Success Stories

Amanda, a single mother of three girls, one who has special needs, originally came to BCOC as an emergency client. She had struggled with substance use earlier in her life. Through perseverance and the assistance of several BCOC programs and other community agencies, Amanda was able to make positive changes in her life.

While working to resolve her crisis, Amanda learned about the ES program and took advantage of the opportunity. Amanda started off slowly as she got her feet under her, but then she took off, completing her GED and Certified Recovery Specialist (CRS) certification in quick succession. She wanted to use her experiences to help people with similar struggles. With the help of our employment coach, she was able to find full-time work. She also obtained support and case management for her special needs child.

Amanda is giving back to her community by working as a CRS and no longer needs housing assistance. Through our Wheelz2Work program, she now has reliable, safe transportation for her family. The success that Amanda has achieved has allowed her to feel calmer and more confident in herself and her future.

Katlynn, a single mother, fled an abusive marriage in Missouri, isolated from her family & friends. She returned to Bucks County, where her mother lives, and decided to completely start over to give her newborn a better life. She was referred to ES by a colleague at Lowe’s Hardware.

At the time of ES enrollment, Katlynn was working part-time at Lowe’s, barely keeping her head above water. She was under a great deal of financial stress after leaving everything behind for her and her child’s safety. After enrolling, Katlynn began classes at BCCC and also began working on a credit repair plan.

Her goal was to work in law enforcement, and after a brief job with 911 Dispatch, she landed her dream job as a Corrections Officer at the Montgomery County Women’s Prison. She has paid off all her debt, increased her savings, moved into her own apartment, and is thriving.

Kelsi and her husband, Joseph, came to BCOC for holiday help in 2025. Kelsi was working part-time at a hospital as a Personal Care Assistant, while attending St. Luke’s School of Nursing full-time. Due to a period of unemployment and the expense of raising three children, they fell behind with their bills, and Kelsi feared losing her home because of delinquent mortgage payments.

She joined ES in January, just one month after receiving holiday assistance. The ES program helped with her vehicle inspection and gas, ensuring a reliable vehicle for her schooling and employment needs. Kelsi received the UMBB Foundation donation to help with other transportation needs and to help pay her mortgage. Kelsi also participated in Adopt A Family, which helped relieve the stress of holiday expenses.

Within a year, Kelsi became an RN working at St. Luke’s Hospital ER. The household income has since doubled. Kelsi just kept shooting for the stars and never gave up on her career to become a nurse. Kelsi is kind, smart, and compassionate—the nurse you would want by your side at a critical time of need.

Thais enrolled in ES during February 2020, just weeks before the Covid pandemic began. She was a single mom to two small children, working part-time at Giant. Previously, Thais had been married to a physician, and the family resided in NY, where they had lived a very good life. However, her world fell apart when her spouse was incarcerated & lost his medical license.

Thais ended up in Bucks County with two small children and no plan on how to survive. Her family and support system all reside in Brazil.

Thais identified her goals and persevered with determination and hard work in the ES program. She attended BCCC part-time and navigated barrier after barrier that arose. In the spring of 2025, Thais fulfilled the promise she made to herself and graduated from college.

An incredible artist who owns a small business, she now lives with her partner, who recently landed his dream job. They have a balanced budget and are working towards saving to buy a home together.