While I no longer live in Naperville, I’m proud to say from down here in the heart of Texas that I had the opportunity to live in a city that shows neighborly love.
In 1965, Naperville had fewer than 20,000 residents. A group of teachers, parents and supporters began a school for children with special needs. With the support of Naperville residents that little school has grown into Little Friends, Inc., now providing resources for all ages dealing with autism intellectual and developmental disabilities. Their programs are focused on a continuum of care. They have classes for preschoolers, a school for children aged five to 22, opportunities for vocational training and a residential facility for adults.
Little Friends also provides support for families through training opportunities and by providing respite services. It could not have grown from a little school to its current size without the love and support of Naperville citizens for 60 years.
Featured in the Sept. 12, 1984, edition of the Naperville Sun, Loaves and Fishes food pantry was credited with serving food to about 100 people a month. The food pantry had been started at St. Raphael with assistance from members of the St. Margaret Mary parish. The article noted that people also could get food at Calvary Temple, Ss. Peter and Paul and Naperville Bible Church. In 1981, 18 local churches combined to create a nonprofit organization under the name Loaves and Fishes.
In 1999, they established a food pantry at 556 West 5th Avenue and processed 3,000 food distributions that year. In 2000, they began home delivery to seniors. They continued to expand and during the summer of 2004 they distributed 17,000 lunches to support the school nutrition initiative. By 2008, Loaves and Fishes was providing over 5,000 bags of groceries to 1,800 struggling families each month. As Loaves and Fishes expanded their service area to all of DuPage County, in 2011 they moved to their current location at 1871 High Grove Lane.
In 2016, Naperville Cares joined Loaves and Fishes, providing emergency assistance, English classes, budget and credit workshops and other services to those who need help during difficult times. From its early beginnings to today, it reflects the love of the Naperville community.
The citizens of Naperville continued to create new organizations to meet the special needs of their neighbors. In 2007 the Turning Point Autism Foundation was established, now located at 1500 W. Ogden. Founders created a school for children from age 5 to 22. They also provide adult services to help people with autism develop independence, communication skills, and employment skills. There are onsite employment opportunities at their boutique and in combination with other business enterprises. Turning Pointe is another example of Naperville citizens showing their love for their neighbor.
I’ve only showcased three of many Naperville organizations that provide love and support to families in need. The volunteer spirit continues to be strong, a hallmark of what makes Naperville a great city to call home.
Happy Valentine’s Day.
