Dolores Huerta, co-founder of the United Farm Workers Union, was the keynote speaker at the 5th Annual MENDing Poverty Conference sponsored by Meet Each Need with Dignity. Huerta was recently awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation's highest award presented to a civilian for service to the nation. The conference, held at the MEND Center in Pacoima, was titled: "Where Are the Jobs". This was Huerta's first appearance in the San Fernando Valley since being awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and received an enthusiastic welcome. Huerta praised Ed Rose, MEND founder, and the thousands of volunteers for the services they provide low income families in the San Fernando Valley.Huerta drew a parallel between MEND and her own foundation (Dolores Huerta Foundation) that works with lowincome families in the central valley of California.

MEND is the Valley's largest anti-poverty organization and was founded by Ed Rose and his wife Carolyn in their garage 40 years ago. MEND serves 30,000 persons a month with programs of emergency food, clothing, medical, dental and vision care, job skills training, English as a Second Language classes, youth activities and a Christmas program. Huerta commented: "Its amazing that what started in Ed's garage has resulted in all these wonderful programs to fight poverty."

Huerta urged the 200 persons in attendance to be active in the political process and called attention to propositions on the November ballot. She spoke about the initiative that will raise income taxes on incomes of over $250,000 and increase the sales tax by a quarter of a cent.

The conference featured workshops on economic development including: Current Economic Realities; Innovative Employment Programs; Paths to Employment and Nonprofit Sustainability.