Are you struggling to make ends meet and ready for change? 

Our Economic Self-Sufficiency Program may be able to help you learn marketable jobs skills, get a better paying job, balance your budget, and achieve a more stable future for your family. Individuals and families with an annual household income at or below 200% of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Poverty Income Guideline ($36,620 for a household of three) may be eligible to enroll in the Economic Self-Sufficiency Program.

 

What is the program's goal?

The goal of the Economic Self-Sufficiency Program is to help participants gain the education, skills and resources to achieve permanent economic self-sufficiency without any future need for cash welfare subsidies. In order to reach the goal, each participant completes a comprehensive assessment and develops a strengths-based goal plan in partnership with a Self-Sufficiency Coach. Every plan centers on attaining the education and training necessary to secure employment in a high-demand sector that pays a family-sustaining wage. Participants work with a Self-Sufficiency Coach for up to five years to implement, regularly evaluate and revise the plan as necessary. In addition to education and employment, every plan addresses childcare, health insurance, transportation, education, budgeting, financial literacy including banking and credit, reciprocity and establishing healthy successful relationships within the community in addition to Bucks County Opportunity Council staff.

Does it work?

220 families who were on or eligible for welfare have graduated from the program since it was established in 1997. Fifty-six graduate families are homeowners. Every graduate has employment that pays a family-sustaining wage, a balanced budget, reliable transportation, affordable housing, a health plan for the entire family, acceptable credit or an approved credit repair plan, and basic employability skills. Graduates no longer rely on cash welfare subsidies including subsidized housing, food stamps or cash assistance to make ends meet. Graduates have increased their household income from $10,129 at the time of enrollment to $38,872 at graduation.

Is the program right for me?

Candidates for the Economic Self-Sufficiency Program must have an annual household income at or below 200% of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Federal Poverty Income Guideline, which is $36,620 for a household of three. The average starting household income for Economic Self-Sufficiency Program participants over the last four years was $10,129. Candidates for the program must also agree to:

• Actively participate in a comprehensive self-assessment, and the development and active implementation of a goal plan
• Meet with a Self-Sufficiency Coach on a weekly basis
• Work full-time or attend a full-time education program
• Submit relevant documentation including pay stubs, all monthly bills, income tax information, car insurance, and car registration on a regular basis

The Economic Self-Sufficiency Program is not an entitlement program. It is intended for hard-working, motivated people seeking an opportunity to permanently leave poverty. Candidates most likely to succeed in the program quickly answer “yes” when asked, “Are you working or are you willing to begin working tomorrow?”

How do I apply?

Call the nearest office:

• Quakertown Client Services – 215-536-0353
• Doylestown Client Services – 215-345-3295
• Bristol Client Services – 215-781-2661

Or complete the following application and a Self-Sufficiency Coach will follow-up with you to schedule a face-to-face or phone interview:

Information about the head of houshold:

First name: Middle initial:

Last name:

Street:

City: State: Zip:

Phone (daytime):

Phone (other):

Email:

Have you recieved Opportunity Council assistance in the past? Select One Yes No

Do you rent or own your home? Select One Rent Own

Do you live in subsidized housing? Select One Yes No

Are you willing to take a criminal and child abuse background check? Select One Yes No

Monthly amout you pay for housing: $ .00

Name and employment information for other household members:

1) Full name: Age: Hours/Week: Rate/Hr: $
2) Full name: Age: Hours/Week: Rate/Hr: $
3) Full name: Age: Hours/Week: Rate/Hr: $
4) Full name: Age: Hours/Week: Rate/Hr: $

How did you hear about the Opportunity Council?: Select One Friend Program graduate Other agency Newspaper Other

Please describe in your own words why you would like to participate in the program.

Call 215-536-0353 x 15 if you have questions about the application