BLBB Charitable Funds Expansion of Economic Self-Sufficiency Program into MontCo

BLBB Charitable has partnered for several years with the Bucks County Opportunity Council (BCOC) to assist them in making their Economic Self-Sufficiency program available to Bucks County residents. BCOC’s Economic Self-Sufficiency program empowers low-income families with the education, skills, and resources necessary to achieve and maintain economic self-sufficiency without any future need for cash welfare subsidies.

This month, BLBB Charitable announced a $150,000 new grant to BCOC over three years to grow and expand its Economic Self-Sufficiency program to serve more families in need, including into targeted areas of neighboring Montgomery County. No other comprehensive program like this currently exists for Montgomery County residents.

Each participant completes a comprehensive assessment and develops a strength-based goal plan in partnership with their coach. Participants collaborate with a coach for up to five years to implement, regularly evaluate, and revise the plan as necessary. BCOC helps participants acquire the education, skills and employment needed to permanently leave poverty as opposed to merely cope in it. Economic Self-Sufficiency Program participants must complete an assessment period, develop and follow a goal plan, establish and follow a budget, meet regularly with a self-sufficiency coach, submit relevant documentation (pay stubs, bills, etc.), and work full-time or attend a full-time education program to maintain enrollment in the program.

Since 1997, about 400 graduate households have achieved economic self-sufficiency through this program. The 2023 ES class, for example, began the program with an average income of $15,806. At the time of graduation, their income had increased on average by $38,516 to $54,322. This is a 244% increase in income available to the household.