Bucks County Opportunity Council Awarded "Game-Changing" Federal Grant

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Bucks County Opportunity Council has been awarded a $1 million federal grant for the expansion of its "game-changing" economic self-sufficiency program.

U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick secured the grant through the Community Project Funding program, an initiative that allows members of Congress to target federal funds for projects and programs within their districts.

"The BCOC Economic Self-Sufficiency Program has been a game-changer for our community, delivering significant and transformative change," said Fitzpatrick. "With this critical funding, they will be able to broaden their reach and uplift even more individuals and families in need of assistance across PA-1."

The goal of the Economic Self-Sufficiency Program is to provide those living below the poverty line with the opportunity, resources, skills, and support to achieve economic stability and no longer need government assistance.

"We are deeply grateful for the Congressional funding," said Erin Lukoss, CEO at BCOC. "With these resources, we have been able to place full-time staff on the campus of the Bucks County Community College, allowing us to better serve our community. As a result, over 150 households have been empowered to improve their economic prosperity, bringing us closer to our vision of a thriving and self-sufficient Bucks County."

Since its launch in 1997, the program has seen extraordinary success, with 402 families—previously on or eligible for welfare — graduating and achieving financial stability, with more than 80 graduates now able to call themselves homeowners.

Every graduate has employment that pays a family-sustaining wage, a balanced budget, reliable transportation, affordable housing, a health plan for the entire family, acceptable credit or an approved credit repair plan, and basic employability skills.

“The Bucks County Opportunity Council’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Program is a remarkable force for change, empowering families to break free from poverty and reclaim their futures," said Fitzpatrick. "This game-changing initiative does not merely disrupt cycles of hardship; it cultivates a resilient, thriving community.

"I am proud to have fought for this critical funding, which will enhance BCOC’s ability to serve even more individuals ready to seize their potential," he continued. "Thank you to Erin Lukoss and the BCOC team for your tireless work and unparalleled dedication to bringing about positive change within our community; it has been an honor to collaborate with you, and I look forward to continuing our shared mission to uplift our community and build a brighter, more self-sufficient Bucks County for all."

Through the Community Project Funding Request process for the 118th Congress, which was included in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, Fitzpatrick successfully secured more than $27.5 million in funding for 14 transformative community projects that will directly benefit First District constituents. Additionally, Fitzpatrick secured over $19 million in CPF Funding for 13 projects in FY23 and over $6.6 million in CPF funding for 10 projects in FY22.

Bucks County Opportunity Council (BCOC) is the lead anti-poverty, non-profit organization in Bucks County. As the designated Community Action agency for the county, it is part of a national network of more than 1,000 agencies established in 1965 as part of Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty.

For over 59 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.

BCOC believes people living in the economic condition of poverty are problem-solvers and capable of change; self-sufficiency is possible for everyone; no significant change can occur without a significant relationship; and two things that move people out of poverty are education and training.

During the 2023-24 program year, BCOC served 57,738 people in the Bucks County community.