Programs
For more information on Eligibility requirements and Service information, please see our MEND Eligibility & Service Information page.
The Emergency Foodbank
MEND's Emergency Foodbank is the largest of its kind in Los Angeles that
provides direct distribution to clients in need, and one of the largest
in the state of California. Our Foodbank and Kitchen regularly receive an
"A" rating by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for adherence to
food handling standards.
Emergency Food boxes are distributed three mornings each week and alternate Saturday mornings at the MEND Center, as well as four times per month from satellite operations. Each applicant is personally interviewed to assess needs, verify information and evaluate any special dietary requirements. The boxes provide a generous, nutritionally balanced three-day supply of emergency food, designed to help the families make ends meet, but not create a dependency on MEND.
Volunteer food rescue drivers collect food from numerous supermarkets, churches, schools, businesses and other organizations in the area. A significant amount of the food is distributed to more than 60 smaller pantries and charities in the area that also care for low-income people, about 30 every week. If you would like to help feed those in need, volunteers are always needed to: sort food, pack food boxes, solicit donations, prepare meals in the MEND Kitchen, and drive trucks to pick up donated food, in addition to other jobs that help alleviate hunger in the Northeast San Fernando Valley.Medical, Dental and Vision Clinics
MEND operates a Medical, a Vision and a Dental Clinic,
founded and developed by volunteer healthcare professionals. The clinics assist
poor, uninsured, and medically under-served families who, otherwise, would not
have access to these services.
Primary dental services provided include cleanings, fillings, extractions, sealants and some endodontic procedures. Oral Surgery is also provided on site, and periodontal visits are available as needed. Fluoride treatments for children are provided twice yearly. Patients in need of dentures, partial dentures or crowns may receive the service once they have participated and been selected in the monthly raffle. A strong Oral Hygiene Education program is also in place to ensure patient awareness of oral hygiene. Patients are provided with free toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, appropriate educational literature, and any necessary medications. In collaboration with the San Fernando Valley Dental Society, MEND Dental Clinic also provides free dental screenings and fluoride treatment to over 500 children during the annual Give Kids a Smile event in February.
The Medical Clinic provides basic ambulatory, hypertension, diabetic, vision, women's, acupuncture and chiropractic care to adults and children. Both Medical and Dental Clinics also provide education to the patients. When more specialized services are needed, the patients are given referrals to appropriate facilities nearby.
The Vision Clinic is a collaboration between MEND, the Lions Club and the San Fernando Valley Optometric Society. Vision screenings and eye glasses are provided at no charge to patients.
Numerous doctors, optometrists, dentists, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists donate several hours of their time and skills each month. The clinics are in the process of increasing access to care and need doctors, dentists, dental assistants, optometrists, nurse practitioners, pharmacists, and more to expand the clinic hours of operation.
Home Visiting and Information Referral
Home visitors meet with families and refer them to
appropriate MEND programs or community agencies. Home Visitation has been
important to MEND's operations since the organization was founded in 1971. The
emphasis on these visits has been to personalize MEND's services and to provide
additional help to families with critical needs. The volunteers are trained to
provide a basic assessment of the household situation and then make referrals to
other MEND programs or appropriate agencies within the community.
Information and referral services are provided at the MEND office on weekdays. Office workers refer recipients to other organizations that can assist them with their specific needs, help them complete application forms or other paperwork, help them make phone calls, write letters, or just lend a "listening ear". Volunteers are always needed to conduct home visits and provide support from the MEND office by making referrals and being an advocate.
The Education and Training Center
The Education & Training Center at MEND includes English as Second
Language Classes and a Computer Lab.
ESL classes run in three fifteen-week sessions a year. Four ESL class levels are offered during the morning and in the evening on Tuesday through Thursday, 9:45 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. Additionally, Friday, is offered to morning students. At the end of each session included in the culminating activities are awards and certificates for attendance, leadership, and achievement. Spanish classes are offered on Tuesday and Thursday afternoon. Students in this class want to achieve the following goals: learn the basics of Spanish grammar; maintain a basic conversation in Spanish; and be able to spell, write, and pronounce correctly basic Spanish vocabulary. The Basic Spanish Literacy course, offered from Tuesday to Thursday, is an effective remedial program for adults who are illiterate in their native language. English literacy class is available for adults who can come and learn to read and write the language before they take ESL. Sewing class is from Tuesday to Thursday and on Saturdays. Sewing class teaches students to operate a sewing machine, work with a pattern, cut, sew and complete projects from pin cushion to apron, chemise, skirt, blouse, pajama and party dress. To showcase their finished materials, a fashion show is held once a year. There is also a Saturday handicraft class to teach students how to make projects that they can potentially sell on their own such as flowers, bags/baskets, origami and paper tole. Other classes are Guitar, Citizenship, GED and summer Arts and Crafts for kids.
