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
Car Donation Recipients
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. * You must reside in DuPage County to participate in this program.
Due to a decrease in car donations, we are unable to accept new applicants to the car program at this time. Please check this website periodically to learn when we are accepting new applicants.
Car Donors
We welcome car donations of any type. To donate your car contact: Loaves & Fishes at 630.355.3663 or CARESprograms@loaves-fishes.org.
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.
For more information, please call (630) 355-3663 and select Option 4 or email CARESPrograms@loaves-fishes.org
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)
For more information, please call (630) 355-3663
Job Support
Unemployed or looking for a job change?
Our volunteers provide coaching sessions to improve your job search and interview skills. Appointments are required.
- Complete your resume or cover letter
- Complete employment applications
- Practice interview skills
- Practice networking and job search skills
For more information, please contact us at 630-355-3663 x100 or referrals@loaves-fishes.org
Legal Support
Legal consultations with DuPage Legal Aid are available for a variety of legal issues via virtual assistance once a month. A screening questionnaire must be completed before an appointment is scheduled.
For more information, please call (630) 355-3663 Ext. 0
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.
For more information, please call (630) 355-3663
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.
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
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 $70,000 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 ext. 0
Appointments required
Please complete form 13514-C ahead of your appointment: Form 13614-C (Rev. 11-2024)
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
- Advanced payment of Child Tax Credit form 6419
Preparing your tax return can be confusing. The knowledgeable and dedicated volunteers will help you prepare and file your tax returns at no cost.