Success Stories

Brittney’s journey is a testament to perseverance and determination. When she began her ES journey in May 2023, she was in her final year of nursing school at Roxborough School of Nursing and expecting her youngest child. At that time, her family of four was living at 90% of the poverty level, and she was working part-time at Hair Cuttery, earning around $28,000 annually.

With the support of BCOC, which provided some rental assistance and gas cards, Brittney successfully completed her RN degree in May 2024. Shortly after, she secured full-time employment at Temple University Hospital, increasing her annual income to more than double what it was prior—an incredible leap.

Now, Brittney is focused on building financial stability by saving for a home and improving her credit score. She plans to continue advancing her career by enrolling at Chamberlain University in March 2025 to complete her Bachelor of Science in Nursing. Her hard work and dedication have transformed her future, and she continues to strive for even greater success.

Joshua is a young man who enrolled in the ES program through a referral by BCCC’s Out of School Youth Program (OSY). At the time of enrollment, Josh was sleeping on the couch in a friend’s home with no income. He grew up in the state of New York with little family support, and after turning 18, he traveled throughout the country with a carnival group until leaving during a stop in Bucks County. Josh then found himself with no income, no high school diploma or GED, very few marketable skills, and no transportation.

During his time in ES – Joshua earned his GED, became forklift certified, and gained valuable employment skills. Josh is now employed full-time as a forklift & cherry pick Operator at a warehouse. He has a bank account and has a plan to continue improving his credit score. Now safely housed, Josh’s future goals include obtaining a driver’s license and growing with his company.

Alison, a dedicated mother and head of household, has made remarkable strides in achieving self-sufficiency while supporting her three adult children who recently moved in with her. When she first entered the program, she was working part-time and relying on a housing subsidy and other public assistance. Through her hard work and determination, she has since secured full-time employment, received a promotion, and obtained Certified Peer Specialist certification.

These accomplishments have allowed her to relinquish both her housing subsidy and her public assistance, enabling her to transition to a full-market apartment. Alison has built a stable foundation for herself and her family with the help of community organizations. Looking ahead, she plans to further her education to continue advancing in her career and securing long-term financial independence.

Dmytro, his wife, and their two sons came to the U.S. from Ukraine, facing numerous challenges along the way. Learning English was a crucial step in helping them communicate, secure employment, and adapt to their new environment. The uncertainty and anxiety they experienced were overwhelming, but they eased their cultural transition by immersing themselves in the community.

Dmytro earned a certification in Automation Quality Assurance with Python in September 2023. While he was in training, his wife worked to support their household. After completing his program, Dmytro secured a stable job that he enjoys, allowing him to take over financial responsibilities while his wife now pursues her education.

Looking ahead, Dmytro has ambitious goals, including purchasing a home. He is grateful for the support his family received from BCOC.