Meet Each Need with Dignity

Program: MEND Foodbank

Program Description:

MEND's Emergency Foodbank is the largest of its kind in Los Angeles that provides direct distribution to needy clients, and one of the largest in California. In addition to our onsite distribution, the Foodbank at MEND serves 25 other organizations offsite through its outreach programs towards its mission of alleviating the effects of hunger throughout the greater community. Our Foodbank regularly receives an "A" rating by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health for adherence to food handling standards.

Emergency Food boxes are distributed three days 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.

MEND volunteers collect food from area supermarkets, churches, schools, businesses and other organizations. A significant amount of the food is distributed to more than 62 smaller pantries and charities in the area that also care for low-income people. Volunteers are always needed to sort food and pack boxes, drive trucks to pick up donated food, and other jobs that help to alleviate the hunger of the families we serve.

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Program: MEND Medical Clinic

Program Description:

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.

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. When appropriate, referrals are made for cataract surgery at Providence Holy Cross Medical Center, and this procedure for MEND clients is underwritten by the Auer Family Foundation.

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Program: MEND Dental Clinic

Program Description:

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. 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.

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.

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Program: MEND Clothing Center

Program Description:

The Clothing Center distributes clothing four days a week at the MEND Center and the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month. 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, holiday gifts at Christmas 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, educational workshops, luncheon and baby shower games. Additionally clients receive a new car seat and a goody bag filled with newborn essentials such as diapers and blankets.

"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 are treated with getting their hair professionally styled.

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Program: MEND Education and Training Center

Program Description:

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. At the end of each session included in the culminating activities are awards and certificates for attendance, leadership, and achievement. Spanish classes are also offered. 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.

The After-School program and Tutoring Center include homework help and one-to-one tutoring for students at risk for academic failure. 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.

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