Naperville CARES

Specialties

Naperville CARES helps local families in financial crisis meet their essential needs by providing emergency financial support and resources.

History

Established in 1999.

In 1998, two years after Congress passed the Welfare Reform Act, community and church leaders of Naperville wanted to determine its effect on local residents. A community survey showed that there were many groups, both private and public, doing good work in the community but there was little coordination or cooperation between these groups. Naperville CARES incorporated in 1999 not only to provide resources to members of the community needing assistance to avoid homelessness but also to help coordinate the services provided by area churches, private not-​for-​profit organizations and government agencies. It was certified as a 501©3 organization in 2000. During our years of service to the community, CARES has distributed over $ 1.2 million in financial assistance and given away over 500 cars to residents of Naperville who lacked transportation.