Stories of Hope
Computer LabMEND’s Computer Lab Instructional Coordinator, Mary Watanabe, shares the story of one incredible volunteer family, “I have 3 volunteers from one local family. They are the greatest: responsible, creative, and great models for our kids. The oldest sister, Carmen, volunteered last year on Saturdays. Then she brought her 13 year old brother, Javier, so he would understand how important it is to give back to your community. Javier has been wonderful with the kids, even leading a class in origami. Javier just found out that he can count his volunteer work toward his community service requirements in his Confirmation Class. Carmen is not able to volunteer right now so she is sending her sister, Maggie, with Javier this month. Maggie is a senior at CSUN, and works for LAUSD as a teacher's assistant. She is a real asset to our program.” |
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Our Congregation provides loans to organizations that in various ways help people who are economically oppressed. We have wonderful stories of the people who benefit from our Alternative Investment Fund, and we would like to share these stories with you. We trust these stories bring as much hope to you as they do to us. |
ProgramsMEND offers the following programs and services: Emergency Food Bank Clothing Center Christmas BasketProgram Job Training Home Visitation Education and Training Center Computer Lab Sewing Program Medical,Dental and Vision Clinics Employment Support Services |
Meet Every Need with Dignity MENDMission Our Mission, as a volunteer-driven organization, is to provide services that meet the basic human needs of individuals who reside in the northeast San Fernando Valley. These services are provided in a manner that safeguards the dignity of all recipients while promoting self-reliance. Philosophy Our philosophy rests on the principles that every person, created in the image of God, has innate human dignity and the right to be treated with respect; and every person has the fundamental right to what is needed for a fully human life. In the early 1970's, MEND opened its doors in an effort to transform the lives of the neediest residents of the San Fernando Valley - poor children and their struggling families. Starting as a small group of volunteers working from a garage, MEND has grown primarily by word-of-mouth into one of the leanest operating non-profit organizations in existence. More than 95% of the support and donations received by MEND, now the largest poverty agency in the Valley, provides emergency food, clothing, medical, vision and dental care, job skills training and job placement assistance, English as a Second Language classes, youth activities, and a Christmas program. Each month, more than 9,300 hours are donated by volunteers from a broad range of backgrounds and income levels; all joining together to act as people helping people. Each person plays a vital role in meeting the mission of MEND. From the distribution of food, clothing to assistance in job training and placement, our volunteers give MEND life. |