Upper Bucks Chamber of Commerce News Newswire

Bucks IU BrainSTEPS Team Earns Statewide Recognition for Exceptional Student Support for Third Consecutive Year

Mon, 18 May 2026 15:01:06 GMT

The Bucks County Intermediate Unit #22 is celebrating another major statewide achievement as its BrainSTEPS Team has once again been awarded the prestigious BrainSTEPS Team Exceptional Performance Award for the 2025–2026 school year. The award recognizes Intermediate Unit BrainSTEPS teams across Pennsylvania that demonstrate outstanding commitment to supporting students who have experienced acquired brain injuries.

This year, only seven of Pennsylvania’s 29 Intermediate Unit BrainSTEPS teams earned the recognition, and the Bucks IU team is one of only three statewide to receive the honor every year since the award’s inception, placing the team among Pennsylvania’s top-performing BrainSTEPS programs.

Under the leadership of BrainSTEPS Team Leader Sarah Krusen, the Bucks IU team successfully met rigorous performance standards and demonstrated exceptional dedication to supporting students, families, educators, and school communities throughout Bucks County.

“We are incredibly proud of the Bucks IU BrainSTEPS Team and their continued recognition at the state level,” said Dr. Mark Hoffman, Executive Director of the Bucks County Intermediate Unit. “This award reflects the team’s commitment to supporting students and families navigating the challenges associated with acquired brain injuries. Their work exemplifies the collaborative, student-centered approach that is at the heart of the Bucks IU’s mission.”

State BrainSTEPS leadership commended the Bucks IU for its nearly two decades of ongoing commitment to the BrainSTEPS Program and for maintaining high standards of service and support for students with brain injuries throughout the region.

“The BrainSTEPS Team consistently demonstrates exceptional compassion, expertise, and dedication in helping students successfully transition and thrive in school following a brain injury,” said Dr. Gina Meissler, Program Director of Related Services for the Bucks County Intermediate Unit. “Receiving this recognition for the third consecutive year speaks to the outstanding leadership of Sarah Krusen and the meaningful partnerships our team has built with schools and families throughout Bucks County.”

The BrainSTEPS Program provides consultation, training, and educational support for students recovering from acquired brain injuries, helping ensure successful transitions back into school and classroom settings. State officials noted that the Bucks IU’s BrainSTEPS consultation and training services “exemplify best practice and serve as a model for teams across the state.”

As the Bucks IU approaches two decades of participation in the BrainSTEPS Program, this continued statewide recognition highlights the organization’s enduring commitment ensuring students impacted by brain injuries receive the educational supports, advocacy, and resources needed to succeed both academically and personally.

ABOUT THE BUCKS COUNTY INTERMEDIATE UNIT (Bucks IU):

Celebrating over 50 years of service! The Bucks IU supports improvements and advancements in student learning by providing exceptional educational programs, innovative professional development, and advanced business/technology services. The Bucks IU serves individuals from ages birth to adult, students in public and private schools along with their staff and administrators, and the community of Bucks County. The Bucks IU is also the liaison between local schools and the Pennsylvania Department of Education. For more information, go to www.BucksIU.org or call 215-348-2940.

NOVA Receives Grant from PA Department of Community and Economic Development

Mon, 18 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

NOVA, Bucks County’s comprehensive crime victim services agency, is pleased to announce that it has been awarded a grant in the amount of $181,697 through the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development’s Local Share Account (LSA) Program, with the grant administered locally by the Bucks County Redevelopment Authority. This grant will support critical facility improvements and security upgrades across NOVA’s locations in Jamison, Fairless Hills and Perkasie.

Grant funds will help enhance building infrastructure and strengthen security systems, ensuring that victims of crime can access services in a safe, confidential, and trauma-informed environment. These improvements will also support the safety and well-being of NOVA’s staff and volunteers in their work to provide essential services to people impacted by crime.

