Mission: Loaves & Fishes Community Services is a registered 501(c)(3) organization that has served our community since 1984. Our mission is to end hunger and transform lives. We provide food and leadership in the community by working together and mobilizing resources to help our clients become more self-sufficient and create their own bright future stories. Visit www.loaves-fishes.org for more information.
Results: Last year, our food program served more than 18,700 individuals, we provided 47 donated cars to working individuals and families, and helped 534 households with emergency financial assistance.
Target demographics: Low Income Residents of DuPage County, Naperville
Direct beneficiaries per year: We had nearly 5,000 families from DuPage county visit L&F for food, programs and education. We gave out 3.6 million pounds of food! In 2016 We acquired Naperville CARES. We are stronger than ever!
Geographic areas served: Naperville, Naperville Township, DuPage County
Programs: Our program attempts to end the hunger crisis in our area by conducting four weekly on-site food distributions highlighted by special efforts to provide nutrition for infants and school-age children. We also conduct monthly deliveries of food to homebound elderly and disabled clients. Now we have computer and english classes, job coaching, emergency assistance and a CAR program for working clients!
Naperville CARES truly cares about our community and greatly helps those in need with economic hardships. Our business has donated to this nonprofit and have gotten to know Janet Derrick well over the past year or so. Her and all of the volunteers are wonderful and put in a lot of effort into helping the community.
Great organization! Feel confident that my donated dollars go to meet basic human needs and make a difference in the lives of others. Model of service delivery relies heavily on volunteers helping "neighbors". The car program provides donated used cars to people who need them to get to work, essential in a city/suburb with limited public transportation. With limited time in my schedule, it is important that my volunteer experience be meaningful! I can count on that.
HAVING WORKED WITH "CARES" FOR A NUMBER OF YEARS IN THE AUTO DONATION PROGRAM I KNOW THE VALUE THAT A USEABLE CAR CAN DO TO SUPPORT THE LIVELY HOOD OF THOSE IN NEED. THE COOL THING IS THAT IF YOU DONATE A USEABLE CAR, IT IS FIXED UP TO MAKE IT VERY RELIABLE AND SAFE. IF THE CAR YOU DONATE IS BEYOND REASONABLE REPAIR COSTS THEN IT IS SOLD AT AUCTION AND THE PROCEEDS ARE USED TO REPAIR OTHER DONATED CARS. WHAT A GREAT PROGRAM! ART DAVIS PRESIDENT [RETIRED] DAVIS AUTOMOTIVE SERVICES LTD ROTARIAN
Loaves & Fishes is a food pantry that not only supplies food to their local community but to all military families in need as well. Its staff and volunteers are warm and friendly. Their goal is not only to feed the hungry but to empower them as well with programs in literacy, nutrition, money management, emotional support, computer classes, etc. They embrace those in need with dignity and respect.
