Rep. Brian K. Fitzpatrick, U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 1st District | Official U.S. House headshot
Rep. Brian K. Fitzpatrick, U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania's 1st District | Official U.S. House headshot
Today, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1) announced that he has secured a $1,000,000 Community Project Funding (CPF) grant for the expansion of the Bucks County Opportunity Council Economic Self-Sufficiency Program.
The CPF was introduced by Fitzpatrick into the FY2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act as part of the Community Project Funding program. This initiative allows Members of Congress to allocate federal funds for projects and programs within their districts to address significant community needs.
Through the Community Project Funding Request process for the 118th Congress, included in the Fiscal Year 2024 budget, Fitzpatrick secured more than $27.5 million in funding for 14 community projects benefiting First District constituents. Additionally, he secured over $19 million in CPF funding for 13 projects in FY23 and over $6.6 million for 10 projects in FY22.
The BCOC Economic Self-Sufficiency Program aims to provide those living below the poverty line with opportunities, resources, skills, and support to achieve economic stability without government assistance. Since its launch in 1997, it has seen success with 402 families graduating from welfare eligibility to financial stability. More than 80 graduates are now homeowners. Graduates have employment that pays a family-sustaining wage, a balanced budget, reliable transportation, affordable housing, a health plan for their entire family, acceptable credit or an approved credit repair plan, and basic employability skills.
"We are deeply grateful for the Congressional funding secured by Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick," said Erin Lukoss, CEO at BCOC. "With these resources...over 150 households have been empowered to improve their economic prosperity."
“The Bucks County Opportunity Council’s Economic Self-Sufficiency Program is a remarkable force for change," said Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-1). "I am proud to have fought for this critical funding...it has been an honor to collaborate with you.”
Bucks County Opportunity Council (BCOC) is a non-profit organization established as part of Lyndon Johnson’s War on Poverty in 1965. It serves low-income families by helping them stabilize during crises and work towards economic self-sufficiency through education and training.
During the 2023-2024 program year, BCOC served 57,738 people in Bucks County.
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