Meeting Goals, Finding Success

Bucks County Opportunity Council, Inc.

Sajida Rub

Sajida Rub and her husband moved to the United States from Pakistan ten years ago, leaving behind a support network of family and friends. They had been living in the United States for three years and had two young children, ages one and three, when Sajida made the difficult decision to flee her intolerable living conditions.  

In July 2003, with her neighbor's encouragement and support, Sajida and her daughters fled their home for the safety of A Woman's Place shelter. While living in the shelter, Sajida learned of the Bucks County Opportunity Council, Inc. (BCOC), something that would change her life forever.  

One of BCOC's self-sufficiency specialists, Deb Rosenberg, described to Sajida the agency's Economic Self-Sufficiency (ES) Program. Motivated and excited, Sajida immediately began to prepare her list of goals and then set out to complete them. She studied for her learner's permit, successfully applied to a transitional housing program, and filed for child support. Deb took each barrier-breaking step with Sajida, providing practical information, advice and unwavering emotional support.

"It is hard to believe how many goals Sajida accomplished in her first month. It was an exciting and inspiring time to know her as she ran with the ball," said Deb.

Sajida passed her learner's permit exam but found she could not get the permit issued because her permanent resident status would soon expire. She obtained the necessary documents and finally got her learner's permit. Initially, Sajida was frightened of getting lost or driving off the narrow country roads in Bucks County, but her self-sufficiency specialist was there to help her and, through practice, she was able to pass her driving exam.

With her housing and transportation issues secured, Sajida began looking for work. She had earned a degree in biochemistry from a university in Pakistan. With assistance from Bucks County Opportunity Council, she developed a resume and began applying for positions in the pharmaceutical industry. However, Sajida found it difficult to obtain employment because of the variances in laboratory practices between the United States and her native country and her lack of work history. With Deb providing guidance and assistance, Sajida shifted her focus to education.   Together they went to local colleges to research training and certification programs in biochemistry. Sajida subsequently chose a program at Montgomery County Community College and graduated with honors in May 2006. She soon found employment and is now a highly valued medical laboratory technician at a local hospital where she is earning a livable wage.

In January 2007, with Deb as a proud witness, Sajida took the Oath of Citizenship at a moving ceremony in Philadelphia and became a citizen of the United States of America.

Sajida's journey to self-sufficiency is inspirational to her constantly growing network of friends and community supporters. Strengthened by Deb's unshakeable belief in her and making optimum use of the educational, coaching, financial and relationship resources available through BCOC's Economic Self-Sufficiency Program, Sajida has transformed herself into an empowered and independent woman.

"Sajida will continue to flourish. She knows better than anyone that ES is a commencement. She has squeezed the most out of every opportunity. But best of all she has learned how to empower her visions for herself and her family," said Deb. "I am truly proud to be her friend."

Bucks County Opportunity Council, Inc. helps low income residents of Bucks County achieve and maintain economic self-sufficiency through a variety of successful programs.