MEND Poverty

ENGAGE

WAYS YOU CAN HELP

Become a friend to vulnerable families, the homeless, and struggling seniors today. Your generosity is a precious gift that makes a difference.

Make A Gift Today

Host A Food Drive

Volunteer

Leave A Legacy

Matching Gifts

Gift of Love

Newsletter

Vehicle Donation

Stories of Hope

Ioanni

As a child, Ioanni Martinez used to skateboard in the parking lot of MEND’s former building on Van Nuys Blvd., never imagining that one day MEND would become the place that helped put his life back together.

Years later, when the COVID pandemic hit, Ioanni’s world began to unravel. His 10-year-old daughter, Sylvia, was diagnosed with cancer, and he never left her side through the long and frightening treatments. In the process, he lost his job, his stability, and eventually his sense of direction.

“At that time, everything felt like it was falling apart,” Ioanni shared.

At his lowest point, it was his mother who encouraged him to reach out for help. That moment marked the beginning of a new chapter.

Through MEND’s employment services, mental health support, and wraparound care, Ioanni began taking steps toward rebuilding his life. During one particularly difficult moment, when he was hospitalized after an anxiety attack, a MEND team member came to visit him simply to remind him that he wasn’t alone.

“That meant everything to me,” he said. “It reminded me that someone still cared.”

Today, Ioanni is working as a mechanic, attending marriage counseling with his wife, and slowly rebuilding stability for himself and his family. While the road hasn’t been easy, he is moving forward—filled with hope for the future.

Stories like Ioanni’s show what’s possible when people facing hardship are met with compassion, support, and the opportunity to begin again.

OUR PROGRAMS

MEND serves the poorest families & individuals in the San Fernando Valley; meeting their most immediate basic needs and helping them build resources and skills to address and overcome long-term poverty.

COMMUNITY NOURISHMENT PROGRAMS

The COMMUNITY NOURISHMENT PROGRAMS (CNP) include a Food Bank, Food Pantry, Buen Provecho Farmer’s Market, and Little Health Market, that offer weekly, choice-driven access to fresh produce and culturally relevant pantry staples to approximately 32,000 unduplicated people (260,000 encounters of service) a year. CNP goes beyond food security to change ongoing nutrition security outcomes for vulnerable people. By ensuring that 70% of the food is fresh—fruits, vegetables, dairy, proteins—we offer nutrition security, defined as consistent and equitable access to healthy, safe, affordable foods essential to optimal health and well-being.

2,840,409

HEALTHY MEALS

3.6 Million

POUND OF FOOD

291,104

PEOPLE BENEFITED

LEARN MORE

HOPE &

CARE

These support services offer resources, referrals, and system navigation for mental health services as well as supportive services, such as diapers, wipes, household items, utility assistance, personal care goods, housing support, and other necessities for families with children aged 0-5. Hope & Care also oversees our First Step services for the homeless and supports them with hygiene products, clean clothing, and curated food bags, along with referrals to additional services.

260,547

PEOPLE
BENEFITED

71,900

DIAPERS
DISTRIBUTED

LEARN MORE

HERE WE THRIVE

HERE WE THRIVE - This hub of support offers a range of services tailored to the varying needs of our community, from emergency essentials to individualized coaching:

1:1

SERVICES
PROVIDED

Connections Resource Coordination: This service assists participants with navigating external social services such as utility assistance, public benefits, legal services, childcare resources, and more—ensuring access to support that might otherwise feel out of reach.

Pathways to Wellness: Focused on addressing chronic diet-related illnesses like obesity, diabetes, and hypertension, Pathways helps participants make sustainable changes for better wellness.

Gateways Employment Services: Designed for job seekers facing significant barriers, Gateways offers two avenues to success: Self-directed activities and one-on-one coaching with an employment specialist.

LEARN MORE

FIRST STEP HOMELESS SERVICES

Hope & Care also oversees our First Step services for the homeless and supports them with hygiene products, clean clothing, and curated food bags, along with referrals to additional services.