Opportunity Council Graduates Permanently Leave Poverty

On October 17, 2012, Bucks County Opportunity Council will host its 16^th annual graduation, Sweet Triumph: Celebrating 16 Years, at the Spring Mill Manor in Ivyland, PA.  The celebration honors the achievement of Bucks County residents who successfully completed the Economic Self-Sufficiency Program and have permanently left poverty.

The Economic Self-Sufficiency Program is nationally recognized for helping low-income people in Bucks County acquire the education, skills and resources to permanently leave poverty.  All of the graduates now have: employment that pays a family-sustaining wage, access to safe, reliable transportation, a home that is affordable and safe, a balanced household budget, a health plan for the entire family, and freedom from all cash welfare subsidies including food stamps, cash assistance and subsidized housing.

The graduates’ average household income increased from $14,863 at the time of enrollment to $43,505 at the time of graduation, an increase of $28,642.  The Economic Self-Sufficiency Program saves $4 in cash welfare subsidies for every $1 invested in a successful graduate.

The exclusive major sponsor of the 2012 Graduation is First Federal of Bucks County, and the gold sponsor is Patrick & Carol Counihan with Merck.  Our silver sponsors are DVL Group, Inc., Lore and Bob Eichfeld, Teva, Curtin and Heefner LLP, Fulton Bank, St. Mary Medical Center, and First Savings.  Our bronze sponsors First National Bank and Trust Company of Newtown, Baum Smith & Clemens LLC, Jean Coyle, National Penn Bank, Jim Dowling, Shechtman Marks Devor PC, Bohmora, Inc. and Hill Wallack.  Thank you to all our sponsors and the community for their support.

It is not too late to buy tickets to attend the celebration or become a sponsor.  For more information, please visit bcoc.org or call 215-345-8175.

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Bucks County Opportunity Council, Inc. is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping low-income people in Bucks County achieve and maintain economic self-sufficiency. For more information, contact Jessie Marushak, Director of Development, at (215) 345-8175 ext. 204.