THE 2002 BCOC GRADUATION

The BCOC held its 2002 Graduation on Monday, May 20th at the James-Lorah Memorial Home in Doylestown.

Over 170 people were in attendance to honor the fifteen families that graduated from the Economic Self-Sufficiency Program (ES).

These families no longer receive government assistance and are now financial independent. These individuals have overcome a variety of obstacles including abuse, homelessness and unemployment.

The night was filled with many emotional moments, including the presentation of the Mark Worthington Award to Lillian Zook, an ES Graduate who escaped an abusive relationship, gained sole custody of her two children and now has a steady job and is about to buy a home.

The keynote speaker for the evening was Jim Donovan, a local author and motivational speaker, who is also a BCOC volunteer.

Jim led a rousing, cheering, applauding crowd that greeted the 2002 graduates of the ES Program. The most poignant moment in his address came when he asked each of the graduates to stand as the audience rewarded their achievements with thunderous applause and foot stomping. The overwhelming encouragement from the crowd left the graduates beaming.

Mr. Donovan concluded by encouraging the graduates to keep setting goals and pursuing their dreams. Attendees included donors, board members, staff and family and friends of the graduates. Local media was invited to the event and a story of the 2002 Graduation was featured in the May 21st Our Town section of the Intelligencer.