MEND - Meet Each Need with Dignity’s mission is to meet the immediate needs of individuals and families and increase their access to opportunities that strengthen their capacity to thrive. To this end, we offer a range of comprehensive services delivered with dignity and respect by MEND's exceptionally dedicated staff and “army” of volunteers. For 48 years, MEND has opened its doors to the most vulnerable members of our community and over the years we have become one of the most comprehensive and empowering poverty relief agencies in Los Angeles County, serving, in 2018, over 10,000 unduplicated individuals during 260,000 encounters throughout the year. Started in a San Fernando Valley garage in 1971, MEND is an anchor institution with the largest food bank in the Valley, medical, dental and vision clinics, clothing, homeless care services, as well as support and care through case management services. MEND was born as a volunteer-powered organization four decades ago in a garage in suburban LA, and today benefits from the assistance of more than 5,000 volunteers (and only 31 paid staff) to implement its vast array of programs that provide food; clothing; medical, dental, vision care and other services for the homeless.