Stories of Hope

Thank you for making a difference in the lives of others. We will continue to share stories and quotes on this post, from clients. Keep checking back once a month for an update on how our community is making a difference and transforming lives.   June 2020, A newly unemployed, single father of three, needed… Read more »

Our Giving Community  Positively Naperville, May 2020 “I’ve been fortunate to have witnessed our giving community at work. Your stepping up to support the many families in need is simply amazing. Thank you so much.”-Mike Havala, CEO, President of Loaves & Fishes Read more: Our Giving Community, by Mike Havala, Positively Naperville, May 2020

Impact of COVID-19 on Naperville Nonprofits

Who could have known even a few weeks ago what extraordinary times we would be facing? The simplest of gatherings are a fond memory now as we “shelter in place.” Only the most essential of errands are approved. One of those approved errands is to the grocery store where the lines found most people’s carts… Read more »

A former client named Yesol reached out recently with a donation for Loaves & Fishes.  She included this beautiful letter.  Her story captures the hope and strength that family and community can provide and the impact it can make in someone’s life.     I was a teenager when my family settled in Naperville in the… Read more »

Loaves & Fishes Community Services works to fight hunger and food insecurity by making sure our community has enough food to eat. Why is this so important, and how can you help? The organization is inviting our next generation to lend their perspectives to the challenge of hunger and food insecurity through a video contest.

Serving our neighbors and meeting the needs of the community is a vital part of Loaves & Fishes mission. We are proud to announce the opening in Bolingbrook of the Compass Church Food Pantry in Collaboration with Loaves & Fishes Community Services.  

Last year, a client wrote Loaves & Fishes a thank-you letter detailing her gratitude and the dignity and compassion she encountered in our market. Jenny generously agreed to appear in a video to read excerpts from that letter. You can view the video here. Earlier this month, Jenny notified Loaves & Fishes of some incredible… Read more »

Corporate work group volunteer Erasmo Pacheco, Director of Treasury at InvenTrust Properties Corp. knows firsthand how it feels to go without. He shares his personal story of growing up in a strong, loving family that struggled financially, and the lessons learned that he practices today.     Why It’s Important That I Give Back to the Community… Read more »

Eighteen months ago, Loaves & Fishes embarked on a journey to help individuals change their lives. In January of this year we launched our first “Moving UP” session which is a sixteen week program where clients investigate the impact poverty has had on their lives. The goal of the program is to have participants create a… Read more »