Cares Programs

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.

* You must reside in DuPage County to participate in this program.

Emergency Assistance

Emergency financial assistance for basic needs such as rent and utilities is available to residents of Naperville and Aurora, 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.

English Classes

Financial Health

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.

Christians Against Poverty (CAP) offers free “Financial Wellness Check-ups,” which are short individual sessions to discover the best way forward with an individual/family’s finances. CAP works with families and individuals on budgeting and debt advice for their future financial wellness. In this 20-minute phone session, CAP will identify areas of concern and growth and figure out a plan forward.

Please see Loaves & Fishes’ program desk or call 630/355/3663 X100 to schedule your Financial Wellness Check-Up today.

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)

Job Search Assistance

Volunteers provide coaching sessions to improve your resume and interview skills.  Appointments are required.

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.

Mental Health Services

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. Please call 630-355-3663 to be connected to a counselor.

Moving Up

Unleash your potential with Moving Up!

Moving Up is a 20-week session that 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 what’s best for you by participating in informal problem-solving discussions in a kitchen-table small group format.

Moving Up gives you the opportunity to:

1. Build on your strengths
2. Investigate community resources
3. Create a plan for the life you want, including SMART goals and action steps
4. Gain new friends, a greater understanding of yourself and others and learn new skills to improve your life situation

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.”

“I’ve always had the inspiration to do better, but life is hard. It was hard to know who to reach out to or where to go for help. I am so thankful for this program.”

*Free family meal before each session

*Free on-site babysitting

*Budget & Credit Workshops

*Work on life goals: physical, mental, financial, and more

movingup@loaves-fishes.org

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE
MOVING UP 2023 GRADUATING CLASS!

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 & Kane County), Medicaid, and Access DuPage.

Appointments are limited. 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.

2021_SNAP_ShopOnline-Guide

Resource Meetings

Meet with a resource specialist to discuss family needs and learn about agency and community resources.

Tax Preparation

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)

This program is open from the first week of February through the first week of April.

For more information, please call (630) 355-3663

Bring your documents:

• A copy of the previous years 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
• Document from your bank with routing number and your account number
• Form 1095-A for ACA insurance
• Economic Stimulus payment letter form 6475
• Advanced payment of Child Tax Credit form 6419
• Unemployment Benefits 1099-G

Preparing your tax return can be confusing. The knowledgeable and dedicated volunteers will help you prepare and file your tax returns at no cost.