59 years of the Bucks County Opportunity Council in Bucks County
This year marks the 60th year since the Community Action Network was established to help American families and communities overcome obstacles to poverty.
Over 1,000 agencies across the country are working every day to create opportunities and transform the lives of their neighbors, making communities stronger and helping families across the US thrive.
This year, the Bucks County Opportunity Council (BCOC), a proud member of the Community Action Network, will also commemorate 59 years in service helping families throughout Bucks County.
BCOC is the lead anti-poverty, non-profit organization in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. We are dedicated to ending poverty by connecting people with the resources they need to thrive.
BCOC has five program areas: Housing, Food, Weatherization, Volunteer Income Tax Preparation (VITA) and the Economic Self-Sufficiency (ES) Program.
Housing includes street outreach, rental and move in assistance and utility shut-off prevention.
Food services distributes food directly to families through a network of over 70 food pantries and distribution sites. Weatherization services assist families in reducing their energy costs.
VITA provides free income tax preparation assistance. The ES Program assists individuals and families to leave poverty permanently through case management, education, and employment.
“Each May, during Community Action Month, we reflect on the impact BCOC and our network has had on families,” said Erin Lukoss, Executive Director of BCOC. “Last year alone, we served over 56,000 people in the county, while Community Action Agencies served over 15 million across the country with immediately needed services such as shelter and food, and also long-term solutions like education and job placement.”
Community Action Agencies serve 99 percent of all American counties with life-changing services to help families achieve financial stability. All agencies are locally controlled and represented by the private, public, and low-income sectors of the community.
“We are proud of our communities’ participation in the development and oversight of our programs,” said Erin. “Their engagement helps us to be more effective in our approach by determining what Bucks County needs.”
To celebrate the continued success of Community Action and raise awareness throughout the County, BCOC will receive a Proclamation from the County Commissioners on May 15th at 10:30am at the Bucks County Administration Building, 55 East Court Street, First Floor, Doylestown.
For more information about BCOC, visit https://bcoc.org.