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Meet Each Need with Dignity(MEND)

MEND - Meet Each Need with Dignity' MEND is a non-profit organization created in the early 1970s in the San Fernando Valley as a response to the increasing poverty in the area. Today MEND is one of the largest nonprofit organizations in the Valley. Despite the last recession which caused multiple community based organizations to close their doors, MEND has expanded in physical size and now has multiple programs. The recession did force MEND to be closed Sundays and Mondays compared to previous years when it was just closed Sundays. MEND provides immediate relief to those living in poverty by supplying them with food and other basic necessities.

Mission  "With dignity and respect, powered by volunteers, MEND’s mission is to break the bonds of poverty by providing basic human needs and a pathway to self-reliance." - MEND

Vision "All members of our community living in poverty attain self-reliance and contribute to society as caring human beings." -MEND

Programs

"Experience Volunteer(Food bank)" - There are different stations working in the food bank area. People are placed in the sections based on their work skills and what works best for them. Some may be physically demanding and certain people can do that. Some people are distributing the food for the people and are in different sections such as family, living alone, and homeless. The food is distributed differently in each sections to accommodate the people in the best way possible. Other people are checking the food donated to Mend. They check for expiration dates, good quality, and for fresh foods they make sure it is clean and in the best shape to be distributed to the people. Other people are helping organize foods by fresh products, can foods, pastries, meats so they can be placed in the proper areas and separated from the ones that have to be placed in a cold freezer. It is fast pace and very demanding work to have everything running smoothly. Not everyday is the same as some days you'll have more food than other days or more people volunteering than other days.

Emergency Food Bank -It is the largest food bank in Los Angeles that provides direct distribution to the clients in need of this service. Food is collect from different supermarkets, churches, schools, and other organizations in the area. Also, the food that is collect is distributed to more than 60 smaller pantries and charities annually in areas that also care for low-income individuals. The food collected feeds approximately 20,000 people every month.

Clothing Center -The clothing center is set up like any mall shop, it shows different items through window displays and is well organized. MEND has sections such as for men, women, children and a sections of kitchen supplies. There is no cost for MEND clients. The clients are welcome to shop for each member of their family. MEND throws baby showers twice a month for new moms and are given a "goody" bag supplied with clothing and other accessories. There is a project they have called "Project Glamour" where they clear out the clothing center and transform it into a stop prom resource for young girls with racks of dresses, shoes, and accessories.

Medical and Eye Care Clinic -MEND is the only organization in northeast San Fernando Valley to provide Medical and Eye care for clients. Mend provides basic ambulatory, hypertension, diabetic, vision, women's acupuncture and chiropractic care for adults. Volunteer healthcare professionals provide care to low-income patients who do not afford or meet the healthcare insurance policies. The Medical Clinic provides health education for clients as well as exercise classes. The Eye Care Clinic provides eye examinations and free prescriptions for glasses for both adults and children.

Dental Clinic  -Mend provides a dental clinic for the clients who do not have dental insurance or are low-income. The dental clinic provides cleanings, fillings, extractions, sealants, oral surgery, and some endodontic and implant procedures. Fluoride treatments and dental screenings for children are provided twice a year. These services are for both adults and children that live in the area. Volunteer dentist provide these procedures regularly for the people.

Education and Training Center -Mend Education and Training Center provides different classes, tutoring, enrichment programs, and computer training. Each year Mend as around 950 adult students enrolled. Classes for English learners run in three 14 week sessions a year. There are 5 English level classes offered in the mornings and the evening on Tuesday through Thursday and in the mornings on Friday. Mend also offers different art classes such as sewing class which is offered Tuesdays to Friday. LEAMOS, is a Spanish literacy class, which enrolls immigrant adults who do not read or write in their native language.

Youth Service This program is geared towards the youth in the community and is an extension of Education and Training Center. The volunteers help the youth with their homework and provide one on one tutoring. This also grants children with access to computers to help facilitate any academic assignment. Special Events like "Heads to Toes" also provides the children with school supplies,

Grow Together Project The main purpose of this project is to promote good health the growing of fresh fruit and vegetables. It will teach families on how to grow trees and other plants

Home Visiting and Referral Service

Job Training  This service will provide participants with entry-level skills from a diverse group of jobs.

Homeless Services Some of the events that are catered to the needs of those without a home are addressed through exclusive services held each Tuesday. Showers are open to the homeless Tuesdays from 8am to 1:30pm. Breakfast Snacks are available from 8am to 10:30am. At 11:30 the homeless have access to a hot lunch until 1:30pm. The Emergency Food Bank mentioned above is open from 8AM to 3PM. Lastly those in need of clothes can obtain some from 8am until 2pm but must be registered by 1pm.

Annual Events  Project Glamour: This project is aimed at local teens. Teens will be given tips on hair and makeup application. One can get a dress for a school event like the prom or a school dance. Teens can also attend a personal development course. Baby Shower: This is held in the months of February and September for expectant mothers. The mother will obtain clothing and other infant care items. They can attend workshops geared towards the care of infants and learn about the sources available for families with young children.

Source: http://mendpoverty.org/