About Us
For over 29 years, Project MEND has a rich history rooted deep in San Antonio. Founded in 1992 by Murlin Johnson (1936-2007) and formally incorporated in 1993 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, Project MEND, also known as the “Medical Equipment Network for those with Disabilities,” has been providing for the home medical equipment and assistive technology needs of persons with disabilities in San Antonio and around Texas.
Mr. Johnson was born with a rare progressive Vitamin D deficiency resulting in his inability to walk without assistance. While volunteering with the Texas Department of Human Services, Mr. Johnson observed a lack of medical equipment and knew that used medical equipment was often stored or discarded.
Seeing the need and the solution, our innovative medical equipment reuse program was born.
Our Mission
Project MEND is committed to improving the quality of life for individuals living with disabilities and illness through the refurbishment, reuse and distribution of medical equipment and other assistive technology.
Our Vision
Believing that mobility and independence are basic human rights, Project MEND promotes the health and self-sufficiency of people living with disabilities or life-altering illness by providing innovative solutions that assist in overcoming obstacles and barriers.
Our Impact
For 29 years, Project MEND has provided medical equipment for the community’s most vulnerable people. Founded in 1992, Project MEND helps thousands of individuals in need acquire the right tools to overcome or better manage a disability.
Annual Growth
Project MEND engages in ongoing outreach and fundraising efforts to ensure program sustainability. Key to our success is developing and maintaining relationships with community partners, keeping informed of the needs of individuals living with disabilities, and strong strategic leadership through a diverse staff and board of directors. 85 cents of every donated dollar is invested back into our community.
Our Team
LEADERSHIP
Cathy Valdez
CEO
Ext 6223
Kate Phipps
Chief Operations Officer
Ext 6224
Kristy Walston
Chief Development Officer
Ext 6304
Barbara Garza
Finance Manager
Ext 6232
Allie Rodriguez
Director of Programs
Ext 6229
PROGRAM TEAM
Manuel Becker
DME Handler
Alberto Colorado
DME Handler
Eli Flores
Warehouse Technician
Ext 6305
Rick Garza
Case Worker
Ext 6313
Margie Lechler
Operations Assistant
Ext 6227
Mario Ochoa
DME Specialist
Ext 6315
Cynthia Saldana
Case Worker
Ext 6233
Zophar Sifuentes
Inventory Specialist
Kyle Weckerly
Grant Writer
Ext 6234
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Lee McKenna
Chair
Senior Associate,STREAM Realty
Carey Quackenbush
Vice Chair
Partner & Chief Ideation Officer, GDC Marketing & Ideation
Paul Wobser
Treasurer
CPA, Akin, Doherty, Klein, and Fuege
Alexine Friedman
Secretary of the Board
Associate, Jackson Walker, LLP
Kyle E. Buckley
Member
LMSW; Social Worker
The Children’s Hospital of San Antonio
Shelia Brown
Member
Support Group & Peer Mentoring Coordinator
ConnectAbility
Marcie Casas
Member
Chief Culture Officer, GDC Marketing & Ideation
Eduardo Di Loreto
Member
Jaime Fernandez
Member
Kailyn Flosi
Member
Hana Kapasi
Member
Dexter Moon
Member
William Phillips
Member
Sr. Vice President, Chief Information Officer University Health System- Information Services
Cathy Valdez, CEO
Ex-Oficio
Project MEND
