Success Stories

Nicole survived an abusive relationship, however, the trauma it caused endured. In 2021 she was a full-time student at Bucks Community College with almost two semesters completed. The daily pressure of being a single mom to three active boys, going to school, and working full-time were a lot to handle on her own. She found herself in need of support and assistance.

Nicole had been a Case Manager with the Salvation Army for three years and was familiar with BCOC. She met with her coach in December and created a budget. BCOC was able to assist her with some utility bills and help her submit and secure the Gateway Scholarship to assist with the cost of tuition for her next semester. In May of 2023, Nicole was honored with the Salute to Mothers award. This also contributed to paying for her last semester of school. Later that month, Nicole graduated with an associate degree in applied science.

BCOC continued to help with payments for the boys’ after- school sports program, and monthly with Walmart and Giant gift cards which supplemented family needs.

Nicole started a new job last September and is currently working as an Accounts Payable clerk. She loves it! Always pushing harder, Nicole will be attending Temple Fox School of Business this spring, working towards her Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and Analytics. Secure and confident, she is looking forward to starting her next chapter.

When Tammy enrolled in the ES Program, she was unemployed and surviving solely on unemployment payments to support herself and her son. She struggled to find work suitable for her skill set and education as a lawyer.

Determined to not give up on what she knew she was capable of, and keeping her options open, BCOC helped her secure good standing with the Connecticut Bar, where she earned her degree. This was a necessary step if she ever decides to take the Pennsylvania bar exam.

Tammy also worked preparing contracts for Sugar House Casino. Throughout her time in the ES program, she delivered for Door Dash and participated in focus groups to supplement her income, all while tirelessly searching for full-time employment.

Tammy has proven to be extremely resourceful, utilizing all that BCOC could offer to create a stable life for her son, fighting for full custody and supporting his needs. Through her unwavering efforts, Tammy found a position as a Contracts Administrator. She plans to give back to BCOC, and other resources that assisted her during her time of need, as she moves herself forward.

Nicole, a single, hard-working mother, held several part-time jobs, but with only a high school diploma, she still struggled to make ends meet. Working days and weekends, she dreamed of increasing her household income to provide a better life for her daughter. In 2017, Nicole reached out to BCOC to learn about the ES program, seeking the guidance and resources needed to help her achieve self-sufficiency.

With a strong desire to pursue her future story, Nicole created a mental model of what her current life was like and what direction she wanted to go in. She developed goals around education, employment, home ownership, and a balanced budget.

With the financial support of the Gateway scholarship, Nicole obtained her Small Business Management associate degree at Bucks County Community College. Nicole continued her education at Strayer University pursuing a bachelor’s degree in business administration. Despite encountering several obstacles along the way, she maintained a high GPA and made the President’s List as a straight A student. Nicole is proud of her accomplishment as the first-generation in her family to graduate from college.

Nicole also became a homeowner while in the ES program. She often put funds into a savings account, while using resources for daily life. Nicole’s persistence earned her a promotion at work, adding $12 more per hour to her salary since obtaining her degree. Her future endeavors look very bright.

Sandy-Lyn joined the ES program in the early spring of 2022, as a referral from the Keystone Education Yields Success (KEYS) program at Bucks County Community College. At that time, Sandy was living doubled up with family, splitting days and nights between several places, while trying to be a full-time student. Sandy was also working part-time through BCCC’s Work-Study program. Struggling financially and under a tremendous amount of strain, she needed help.

Despite facing a multitude of barriers, once enrolled in the program, Sandy immediately began to make changes so that she could be successful. With BCOC’s support and assistance, Sandy was able to continue her classes and further utilize BCOC’s employment services. She was hired in a new full-time position, where she excelled and was promoted to a supervisor role within one year. Through that job, she gained valuable skills and experience and received an outstanding employee award.

Over the last two years, Sandy has completed the Getting Ahead curriculum and opened a matched savings account. She made an important employment change to a different agency and is now a Program Manager. Sandy also moved into her own apartment and purchased her own vehicle! Free of all government subsidies, Sandy continues to save financially and has a balanced budget. She truly embodies a never give up attitude.