the northeast San Fernando Valley in Los Angeles, California. Started in a San Fernando Valley garage in 1971, MEND is an institution with the largest food bank in the Valley, medical, dental and vision clinics, clothing, homeless care services, as well as support and care through case management services. With fewer than 30 full-time employees, it relies heavily on volunteers not only for services but also for operations and administration. According to the organization, this has resulted in limited expenses for administration and fundraising. In 2016, MEND delivered more than $13 million of aid in the form of food, clothing, and services.
History
MEND was founded in 1971 by a group of volunteers led by Ed and Carolyn Rose. Working out of three garages, the volunteers collected food, clothing, and furniture for needy families in the area. It was incorporated as a nonprofit 501 organization in 1976. In 1982, its operations were consolidated into a small warehouse in Pacoima, Los Angeles, which the organization then purchased in 1985. The 1990s witnessed an expansion of its services, beginning with a free medical and dental clinic, opened in 1991 In 1992, it introduced a computer lab to offer English language learning and job training. MEND's original facility was severely damaged by the Northridge earthquake in January 1994 and was reconstructed within six months. Two years later, its capacity was doubled to 20,000 square feet. In 2003, to accommodate further growth, the organization purchased land near its original facility and opened a 40,000-square-foot building there in 2007. MEND's foodbank, clothing center and health clinics are housed in this building while the original building remains in use as the organization's Education and Training Center. Programs in the ETC building include MEND's computer and English as a Second Language classes. In March 2009, as a cost-cutting measure in response to the financial crisis of 2007–2008, the organization reduced its operating expenses by closing its doors on Mondays.
Programs
;Emergency Food Bank MEND operates what it describes as the second-largest emergency food bank in Los Angeles. Food is distributed directly from its headquarters and satellite locations; some is distributed to other local pantries and charities. ;Clothing Center The organization's clothing center distributes donated clothing and other small household items to families in need and hosts a number of events, such as a twice-a-year "baby shower" and educational session for low-income expectant mothers and a formal dress give-away event for teenage girls. ;Medical, Dental, and Eye Care Clinics Staffed by volunteer health professionals, MEND's health-care clinics provide free health, dental, and eye care to uninsured, low-income patients. Specialty clinics focus on diabetes, hypertension, women's health, and chiropractic care. With the San Fernando Valley Dental Society, the dental clinic hosts an annual event providing free dental screenings and fluoride treatment to hundreds of school children. ;Services for the Homeless Since 2008, the organization has offered homeless clients the use of shower facilities in its headquarters and access to toiletries, hot meals, clean clothing, and food bags from the food bank weekly. ;Annual Christmas Basket Program Every December, approximately 1200 families are visited by MEND volunteers in their homes. Those in most need are recommended for informal "adoption" by donors and community groups; others can visit MEND headquarters to receive gifts and boxes of food for Christmas dinner. The relationship between adopters and their adoptive families often continues beyond the holidays.
Recognition
MEND has been given a four-star rating by Charity Navigator and has earned a GuideStar Exchange Seal for its "commitment to transparency." In the book Forces for Good: The Six Practices of High-Impact Nonprofits, the organization was profiled for its use of shared leadership. MEND was honored with the 2012 Governor's Volunteering and Service Award as California's Nonprofit of the Year. MEND was chosen by the office of the Governor and California Volunteers in recognition of its "service and innovation while addressing the increasing needs of the state of California."
