MEND Gala

Victor's Story:

Victor arrived at MEND pushing everything he owned in a shopping cart.

He had no home, no job, and no clear idea what came next. What he did have was determination. He was ready to change his life and was willing to do whatever it took to make that happen.

When Victor came to MEND, he started attending employment workshops and meeting one-on-one with staff who helped him navigate the job search process. He learned how to build a resume, apply for jobs online, and prepare for interviews. Step by step, he began moving forward.

Then came an opportunity that could change everything.

Victor was up before the city. Three in the morning, and already his mind was on a job fair MEND had encouraged him to attend. He took multiple buses across town, stopping along the way so he could clean up and arrive looking his best. By the time the doors opened, Victor was ready.

His hard work paid off.

At the job fair, Victor completed two interviews and soon received a job offer. Today, he is working and building a more stable future for himself.

Victor's journey is a reminder that change is possible when determination is met with opportunity and support. Every day, people come to MEND ready to take that first step toward a better future.

Because of caring supporters like you, people like Victor can find the guidance, resources, and encouragement they need to move forward. Your generosity helps ensure that when someone is ready to change their life, MEND is there to help them take the next step.

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Luisa's Citizenship Journey

What began as helping a 79-year-old woman with a bus pass application revealed something much deeper—her dream of becoming a U.S. citizen after 24 years in America.

When she shared this dream, we knew we had to help. We connected her with a local nonprofit that assists immigrants with the citizenship process. We also secured a MAPS grant for her to ease her financial burden with legal fees.

What touched us the most was Luisa's extraordinary dedication. Every morning, she woke up at 3 AM to study citizenship questions. She’d made a beautiful promise to herself—she wouldn't visit Mexico until she could return as a U.S. citizen.

Her routine with her MEND coach developed naturally. Before picking up her weekly groceries at the food pantry, they'd practice test questions. These morning study sessions became something they both genuinely looked forward to.

Last December, Luisa passed her citizenship test! In just weeks, she'll finally attend her citizenship ceremony and become a proud American citizen.

From Crisis to Hope: A Journey of Restoration "Ioanni"

As a child, Ioanni Martinez skateboarded in the parking lot of MEND's old building on Van Nuys Blvd., never imagining that one day, MEND would be the place that helped put his life back together.

When the COVID pandemic hit, Ioanni's world unraveled. His 10-year-old daughter Sylvia was diagnosed with cancer, and he never left her side through the long, terrifying treatments. In the process, he lost his job, his stability, and eventually his way. At his lowest point, it was his mother who encouraged him to reach out. And that's where his story changed.

Through MEND's employment services, mental health support, and wraparound care, Ioanni began rebuilding his life. When he was hospitalized for an anxiety attack, a MEND team member showed up just to remind him he wasn't alone. Today, he has a new job as a mechanic, is in marriage counseling with his wife, and is working his way back home to his family.....filled with hope.

That kind of transformation doesn't happen without you.

Your generous support makes it possible for MEND to walk alongside people like Ioanni - through crisis, through healing, and into a brighter future.

On behalf of Ioanni and the countless others you've helped, thank you.