Naperville CARES has been serving the local community for twelve years by providing direct financial assistance to families who are experiencing an emergency financial crisis and need help to pay for basic needs such as rent, utilities, child care or transporation.  This volunteer-driven organization has built strong networking relationships with faith communities, as well as government and social service agencies in order to collaborate and coordinate services with the ultimate goal to maximize assistance while not duplicating services.  Additionally, the CARES Car Program repairs vehicles donated by community members and provide them to eligible households that lack critical transportation to get to work, thus breaking down one of the significant barriers in the fight against poverty.  CARES has provided over $1.1 million in direct financial assistance and over 500 cars to local families since 1999.