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The Bucks County Opportunity Council (BCOC) hosted the 25th Annual Economic Self-Sufficiency Graduation on Wednesday, April 20th at The Warrington Country Club. This year’s celebration honored 14 graduates, bringing the program's new total to 1037 people in 373 households. BCOC enthusiastically welcomed guests back in person for the event as it is the first one since 2019. Bucks County Commissioners Diane Ellis-Marseglia and Bob Harvie, as well as Representative Brian Fitzpatrick were just a few in attendance at the celebration. The Economic Self-Sufficiency Program (ES) is a highly successful program that provides one-on-one coaching and resources to those living in poverty who commit to working toward economic self-sufficiency. The graduates have worked, most for several years, on an intense, structured plan to become self-sufficient. The 2022 class began the program with an average starting income of $14,211. In the 39 months’ average time it took for the class to graduate, they increased their income to an average of $49,906. The key to success has been acquiring the additional education and training necessary to earn a living wage. Ten of the 14 graduates have new jobs since beginning the program; four improved their position within their company. “We are so incredibly proud of this graduating class. They worked so hard, through a pandemic, to achieve their dreams and create a brighter future for their families. Each story is a powerful tale of true grit and determination. I wish all of our graduates much success as they start the next chapter,” said Erin Lukoss, BCOC’s Executive Director. 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. For over 55 years, BCOC has served low-income families in Bucks County by providing emergency services to help them to stabilize when in crisis; distributing food through its network of 75+ sites; offering free income tax preparation services; and weatherization services. Last year we served 57,077 throughout all five of our programs. To learn more about all the BCOC does, visit our website www.bcoc.org. Group photo of all 2022 Economic Self-Sufficiency Graduates who attended event.
The Bucks County Opportunity Council (BCOC) hosted the 25th Annual Economic Self-Sufficiency Graduation on Wednesday, April 20th at The Warrington Country Club. This year’s celebration honored 14 graduates, bringing the program's new total to 1037 people in 373 households.
BCOC enthusiastically welcomed guests back in person for the event as it is the first one since 2019. Bucks County Commissioners Diane Ellis-Marseglia and Bob Harvie, as well as Representative Brian Fitzpatrick were just a few in attendance at the celebration.
The Economic Self-Sufficiency Program (ES) is a highly successful program that provides one-on-one coaching and resources to those living in poverty who commit to working toward economic self-sufficiency. The graduates have worked, most for several years, on an intense, structured plan to become self-sufficient.
The 2022 class began the program with an average starting income of $14,211. In the 39 months’ average time it took for the class to graduate, they increased their income to an average of $49,906. The key to success has been acquiring the additional education and training necessary to earn a living wage. Ten of the 14 graduates have new jobs since beginning the program; four improved their position within their company.
“We are so incredibly proud of this graduating class. They worked so hard, through a pandemic, to achieve their dreams and create a brighter future for their families. Each story is a powerful tale of true grit and determination. I wish all of our graduates much success as they start the next chapter,” said Erin Lukoss, BCOC’s Executive Director.
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.
For over 55 years, BCOC has served low-income families in Bucks County by providing emergency services to help them to stabilize when in crisis; distributing food through its network of 75+ sites; offering free income tax preparation services; and weatherization services. Last year we served 57,077 throughout all five of our programs.
To learn more about all the BCOC does, visit our website www.bcoc.org. Group photo of all 2022 Economic Self-Sufficiency Graduates who attended event.