MEND announces inaugural poverty conference
MEND, the San Fernando Valley's largest anti-poverty agency, will host its first MENDing Poverty Conference June 18 at its non-profit, multi-service center in Pacoima. The all-day event will cover many issues affecting poverty, including myths, the media's role in shaping public perception, and a blueprint for change.

"Poverty is an ongoing issue. It's not seasonal, but happens year-round, and it affects people from all walks of life," said Marianne Haver Hill, MEND's executive director. The conference, titled "Reframing Poverty," will have six workshops, led by community leaders. The conference registration fee is $129 per person.

Some of the topics to be discussed include, "When Poverty Makes You Sick," "How Poverty Clients Give Back to the Community," and "Ending Poverty-A New Blueprint for Change." Among the speakers are: Dennis McCarthy, columnist for Los Angeles Daily News; Richard Alarcon, L.A. City Councilmember; and Torie Osborn, senior strategist to foundations and the mayor's office.

For registration information, visit www.mendpoverty.org or call (818) 897-2443 ex. 7322. MEND is located at 10641 San Fernando Rd., Pacoima.

Providence Holy Cross hospital begins 'green' facility
Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills broke ground May 12 on a new $180 million, 186,000-square-foot patient care wing. The four-story, LEED-certified addition will house 50 private patient rooms, 10 semi-private rooms and a 12-bed neonatal ICU for premature babies. The NICU will be one of just a few in the region and the nearest to the Santa Clarita Valley.

As Providence Holy Cross hospital is frequently at capacity with patients waiting for beds, the theme of the building campaign is "Care Can't Wait." Due to open in 2010, the new patient care wing will include a number of environmentally-friendly features and will be California's first LEED-certified patient care building. The Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system is the national benchmark for environmentally-conscious design.

Guadalupe Community Center honors Valley volunteers
On May 16, the Guadalupe Community Center, a program of Catholic Charities of Los Angeles, honored three San Fernando Valley volunteers who have selflessly given their time and talents to the community. Former Canoga Park High School football coach Rudy Lugo was awarded the Community Service Award for his 36-year contribution to youth in the community.

Also recognized at the event held at the Calabasas County Club were volunteer Christine Battle and Wells Fargo senior vice president Vince Liuzzi. Battle's numerous hours of volunteering to improve the quality of life for local residents earned her the Volunteer Service Award and Liuzzi/Wells Fargo received the Mary Logan Orcutt Award recognizing their financial support.

Guadalupe Community Center provides services to the poor and vulnerable such as emergency food and clothing, ESL classes, free pre-school, in-home support services for the elderly and tutoring, sports leagues and art, dance and music classes for children. For more information on center activities, call (818) 340-2050.

Louisville HS awarded for fitness 5K participation
California Assemblyman Lloyd Levine awarded Louisville High School in Woodland Hills a check for $3,000 last month for the school's record-breaking participation in the Assemblyman Levine Fun and Fitness 5K on April 12.

Louisville's 111 registered participants broke the event record for involvement by a high school. The free annual event in Warner Center raises fitness awareness and community spirit. The money will be used toward physical fitness at Louisville.