Bucks County Opportunity Council celebrates 14 graduates of its Economic Self-Sufficiency Program
By Samantha Bambino
The Times
Last Wednesday, 14 individuals were acknowledged in a touching graduation ceremony held at the Warrington Country Club. Though none were celebrating the completion of high school or college, each had a different life accomplishment to be proud of — they’re no longer living in poverty. Thanks to one-on-one coaching and support through the Bucks County Opportunity Council’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Program, the graduates no longer rely on welfare benefits and have started the journey to a brighter future.
Bucks County Opportunity Council, the county’s lead anti-poverty nonprofit agency, created its Economic Self-Sufficiency Program 21 years ago. Since then, it has helped more than 300 individuals and families change their economic status. According to Tammy Schoonover, BCOC director of community services, it is a completely voluntary program.
“They have a desire to make changes in their life,” she said.
When someone enters the program, they are matched with a coach who will create an individualized plan of action. Typically, it takes an average of three years to graduate, though there is a maximum of five. With the coach, they’ll set goals, create a resume and explore career interests they may not have previously considered.
Many participants who hold a high school diploma end up going back to school to acquire the needed skills for their field of interest. More often than not, they’re first generation college students, so this new experience can be overwhelming. Most start out with a certification as a CNA or LPN to get their feet wet.
Most federal aid doesn’t cover programs that aren’t a full degree, but thanks to a strong partnership with Bucks County Community College, all Economic Self-Sufficiency Program participants are eligible to receive the Gateway Scholarship. This award is exclusive to them and can be used toward any program they desire.
At its heart, the BCOC program allows its participants to think beyond the everyday burdens of living paycheck to paycheck and worrying about food stamps.
“All you’re focused on in that environment is survival,” Schoonover said of poverty. “It robs people of the ability to plan.”
The coaches provide them with the opportunity to see beyond their present situation and realize passions and goals for the future they hadn’t considered before. According to Schoonover, poverty can be an isolating experience, but BCOC works to broaden their horizons and opportunities.
To graduate from the program, participants must be free of all welfare subsidies and have secured employment that pays a family a sustaining wage. They must live in safe and affordable housing, have access to safe and reliable transportation, maintain a balanced budget and have a health-care plan for the entire family.
Once they obtain all of this, Schoonover said there is a true sense of accomplishment, though their proud moment is sometimes met with trepidation. After several years of having their coach and support system, they’re hesitant to be out on their own. But they don’t need to worry — BCOC is always a phone call away if they need further guidance.
At the graduation ceremony and dinner last week, the 14 graduates were joined by family, friends and community members to celebrate everything they accomplished in the Economic Self-Sufficiency Program. Each was invited on stage to speak about their experience, which made for a truly inspirational evening.
“We play it up big,” Schoonover said. “It’s a miracle.”
The program has a rolling admission, and there is no fee to join. The only requirements are that the participant is income eligible and a Bucks County resident.
The Economic Self-Sufficiency Program is one of several unique opportunities offered by the BCOC to help residents move from crisis to stability. Others include a food program with more than 60 distribution sites in the county, emergency assistance for families in crisis, a weatherization program and VITA, a free volunteer income tax assistance program for low to moderate income families. Last year, BCOC served more than 9,600 people.
For more information on the Bucks County Opportunity Council, visit bcoc.org.
Samantha Bambino can be reached at [email protected]
