Title: Get Involved
Headings: Our History
Our History
Who We Are
Our Mission
Who We Serve
Programs & Services
Homeless Care Services
The Clothing Center
Emergency Foodbank
Pathways to Wellness
The Family Support Program

Content: Get Involved
Our History
Who We Are
MEND was started in 1971 by a young couple, Ed &  Carolyn Rose, who were motivated by the poverty they witnessed in the Valley to do something about it. They set about persuading others – primarily members of their congregation at Our  Lady of Peace Catholic Church - to help them collect and distribute food, clothing and furniture to poor families in the community. For years, the Roses were joined by several other families  to serve the neediest people in the community, under the name they had started calling themselves: MEND – Meet Each Need with Dignity. In 1976 they formalized their activities into a non-profit  organization and in the mid-80s MEND established operations in Pacoima, where it continues to provide food, clothing, one-on-one case management and support services to  low-income  individuals and families. For  nearly 50 years, MEND has continuously served the most vulnerable in our community, including those who are homeless, unemployed/under-employed, very low income, and older  adults. Our Mission
MEND’s programs serve two ends: to meet the immediate basic needs of people, and to help them build resources and skills to address and overcome long-term  challenges that have kept them from thriving. Core services are provided by the Foodbank, Homeless Care Services and Clothing Center. Deeper case managed services are offered through the Family Support & Pathways to Wellness Programs.