MENDING LIVES WITH HELP
MENDING LIVES WITH HEALING
MENDING LIVES WITH HOPE
MEND is 3200 volunteers from all walks of life, under the guidance of a small, dedicated staff, providing all the basic human needs vital to day-to-day survival, plus the education, training, opportunities and support essential to transitioning out of poverty.
Event Highlights
Click on the images below to visit the photo gallery for the event.
Head to Toes – August 31, 2011
Every year MEND gives kids a back-to-school head start with our Head to Toes Event. Over 200 third-graders come to MEND for donated dental and vision screenings, new backpacks, school supplies, crafts and activities, and a pair of new shoes!! One of our best days of the year!!
1st Annual MEND Women’s Conference – July 30,2011
MEND’s 1st Annual Women’s Conference was a full day for women in the community. Topics shared and discussed were effective communication and healthy relationships, personal development, parenting techniques and more.
MENDing Poverty Conference - June 15, 2011
"Two Checks or Two Grants Away from Poverty" Nonprofit agency executives, poverty experts, media, and funders from across L.A. came together for the Fourth annual MENDing Poverty conference.
Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive - May 14, 2011
Each year MEND receives generous donations from the single largest single-day food drive in the country. The NALC (National Association of Letter Carriers) Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, now in its 19th year, asks postal customers across the country to leave non-perishable food in their mailboxes for letter carriers pick up during their routes, and distribute to food banks nationwide. This year Bob Eubanks, Mariette Hartley, the NALC and Campbell’s representatives met to support of the drive at MEND headquarters in Pacoima.
Project Glamour - April 16, 2011
MEND knows the value of a nice dress for prom. MEND also knows the value of self-esteem, confidence and family support. For years MEND has been providing low-income teenage girls the chance to have a nice outfit for their prom. This year, Project Glamour offered a whole lot more.
MEND Garden - April 9, 2011
We are grateful for the passionate support of our friends at Christian Assembly of Eagle Rock, who once again included MEND in their annual Urban Plunge event, which sends groups of volunteers across LA to support the efforts of non-profits working in the community by funding and implementing one day projects that will increase the ability of those non-profits to serve the underserved. This year, on April 9th, an amazing group of volunteers came out and completed a drip irrigation system for our kitchen garden, which will keep those thirsty squash, tomato, and cilantro plants satiated on those hot summer days. And as if that weren't enough they also planted three citrus trees, an orange, a lemon, and a lime, which in the coming years will produce fruit for MEND's food recipients and beautify our grounds, as well as remind us of all of the support that is necessary to make our work possible.
Kids in the Kitchen - April 9, 2011
On April 9th MEND hosted its annual Kids in the Kitchen Event. Students from local elementary schools attended fun and interactive workshops on nutrition, health, and fitness. In the nutrition workshop students learned how to make easy to prepare meals that are nutritionally balanced. The fitness instructors incorporated yoga and cardio vascular activities. Photos courtesy Mike Finkelstein, www.fink-foto.com
Volunteer Recognition Dinner - March 26, 2011
This year's Volunteer Recognition Dinner celebrated MEND's 2010 volunteers for their numerous contributions to the community. The event was especially memorable as it also marked MEND's 40th anniversary. To celebrate the MEND Staff arranged a wonderful evening with a delicious dinner, festive atmosphere, live entertainment, numerous awards and 40th anniversary cake to show our appreciation to the MEND volunteers. Thank you MEND Volunteers!
Oscar Night America - February 27, 2011
Selected with the honor of hosting an Oscar Night America viewing party by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, MEND treated guests to a red-carpet affair for the 83rd Academy Awards on February 27, 2011 with all proceeds going to MEND. The night was filled with fun and entertainment including photos with an Oscar, ABC live coverage, silent auction items, wine tasting, paparazzi red carpet, and official ballots.
Baby Shower - September 29, 2010
Among the many programs the MEND Clothing Department provides to clients is the Bi-Annual Baby Shower distribution. New clothing donations for newborns are set aside all year long and special purchases are made, if necessary, to complete the Showers.
Texas Hold ‘Em Poker Tournament - September 25, 2010
Charity poker event raises funds for the needy. A Texas Hold 'Em Poker Tournament was held on September 25th to raise vital funds for MEND. The event was held at the MEND Center in Pacoima. Prizes, food and wine were included and the evening was a great night out. All proceeds from the evening benefit MEND's comprehensive services to laid-off workers, the homeless, and others whose income falls below the federal poverty line. We know people want to help and this is a great way to do so and also have a fun night out.
