An intersection in Pacoima was dedicated on Thursday as Ed and Carolyn Rose Square in honor of the founders of the nonprofit organization MEND, which stands for Meet Each Need with Dignity.
The intersection of San Fernando Road and Pierce Street in Pacoima was dedicated as Ed and Carolyn Rose Square on Thursday, honoring the couple who founded the nonprofit MEND 55 years ago and who have since helped more than 30,000 people each month.
An intersection in Pacoima was dedicated on Thursday as Ed and Carolyn Rose Square in honor of the founders of the nonprofit organization MEND, which stands for Meet Each Need with Dignity.
The ceremony took place at 10 a.m. at the corner of San Fernando Road and Pierce Street, which is home to the organization's 40,000-square-foot headquarters. Los Angeles City Councilwoman Monica Rodriguez spoke alongside the Roses during the dedication, which marks the 55th anniversary of MEND's founding. Rodriguez wrote the motion to dedicate the intersection in the couple's honor.
According to the motion, Ed and Carolyn Rose were a young couple living in the San Fernando Valley in the early 1970s who were moved by the poverty they saw around them. With support from Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in what is now known as North Hills, the couple began collecting food, clothing and household items to help local families in need.
In 1971, alongside volunteers from four local churches, the Roses founded what would become MEND, starting with food pantries operating out of family garages. What began as neighbors helping neighbors grew into a nonprofit 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, support for adults managing chronic diet-sensitive conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and high cholesterol, group activities like nutrition workshops and healthy cooking demonstrations, employment services including resume writing workshops and financial literacy classes, paid work experience opportunities, support for people experiencing homelessness, 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."
The councilwoman noted that MEND now serves more than 30,000 people each month, providing essential services including food assistance and healthcare. She called the dedication a fitting tribute to the couple's lasting legacy of service to Pacoima and the greater San Fernando Valley.
This article was generated with AI assistance.