Pacoima square named for MEND founders Ed and Carolyn Rose

An intersection in Pacoima was dedicated on Thursday as Ed and Carolyn Rose Square in honor of the founders of the nonprofit organization MEND — Meet Each Need with Dignity.

The Roses were joined in speaking at the 10 a.m. ceremony by Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez, who wrote the motion to dedicate the intersection of Pierce Street and San Fernando Road in their honor in connection with the 55th anniversary of MEND’s founding.

The organization’s 40,000-square-foot headquarters is located at the intersection.

According to the motion, the Roses were a young couple living in the San Fernando Valley in the early 1970s who were moved by the poverty they saw in their community. With support from Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in what is now known as North Hills, they began collecting food, clothing and household items to help local families in need.

In 1971, alongside volunteers from four local churches, they founded what would become MEND, starting with food pantries operating out of family garages. What began as neighbors helping neighbors soon grew into a nonprofit organization incorporated in 1976 and rooted in the belief that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

MEND describes its mission as meeting “the immediate needs of individuals and families and strengthen their capacity to thrive.”

The organization’s services include:

— a food distribution program;

— services for adults managing chronic diet-sensitive conditions like hypertension, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol;

— group activities that reinforce healthy choices to manage chronic health conditions, such as nutrition workshops, healthy cooking demonstrations and exercise classes;

— employment services including resume writing workshops and financial literacy classes;

— paid work experience opportunities;

— support for people experiencing homelessness including providing food and hygiene products; and

— mental wellness services.

“Too often, people look away from the harsh reality of poverty,” Rodriguez said. “Instead, Carolyn and Ed Rose did something about it. Their resourcefulness to support families in need has grown into a community resource that families have depended on for over five decades.

“As founders of Meet Each Need with Dignity, they have helped address poverty and meet basic human needs, serving more than 30,000 people each month, providing essential services including food assistance and healthcare. This dedication is a fitting tribute to their lasting legacy of service to   Pacoima and the greater San Fernando Valley.”