Get Additional Assistance
Through our CARES Programs, Loaves & Fishes provides low-income families support to meet immediate needs and educational programs/services to achieve long-term self-sufficiency.
We accomplish this through collaboration with community partners and health professionals, building a network of support for underserved members in our community.
Car Program
Cars donated by the community are repaired and given to families who lack reliable transportation to get to work. Eligible individuals must be working, have a referral from their employer or social service agency, attend Financial Fitness classes and complete a detailed application and documentation process.
To learn about the strict eligibility and referral requirements for this program, please call (630) 355-3663 and select Option 4 or email CARESPrograms@loaves-fishes.org.
Computer Training
The People’s Resource Center is now offering their computer classes virtually. For most classes, advanced sign-up is required by calling PRC at 630-682-5402 ext. 267. Classes meet for 90 minutes for seven consecutive weeks.
Emergency Assistance
Emergency financial assistance for basic needs such as rent and utilities is available to residents of Naperville, residents of Aurora who live in DuPage County, members of a Naperville congregation, or families referred by a District 203 or District 204 school social worker. Eligible individuals must go through a detailed application and documentation process.
Please call 630-355-3663 and select Option 4 or email CARESPrograms@loaves-fishes.org
Read our Frequently Asked Questions to learn more about this and other programs.
For more information, please call (630) 355-3663 and select Option 4 or email CARESPrograms@loaves-fishes.org
Emotional Support
A professional counselor is available to provide care and support for individuals experiencing emotional challenges. The number of sessions is limited, strictly confidential and are provided through SamaraCare Counseling and Fox Valley Institute interns. Please call 630-355-3663 to be connected to a counselor.
For more information, please call (630) 355-3663
Financial Fitness
H.O.M.E. DuPage is now offering their Financial Fitness budget and credit workshops virtually. These classes and meeting with a H.O.M.E. DuPage financial counselor are a requirement of the Loaves & Fishes Car Program. Please go to www.homedupage.org to register.
Health Screenings
Screening can help you spot important health concerns. Midwestern University School of Pharmacy offers free blood pressure and blood sugar testing in Naperville and Bolingbrook during food distribution hours. Check for dates this month here.
Naperville
2nd Saturday of the month (9-11 am)
4th Thursday of the month (5 pm-6:30-pm)
Bolingbrook
1st & 3rd Wednesday of the month (4-6 pm)
For more information, please call (630) 355-3663
Job Search Assistance
Volunteers provide coaching sessions to improve your resume and interview skills. Appointments are required.
For more information, please call (630) 355-3663
Legal Support
Legal consultations with DuPage Legal Aid are available for a variety of legal issues on the third Friday of the month. A screening questionnaire must be completed before an appointment is scheduled.
For more information, please call (630) 355-3663
Moving Up
Unleash your potential with Moving Up!
Moving Up is a 16-session course which is offered once a year and is designed to help individuals discover what is holding them back from living a more self-sufficient life. Program graduates will develop goals to help them create their own bright future stories. Interested individuals must complete an application and interview process.
The goal is to build resources for your financial future based on your plan for life. No one teaches you what you need to learn-you’ll discover whats best for you by participating in informal problem-solving discussions in a kitchen-table small group format.
Moving Up gives you the opportunity to:
- Build on your strengths
- Investigate community resources
- Create a plan for the life you want including SMART goals and action steps
- Gain new friends, a greater understanding of yourself and others and learn new skills to improve your life situation
- Work with a mentor to make a positive difference in your life
Even in hard times you can move ahead, learn new skills and change your life for the better.
Read what past participants have said about Moving Up:
“I was living my life without any tools. After Moving Up, I have some. I can never go back to living that way again.”
“It was hard to define my goals when I was living day to day, paycheck to paycheck. My mentor helped me with small steps toward my goals. I needed someone to listen about what’s going on in my life and encourage me.”
Contact Moving Up at Loaves and Fishes Community Services
630.355.3663 Ext. 4
movingup@loaves-fishes.org
Public Benefit Assistance
Loaves & Fishes has certified volunteers who can help determine eligibility and provide consultation for these public benefits: SNAP (LINK card), LIHEAP (DuPage County only), Medicaid, and Access DuPage.
Due to COVID, appointments are limited so please call 630-355-3663 to reserve your appointment. LIHEAP appointments are also available through DuPage County Community Services at 630-407-6500 or your local township office.
For more information, please call (630) 355-3663
Resource Meetings
Meet with a resource specialist to discuss family needs and learn about agency and community resources.
For more information, please call (630) 355-3663
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Need Help with your Tax Return? Loaves & Fishes is an IRS-approved VITA site, offering FREE help on state & federal tax returns for low-income households. (Annual income of $60,000 or less)
Appointments have been closed for the 2021 tax season.
Bring your documents:
- A copy of the previous year tax return (if available)
- Photo ID and Social Security cards
- W-2, 1098 or 1099 forms
- Information on any other income sources
- Information on your tax credits and deductions
- Blank check for refund direct deposit
- Form 1095-A for ACA insurance
- Economic Impact Payment Notice 1444
- Unemployment Benefits 1099-G
For more information, please call (630) 355-3663