[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 74 (Thursday, May 23, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E888]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                            TRIBUTE TO MEND

                                 ______


                         HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 1996

  Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Meeting Each 
Need With Dignity [MEND], which this year celebrates its 25th 
anniversary of service to the northeast San Fernando valley. With its 
efforts to provide comprehensive health, educational and employment 
services, MEND has played an invaluable role in the community. Today it 
serves as many as 13,000 people per month.
  That total is indicative of MEND's growth and success in a quarter-
century of operation. As recently as 1987. MEND had a client base of 
2,000 people per month. With the increase in population in the area 
over the past decade, plus cuts in government funding, MEND has been 
forced to respond to a situation that approached crisis proportions.
  In addition to providing general services, the agency offers food, 
clothing and English-language classes. I cannot imagine what life would 
be like for the poor, sick, elderly, and aspiring citizens in the 
northeast valley without the presence of MEND.
  Last year MEND expanded its facilities, adding a waiting room, 
classroom, computer lab, separate medical and dental treatment rooms, a 
pharmacy, food warehouse and sorting room for clothes. I was 
particularly impressed that this $1 million expansion was funded 
entirely by private sources.
  MEND has come a long way since its opening in 1971, when Catholic and 
Protestant church members worked out of their own garages distributing 
donated food and clothing to poor people in the northeast San Fernando 
valley.
  I ask my colleagues to join me today in saluting MEND, an 
organization that has done so much for so many over the past 25 years. 
Its dedication to the community and desire to help is a shining example 
for us all.

                          ____________________