The Computer Lab provides two levels of computer classes for adults in four 12 week sessions. All students practice keyboarding and basic Microsoft Word and Excel functions, internet access and e-mail. Level 2 covers more advanced functions of Word, Excel and PowerPoint. They learn to make business cards, create flyers, greeting cards and business letter formats. Some are assisted in developing a resume and doing on-line job searches. Students receive a Certificate upon completion of the courses. Due to an extensive waiting list, students are only allowed to repeat a course once. We expect at least 100 students will receive certificates in 2010.
Mend Youth services includes a homework club, one to one tutoring, a Saturday Acadamy, and Enrichment Programs. Saturday Academy focuses primarily on Math, Reading, Science and Computer skills. Enrichment activities include recreational activities, service in the Community Garden and educational field trips. The families participate in Back to School and Christmas events sponsored by churches where they receive a complete outfit, school supplies and toys from their Santa lists. All students are assessed and individual plans are made for each. Progress is reflected in approved grades on their report cards.
Computer teachers, children's tutors and Lab assistant are all volunteers.
The Clothing Center
The
Clothing Center distributes clothing three mornings a week at the MEND
Center and the some Saturdays. Please call in advance for dates. Each
recipient is given an allotment of clothes items for each member of the
immediate family. The Clothing Center also helps by offering blankets
during the winter months, house wares and small appliances all year
long, and toiletries for the homeless. Clients are placed on a waiting
list for items not readily available. Volunteers are always needed
to sort clothing, distribute clothing, pick up donated clothing and
other tasks that help MEND to operate its Clothing Center.
The Clothing Center also hosts a Bi-Annual Baby Shower. The event includes guest speakers from local social service agencies such as WIC, educational workshops on breastfeeding and infant CPR/first aid, luncheon and baby shower games. Additionally clients receive a new car seat and a goody bag filled with newborn essentials such as diapers, blankets, and valuable information for mothers and newborns.
"Project Glamour" is another event hosted by the Clothing Center. The Clothing Distribution Center is closed to create a "Boutique". Racks of prom dresses, shoes, purses and accessories are displayed. Both parents and young female clients are invited to the event. The parents participate in a parenting workshop while the youngsters participate in a personal development workshop. Next the girls shop for their gown, shoes, jewelry and bag. Once the girls have put together their complete outfit they get their hair and makeup professionally done.
In the summer the MEND Clothing Center hosts "Project Job Ready". At this event participants attend a job readiness workshop where they are given tips on how to obtain and keep a job. As an added benefit participants take home a complete interview outfit plus a goodie bag.
Once per year in October, the Clothing Center hosts a Jacket Distribution Event. MEND families are invited to select a jacket per family member. Thanks to a donation from LA Valley College in October 2010, we were able to distribute Halloween costumes in addition to the jackets.
The Christmas Basket Program
The Christmas Program at MEND, an all volunteer-run program,
seeks to enhance the holiday season of those families in need. Each year needy
families receive a MEND Christmas Basket, which includes enough food for
Christmas dinner plus staple items, a new blanket and a new gift/toy for each
child under the age of 14. Each of these families is visited in their homes, and
the ones with the most critical need are then "adopted" through the MEND Adoption
Program by service clubs, churches, schools, employee groups or concerned and
caring families within the community. Those who are adopted receive new clothing,
a household item, gift/toys and food, all of which is personally delivered by
their adopting group.
Volunteers are needed to help on committees, such as Toy distribution, Food Packing, Food and Toy Procurement, Donation Pick-Up, Donor Thank You, Record Keeping, Basket Distribution and more. Volunteers are also needed to do Home Visits to the basket recipients, which takes place the last Saturday in October and the first Saturday in November. Additionally, volunteers are needed to wrap toys and pack food for the baskets.
MEND Christmas Program 2011 Info Click Here
Job Training Program
A variety of training opportunities provide the skills low
income recipients need to improve their wage-earning potential and get a better
job. Training days and times vary depending on the program chosen.
The following training programs are currently offered:
Food service - Practical hands-on training includes food preparation and service at internal and external catering events. Schedule varies; contact Richard Weinroth, Emergency Foodbank Director for more information, 818-686-7334 or richard@mendpoverty.org
Dental Assistant Training - Objective: To acquire a variety of skills needed to assist the dentist in the examination and treatment of patients; basic knowledge of the use and processing of dental radiographs; perform related duties in the care and maintenance of dental instruments and supplies. Contact Dental Clinic Manager Denise Sanchez, RDA (818) 897-2443 x7337 or denise@mendpoverty.org
Warehouse / Inventory Control - Practical, hands-on training is provided in out extensive on-site Food Warehouse. Contact Emergency Foodbank Director Richard Weinroth at 818-686-7334 or richard@mendpoverty.org
Sewing Classes - Learn how to sew for your family or for a career! - Classes meet throughout the week. Call Lilia Soller at 818-896-0246 x7331 or lilia@mendpoverty.org for more information on any of these training programs.