“NOVA is deeply grateful to local legislators who supported this funding request and advocated for resources that strengthen services for victims in Bucks County,” said Penny Ettinger, Executive Director, NOVA. “In particular, we want express our gratitude to State Senators Frank Farry, Steve Santarsiero, Jarrett Coleman, as well as State Representatives Jim Prokopiak, Kristin Marcell and Shelby Labs. Their support demonstrates a strong commitment to public safety and ensuring that victims and survivors have access to secure and supportive services.”

“This investment represents more than infrastructure improvements,” added Angela M. McGettigan, Senior Director of Operations and Community Engagement. “It reflects our community’s dedication to supporting victims of crime and strengthening the resources available to them.”

NOVA looks forward to implementing these improvements and continuing its mission of providing safe, accessible, and trauma-informed services for victims and survivors throughout Bucks County.

About NOVA

NOVA supports, counsels, and empowers victims of sexual assault and other serious crimes in Bucks County and works to prevent and eliminate violence in society through advocacy, training, community education and prevention programs. Founded in 1974, NOVA is a non-profit 501(c)(3), community-based organization operating out of three offices in Fairless Hills,

Jamison, and Perkasie. Services are made possible through the financial support of federal, state, and local government grants and contracts, corporations, foundations and private donations. All contributions are tax deductible to the extent provided by law. For more information, visit www.NOVABucks.org.

Bucks County Opportunity Council Celebrates Each Journey of the 2026 Economic Self-Sufficiency Graduating Class

Tue, 12 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

The Bucks County Opportunity Council (BCOC) hosted the 2026 Economic Self-Sufficiency (ES) Graduation on Wednesday, April 29th at The Warrington Country Club. This year’s celebration honored 10 graduates, bringing the program's total over 29 years to 1,169 people in 430 households.

Speaking from the heart, Bucks County Commissioner Diane Marseglia welcomed graduates and guests to the BCOC ES Program Graduation. “BCOC staff sees what the cost of housing, no transportation options, always rising gas and electric costs can do to a person’s spirit and their ability to sustain themselves,” she said. As a social worker, she understands the value of having a program with high quality coaching and support available to Bucks County families in need. Families who have a strong desire to have a financially secure future, free of reliance on government subsidies. Commissioner Marseglia stated, “BCOC is integral to the chain of healing in Bucks County, and in keeping this county vibrant as their clients grow and participate in our economy and our tax base!”

In an incredibly impassioned and moving speech, Thais, a new graduate, told the audience, “I’ll be honest, starting the program was a little daunting, but I quickly learned that the people here genuinely want you to succeed and they want you to break free from the situations that are holding you back. For a long time, I didn’t think that was possible, but after six years, I can stand here and say, I made it through. Thais battled through Covid barriers, an aggressive tumor, a difficult divorce, and life on her own, far away from family. She continued, “There were so many moments where I didn’t know how I was going to keep moving forward, but I had all the support I needed with BCOC. And I know, without a doubt, that I would not be standing here today without this program. So, this is where I am now. Still building. Still growing. Still learning. But for the first time in a long time…I truly believe that the future is brighter.”

The 2026 class entered the program with an average starting income of $19,817. In the 37 months it took for the group to graduate, they increased their income to an average of $62,928, that is an increase of $43,111. All ten graduates shared the importance of resiliency and consistency. Repeatedly, they spoke about the place where you are, not being the place where you end. Perseverance and determination kept their dreams alive and fueled their journey, step by step. These women include proud nurses, entrepreneurs, graphic designers, and a corrections officer.

Erin Lukoss, Executive Director of BCOC, reflected on this year’s graduating class in her closing remarks. “What really struck me about this year’s graduates is the level of hardship so many have faced,” she said. “We heard stories of homelessness, loss, isolation, and in some cases, paths shaped by domestic violence or substance use. These are the kinds of challenges that can take someone down a very different path, but what makes this group so remarkable is that they chose something different. They chose to do the hard work, to stay committed, and to partner with their coach every step of the way. What makes the ES program so special is that it doesn’t just create change in the moment, it creates change that lasts a lifetime. It helps families leave poverty permanently. Lukoss reminded the graduates, “You have changed your path, and in doing that, you are changing the next generation.”

