Today’s speaker was Janet Marinaccio, President & CEO of MEND
(Meet Each Need With Dignity). For 50 years, MEND has opened its
doors to the most vulnerable members of our community and over the years it has become one of the most comprehensive and empowering poverty relief agencies in Los Angeles County. MEND was started in 1971 by a young couple, Ed & Carolyn Rose, who were motivated by the poverty they witnessed in the Valley; they wanted to do something about it. They set about persuading others – primarily members of their congregation at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church - to help them collect and distribute food, clothing and furniture to poor families in the community. MEND saw a great increase in need with the onset of the
covid-19 pandemic, and yet the same cause resulted in a sizable decrease in the number of volunteers. MEND is located in Pacoima. Its clients are in great need of resources; predominately of Latin American ancestry, most live in over-crowded rooms, garages, in their cars, or on the streets. During the past two years MEND has experienced 1,200,000 “service encounters.”
Questions were presented by PP Mike Newman, PP Mark Rogo, John O’Keefe, PP Steve Day, and Phil Gabriel. After addressing these questions, time was up and our speaker suggested a visit to the organization’s website @ mendpoverty.org.
Ye Old Temporary Editor
Ron Lyster
