Published for the Clients of Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry
CommunityConnections UPCOMING PROGRAMS AND OPPORTUNITIES PANTRY REMINDERS
To ensure Loaves & Fishes operates efficiently for all clients, we must enforce the following parking policies:
Parking
Client Parking will open 30 minutes before pick-up. El registro termina 30 minutos antes del cierre. Clients may not park in lots of surrounding buildings. Parking in unauthorized areas may result in being towed. Los clientes no pueden estacionarse en los lotes de los edificios circundantes. El aparcamiento en zonas no autorizadas puede resultar en ser remolcado.
Are Things out of Control?
Get on track for a prosperous future with the “Out of Poverty” program offered by Catholic Charities. Poverty is more than a lack of money and material things. Let “Out of Poverty” help you take control and work against hunger, homelessness, unemployment and low self-esteem. Classes will be held on 8 consecutive Mondays, from 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, starting April 8, 2013 through May 28, 2013 at Marian Park Apartments 2088 W. Roosevelt Road in Wheaton. There is no fee for this program and babysitting services are available for those in need. To register call Yvonne Morrongiello at 630495-8008 ext. 2122.
Job Fair for Youth ages 16-23
The annual KidsMatter Student Job Fair is the THE one-stop place for young people to find seasonal and summer jobs. In addition to job opportunities attendees can participate in mock interviews, resume workshops and internship experiences. The fair will be held in the Merner Field House on the North Central College campus in Naperville on Tuesday, March 19 from 5 pm –7:30 pm.
March 2013 • Community Calendar
No Cost Dental Services
The Chicago Dental Society Foundation (CDSF) Dental Clinic provides primary dental care including oral examinations, prophylaxis, inter-oral and panoramic x-rays, basic restorations and extractions at no cost to patients who demonstrate need and reside in Cook, Lake and DuPage counties. Patients must provide proof of residency, must be unable to get insurance and must show proof of qualifying income. The clinic is in the Wheaton Oaks Professional Building at 416 E. Roosevelt Road in Wheaton. The office is accessible by the #747 Pace bus which stops at Wheaton’s Metra train station. For more information contact the Dental Clinic at: 630-260-8530.
Essay contest for Kids
Students in grades 5-8 are encouraged to answer this year’s Money Smart Question with an essay of 300 words or less: “What is the difference between an investment and an expense? What would be a good investment in your community and why?” Contestants in DuPage County could win scholarships of $2,500, $500 or $250! Essays must be submitted by March 21, 2013. Visit moneysmartweek.org/ms_kids_ contest then click on MSW kid Chicago and MSW kid DuPage to view the guidelines and application for the contest.
Dog & Cat Vaccination Clinic
PetsNPatients and Spay Illinois are hosting a low-cost community vaccination clinic in Naperville at 796 Royal St. George, Suite 105, Monday, March 11 from 5-8 pm. Call 877-475-7729 to register.
Free Gardening Seminars
The Naperville Park District is offering gardening seminars for gardeners of all levels and experience. Come and learn helpful tips and practical suggestions from Master Gardeners on what, when and how to plant and maintain your garden. The workshops will be held at Sportsman’s Park Clubhouse in Naperville on Wednesdays, from 7 – 9 pm on March 13 and 27. Register online at www. napervilleparks.org or call 630-848-5000.
Tutoring in English
Literacy DuPage offers tutoring schedules that are customized to meet your needs. Contact Literacy DuPage at 630-416-6699 and tell them that Loaves & Fishes sent you.
Baby Steps
Join other young parents and parentsto-be (22 and under) and share in the experience of one of Teen Parent Connection’s most popular programs. Meet other young families; learn about your baby’s development and how to access resources in your community. Most of all, come to feel great about yourself! If interested call: Courtney Simek at 630790-8433 ext. 307.
Home Safety Modifications
Rebuilding Together Aurora offers nocost, home safety and accessibility modifications for low-income homeowners who are seniors, living with a disability or caring for a loved one with a disability. Call 630-585-7510 for more information and to apply.
Hands & Feet Outreach
St. Paul Lutheran Church is sponsoring an outreach program at 537 S. Ardmore in Villa Park to help those in DuPage County who need items which cannot be purchased by food stamps (soap, toothpaste, diapers, shampoo, and more). Open the first Sunday of the month from 2-4 pm. Call 630-832-5580 if you have questions. Bring ID or lease to show address.
March 2013 • News & Reminders Public Benefit Assistance If you are facing an emergency, or need help in understanding the community assistance that might be available to you or your household, meet with a representative from Loaves & Fishes while you are at the pantry. •
Illinois Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program (SNAP)
Submit your application online for additional food for your family. Benefits are provided on the Link Card, an electronic card that can be used at most grocery stores.
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) This assistance program helps eligible households pay winter gas or electric bills. •
Medical Care (Access DuPage) Access DuPage provides medical care to DuPage residents with no health insurance. Make an appointment to fill out an application at the reception desk.
Need Help With your Tax Return?
Loaves & Fishes is an IRS approved VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance) site, offering FREE help on state and federal tax returns for households with incomes below $51,000. Volunteers are available for appointments 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm on Mondays and Wednesday and 8:00 am – 12:00 pm on Saturdays. Call the reception desk to make an appointment 630-355-3663. Walk-ins are accepted.
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S NAP El programa de asistencia de nutrición suplementaria de Illinois puede ayudarle con los costos de la comida. Los beneficios se proveen a través de la tarjeta Link– una tarjeta electrónica que puede ser usada en la mayoría de las tiendas de alimentos . Nuestro representante trabajará con Ud durante para enviar la aplicación.
• El PROGRAMA DE ASISTENCIA DE ENERGIA PARA HOGARES DE BAJOS INGRESOS (LIHEAP por sus siglas en Inglés) ayuda a hogares elegibles a pagar costos eléctricos o de gas durante el invierno. Nuestro representante trabajará con Ud durante para enviar la aplicación. • Access DuPage proporciona atención médica a DuPage residentes sin seguro de salud. Haga una cita para llenar una solicitud en la recepción
Got Questions About What You Eat? We’ve got answers! FREE Nutrition Counseling is now available. Appointments are available on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. for individuals and families with no insurance. Visit the reception desk to schedule an appointment.
Featured Community Event 5K Run/Fitness Walk April 27, 2013, 9:00 am The Esplanade at Locust Point 1901 Butterfield Road, Downers Grove The Human Race is a community event that provides an opportunity for non-profit organizations to raise awareness and raise funds. It also gives individuals, families, groups and businesses an opportunity to support the organization of their choice.
• Run or walk.
Loaves and fishes will have a team of volunteers, staff, family and friends participating and would like to invite our clients to be part of it. Visit the reception desk for more information and to register.
• Training sessions embarking from Loaves & Fishes are planned for Thursdays and Saturdays in March and April.
• Loaves & Fishes will find a sponsor to cover your entry fee. • Children are welcome with a parent.
• Join the team and the fun!