From crisis to stability. From stability to thriving.

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.

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Leave A Legacy

Stories of Hope

MARIO

Mario wasn't sure what he needed when he first noticed MEND from a Metro bus window. He saw people stepping off, lining up, and receiving help. One day, he decided to do the same. Homeless, recently out of jail, and unsure what came next, Mario found more than food and resources at MEND—he found people who saw possibility, not a dead end. Through Gateways Employment Services, he built confidence, learned how to network and interview, and soon landed a job with a welding company right across the street from MEND. It was a full-circle moment that started with the courage to take one step off the bus. The job coach who listened, the Career Closet clothes he wore to his interview, the support and second chance that helped him succeed—your generosity made it all possible. And right now, someone else is riding a bus, looking out the window, wondering if they should get off.

RUBI

When her husband's work hours were reduced, Rubi, a mother of five, faced mounting financial challenges that made it difficult to cover basic needs. Looking for support, she visited MEND's food pantry and was introduced to the Hope & Care program.

Through MEND, Rubi's family received food assistance, support with rent and utilities, and connections to valuable resources. Just as importantly, she gained encouragement and confidence to pursue her personal goals.

With the support of her case manager, Rubi enrolled at Mission College to work toward earning her GED. Today, her family's situation has improved, her children are thriving, and she is building a brighter future for herself and her family.

"In one of the hardest seasons of our lives, MEND was our guiding light," says Rubi.

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) is one of MEND's oldest services and our goal remains simple: to make sure anyone in need in our community has access to nutritious food that supports good health, child development, and disease prevention. All distributions are open at 9AM and close at Noon.

2,730,735

HEALTHY MEALS

3.2 Million

POUND OF FOOD

291,104

PEOPLE BENEFITED

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MENTAL WELLNESS

SERVICES

Hope & Care supports families with children ages 0–5 by connecting them to resources, referrals, and services that promote family well-being. In partnership with the Department of Mental Health's United Mental Health Promoters (UMHP), the program offers mental health support, wellness workshops, group exercise, trauma-informed care, and assistance with basic needs such as diapers, wipes, rental assistance, utility support, and more. Hope & Care helps families strengthen bonds, support healthy child development, and build a healthier future together. For more information, call (818) 896-0246.

1,205

HOUSEHOLDS
BENEFITED

71,900

DIAPERS
DISTRIBUTED

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GATEWAYS EMPLOYMENT

SERVICES

Here We Thrive brings together MEND's intensive case management services to support individuals and families as they work toward greater stability and self-sufficiency. Through personalized guidance, resource navigation, and one-on-one support, participants receive help addressing challenges and achieving their goals. This comprehensive program offers a range of services designed to meet the unique needs of our community, from essential assistance to individualized coaching and long-term support.

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.

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PATHWAYS

Pathway to Wellness : Living with chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or obesity can be challenging, but Pathways to Wellness provides the support, education, and resources needed to build healthier habits and improve overall well-being. Participants have access to nutritious food, walking groups, health workshops, cooking demonstrations, and one-on-one health coaching. The program also offers exclusive access to The Little Health Market, which features food options specifically selected to support participants' health and wellness goals.