Mission

With dignity and respect, MEND's mission is to meet the immediate needs of individuals and families and strengthen their capacity to thrive. Fifty-five years ago, something remarkable began. A small group of neighbors -led by Ed and Carolyn Rose -started collecting and distributing food, clothing, and furniture to families in need. It was simple. It was local. And it worked. Within a decade, they'd started a small clinic, launched outreach to people who were homeless, and kept expanding to meet every need they encountered. That mission still drives everything we do today -meeting immediate needs while creating pathways to long-term stability, always with dignity at the center. From a handful of neighbors to a valley-wide movement. From groceries to comprehensive services that transform lives. Today, MEND's services reach over 32,000 people and include the Valley's largest food pantry and food bank, distributing 3.5 million lbs. of food annually, mental health support, First Step services for people who are homeless, wellness & employment services for people ready for long-term change, social service navigation and so much more.