
About Us
For over 27 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 innovate solutions that assist in overcoming obstacles and barriers.

Our Impact
For 27 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.
Financial Reports
Our Team
LEADERSHIP

Cathy Valdez
CEO
Ext 6223

Kate Phipps
Director of Operations
Ext 6224

Allie Rodriguez
Community Engagement Manager
Ext 6229

Franchesca Velten
Development Manager
Ext 6230

Freddie Zapata, Jr.
Distribution & Logistics Manager
Ext 6304

Barbara Garza
Bookeeper/Office Manager
Ext 6231
PROGRAM TEAM

Manuel Becker
DME Handler

Zophar Sifuentes
DME Handler

Alberto Colorado
DME Handler

Rick Garza
Warehouse Administrative Assistant
Ext 6313

Margie Lechler
Case Worker
Ext 6227

Mario Ochoa
DME Specialist

Gloria Travieso
Intake Specialist
Ext 6221
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

Jaime Fernandez
Secretary of the Board
Executive Operational Planning Manager, USAA

Dexter Moon
Member
Owner Log- Con, LLC & Lead, Digital Product Manager, USAA

Marcie Casas
Member
Chief Culture Officer, GDC Marketing & Ideation

Alexine Friedman
Member
Associate, Jackson Walker, LLP

Lexi Michael
Member

William Phillips
Member
Sr. Vice President, Chief Information Officer University Health System- Information Services

Cathy Valdez, CEO
Ex-Oficio
Project MEND