Graduation is based on ten benchmarks recognized nationally as standards of self-sufficiency: Full employment; free of all subsidies (food stamps, cash assistance, housing subsidies); balanced household budget; resides in safe, affordable housing; reliable transportation; health insurance coverage for all family members; checking and savings account; acceptable credit rating or approved Credit Repair Plan; completed education/training program (if needed); and basic employment skills such as interviewing and resume preparation.

To learn more about all the BCOC does, visit our website bcoc.org

BCOC is the lead economic mobility non-profit organization in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, dedicated to ending poverty by connecting people with the resources they need to thrive.

BCOC has five major program areas: Housing, Food, Weatherization, Volunteer Income Tax Preparation (VITA) and the Economic Self-Sufficiency (ES) Program. Housing includes street outreach, rental and move in aid, and utility shut-off prevention. Food services supply food directly to families through a network of 74 food pantries and distribution sites. Weatherization services help families in reducing their energy costs. VITA provides free income tax preparation assistance. The ES Program assists individuals and families to leave poverty permanently through case management, education, and employment.

For over 60 years, the Opportunity Council has served low-income families in Bucks County by helping them to stabilize when in crisis, garner resources to achieve a livable wage, gain additional education and training, and work towards economic self-sufficiency.

Multiple SLUHN Campuses Ranked among 100 Top Hospitals in US

Tue, 05 May 2026 04:00:00 GMT

St. Luke’s University Health Network has been named to Premier Inc.’s 100 Top Hospitals list published by Modern Healthcare magazine.

This is the 12^th time in a row and the 14^th time overall that St. Luke’s hospitals have been recognized among the 100 Top Hospitals in the United States. St. Luke’s is the only health network in the greater Lehigh Valley region to ever earn this distinction.

“St. Luke’s remarkable 100 Top Hospital record speaks to the fact that our Network is among the very best nationwide,” St. Luke’s Chief Quality Officer Donna Sabol said. “Such consistently outstanding results are a credit to our physicians, nurses and our entire St. Luke’s team and their unwavering focus on quality at every level of our organization.”

The 100 Top Hospitals ranking, conducted annually since 1993, is among the most prestigious honors for hospitals in the United States. It is based entirely on objective data as top performers are not subjected to the exorbitant, pay-for-play promotional fees associated with recognitions from other organizations.

Premier, a health care consultancy, identified the top hospitals from a rigorous evaluation of nearly 2,540 short-term, acute care, non-federal U.S. hospitals, recognizing excellence in patient outcomes and quality as well as operational efficiency, financial health and community impact.

In Pennsylvania, only five hospitals earned a place on the 100 Top Hospitals list. Four of the five are St. Luke’s campuses:

St. Luke’s University Hospital (comprising the Bethlehem, Allentown and Sacred Heart campuses) was recognized for the 13^th time.
St. Luke’s Anderson Campus was recognized for the eighth year in a row.
St. Luke’s Upper Bucks Campus was named for the second year in a row and the fourth time overall.
St. Luke’s Monroe Campus was named to the list for the first time.

“Premier’s 100 Top Hospitals program recognizes health care organizations that consistently deliver high-quality care while improving operational efficiency, financial performance and the patient experience” said David Zito, President of Performance Services at Premier. “By highlighting top performers and providing transparent, data-driven insights, this program helps hospitals nationwide identify opportunities to enhance care delivery, strengthen financial sustainability and improve outcomes for the communities they serve.”

According to Premier, if all hospitals operated at the level of this year’s top performers, the impact for Medicare inpatients could include:

More than 279,000 additional lives saved
More than 477,000 additional patients’ complication-free
More than $14.3 billion in inpatient cost savings
More than 21,700 fewer patients readmitted within 30 days

Fifty-five hospitals recognized this year were repeat winners, reinforcing the role of strong system-level performance and sustained improvement strategies.

For more information, visit Premier's 100 Top Hospitals 2026 - Modern Healthcare.