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.

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.

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.

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

Midwestern University College of Pharmacy provides free health screenings during food market hours on the 2^nd Saturday and 4^th Thursday in the evening.

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.

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:

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
5. 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, Loaves & Fishes is only currently making appointments to complete LIHEAP applications for DuPage County residents.  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.

Resource Meetings

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

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)

Volunteers are trained to help income-eligible individuals prepare and file their tax returns at no cost to them. The program is open from February through the first week of April.

Starting mid-January, please call 630-355-3663 for more information or to make an appointment.

Bring your documents:

• A copy of 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