Head to Toes - August 25, 2010
This year, 200 students participated in
MEND's Head to Toes program and had an
opportunity to "shoot hoops" with special guest Jason Collins,
NBA basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks team.
Food Trucks Help Stop Summer Hunger- August 4, 2010
MEND asked the area food trucks to help Stop Summer Hunger. As a result, several food trucks united in August by donating a percentage of their sales to MEND's Stop Summer Hunger campaign.
MEND Donor Breakfast - July 24, 2010
MEND's Executive Board hosted a breakfast
in the MEND Conference Room on Saturday, July 24 for business and
individual donors who generously contributed substantially to
MEND's comprehensive poverty-relief services
in 2010. Anneli Stone, MEND volunteer and W.M. Keck Foundation Senior Program
Officer, was our guest speaker.
MENDing Poverty Conference - June 16, 2010
The third annual MENDing Poverty Conference Wednesday June
16, 2010 in Pacoima attracted almost 200 officials and advocates
from regional antipoverty agencies and social service nonprofit groups.
Download the report
Outcomes from the MENDing Poverty Conference.
Stamp Out Hunger - May 4, 2010
LA Kings Team Captain, Dustin Brown and actors David
Arquette and Gina Ravera along with representatives
from the Ralphs, Campbell's,
and the LA Regional Food Bank helped kick off the Letter
Carriers' Stamp Out Summer Hunger Food Drive at MEND.
The National Association of Letter Carriers along with the United States Postal
Service collected food in every neighborhood across the nation on May 8th to help
stock local food bank shelves that are struggling to keep up with the demand.
MEND received more than 140,000 + lbs. of food as a result of this food
drive!
Kids in the Kitchen - April 17, 2010
Photos by Marina Dzessa-Gilham
Volunteer Fiesta - March 20, 2010
Virtual Dental Home Launch - February 26, 2010
We at MEND are thrilled about the launch of the virtual dental home project and honored that MEND was selected to participate in this pilot of this program. This new innovative program will allow us to improve access to dental services by establishing a telecommunications link between community-based oral health professionals and dentists in traditional locations in order to serve the neediest uninsured patients in underserved communities.
Tax Preparation Day - February 6, 2010
Give Kids a Smile Day - February 5, 2010
As part of National Children's Dental Health Month MEND
held its Annual Give Kids a Smile Day on February 5, 2010. More
than 300 pre-school students from neighboring Vaughn and Pacoima
Charter Schools received dental screening, fluoride treatment, oral hygiene
instructions and an oral hygiene kit including toothbrush, toothpaste, and floss.
Dentists from the San Fernando Valley Dental Society volunteered their
time and skills to treat young patients who do not have dental
insurance. Children who need additional dental care can to return to MEND for
follow up care.
Poker to MEND Poverty - October 24, 2009
Photos courtesy of Adam Cuthbert, www.photoroo.com
MEND Flea Market - October 24, 2009
MEND Field Trip to Dodgers Game - August 9, 2009
"Los Amigos de Fernando" hosted 25 children and 5 parents of our After School
program in a luxury suite at Dodgers Stadium in August. Fernando Valenzuela spoke
with each child, gave them baseball shirts and signed each one. An endless supply
of food and drinks delighted the kids. Prior to the event, each
student had to do a report about Fernando and they were made into a
book that was presented to him.
MENDing Poverty 2nd Annual Conference - June 4, 2009
MEND "Hope for Tomorrow" Star Gala - April 23, 2009
Kids in the Kitchen - March 7, 2009
In March 2009 the Junior League of Los Angeles (San Fernando Chapter) taught students and families from MEND's After School and Saturday Academy how to prepare healthy snacks. Students learned to make snacks from six different countries with items they have at home. As an added bonus, students learned hip-hop and kick-boxing workout routines.
Donor Acknowledgement Breakfast - December 2, 2008
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa visits MEND - November 22, 2008
MENDing Poverty Conference - June 18, 2008
Download MENDing Poverty Conference "Outcomes" PDF File
MENDing Hearts - An Elegant Tea Fundraiser - May 3, 2008
Donor Breakfast - February 8, 2008
MEND Co-Founders Ed and Carolyn Rose hosted a breakfast in the MEND Conference Room on Friday, February 8 for MEND Capital Campaign Foundation, business and individual donors who sponsored departments, rooms, and tiles in our new Center. Weingart Foundation CEO Fred Ali was our guest speaker.
2007 Christmas Program
Mexican Fiesta - September 28, 2007
MEND Center Inaugural Gala - April 26, 2007
A Victorian Tea - April 30, 2006
MEND Fundraiser featuring: Linda Schaefer's "Come and See"
A Photojournalist's Journey into the World of Mother Teresa
