NOC

NOC’s Example of a Successful Community Development Program

May 13, 2025 By NOC

The Oaks Apartments Complex, Hilton Head Island, SC

An Example of NOC’s Successful Community Development Program

HIGHLIGHTS

Overview: The Oaks, an apartment complex in Hilton Head Island, SC, transformed from a high-crime, struggling neighborhood into a thriving community (2008–2020) through Neighborhood Outreach Connection (NOC) programs led by Dr. Narendra Sharma, Founder & Chair of NOC. By focusing on education, health care, and workforce development, NOC empowered residents to improve their quality of life and property values.

Transformation Journey: In 2008, The Oaks faced crime, poverty, and limited educational support for children and working adults. Invited by the Homeowners Association, NOC set up its first Learning Center, engaging residents, volunteers, and other community service providers in grassroots change. Dr. Sharma emphasized relationship-building over costly capital investments, encouraging community involvement in defining and solving their challenges. Over time, trust developed, and key priorities emerged: education, economic opportunity, health and wellness, and safer public spaces.

Community Engagement & Growth: NOC spent months listening to residents, identifying needs, and fostering collaboration. Initiatives included a playground, a soccer field, adult education classes, and a neighborhood association. A digital divide was bridged through a donated virtual learning center. Residents actively contributed to renovating three learning centers and organizing community events, building a culture of mutual support and leadership.

Expanding Programs & Partnerships: By 2012, NOC offered education, health, and workforce programs in three learning center units. Partnerships with local schools, hospitals, nonprofits, and civic groups enhanced services. Certified teachers and volunteers ensured quality education, while health screenings and workforce training provided holistic community support.

Results & Impact: With NOC’s presence and generating about $1.5 million into Oaks through various community development efforts, significant social and economic progress was made in the Oaks, lifting the community out of poverty. Over time, crime rates declined, property values increased, and student performance improved. Over 12 years, NOC empowered families, strengthened economic prospects, and replicated its successful model across Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Beaufort City in Beaufort County, SC.

Today, The Oaks stands as a testament to sustainable community transformation.

To read more about NOC’s community development story, click on the link below:

The Oaks – NOC’s example of successful comunity development long May 2025

NOC Extends Greetings and Best Wishes for 2025

January 4, 2025 By NOC

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Greetings & Happy New Year!

NOC enters 2025 with hope and optimism, building on past success and lessons learned.

In 2024, NOC’s mission and programs continued to impact the lives of many children and families in need locally. These outcomes were achieved with support from NOC’s donors, partners, volunteers, the communities we serve, as well as the hard work of the NOC staff and Board of Directors.

On a broader front, as we reflect on 2024 in keeping with our values, beliefs and perspectives on life, we must not lose sight of those who are suffering and those who are vulnerable and less fortunate — not just here at home, but throughout the world. They also need our help and support.

We must continue to promote peace, better stewardship of our planet, and better understanding among people throughout the world.

We must remain hopeful for the future.

NOC enters 2025 with hope and optimism, building on past successes and lessons learned.

In 2024, NOC’s mission and programs continued to impact the lives of many local children and families in need. NOC’s outreach programs –education/enrichment, workforce/community development, health/wellness– grew significantly, benefiting more people to enjoy a better quality of life.

These outcomes were achieved with support from NOC’s donors, partners, volunteers, the communities we serve, as well as the hard work of NOC’s staff and Board of Directors. Together, we will continue to help those in need, paving a pathway for them to progress in life.

On a broader front, as we reflect on 2024 in keeping with our values, beliefs, and perspectives on life, we must not lose sight of those who are suffering, vulnerable, and less fortunate not just here at home, but also throughout the world. They too need our help and support.

We must continue to promote peace, better stewardship of our planet, and better understanding among people throughout the world. We must remain hopeful.

As we move forward, we wish you and your family a successful new year filled with good health, much happiness, and prosperity.

Weymouth Receives Distinguised Service Award

January 1, 2025 By NOC

On December 16, 2024, NOC’s Distinguished Service Award was presented to John Weymouth for outstanding community

service for more than 20 years in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. He has served in several community service organizations and has made significant contributions to NOC’s mission and outreach programs – children’s education, health care, and workforce/community development–to help children, families, and communities prosper. John Weymouth cares deeply about children and families in need and the importance of finding long-term solutions to help others.

John has generously provided his skills and knowledge, as well as funds and volunteer time to serve others. He has helped build partnerships with other service providers to serve the local communities more effectively and efficiently. John has been a strong advocate for promoting replication of NOC’s business model and development approach in South Carolina and nationally. He also worked actively in helping replicate the NOC model in Lynchburg Virginia in 2022.

NOC greatly appreciates the outstanding community services provided by John Weymouth to help others. His dedication and commitment to service continues to make a difference in the lives of children, families, and communities locally.

Cheerful Celebration at NOC LC at Lowcountry Presbyterian Church in Bluffton

December 20, 2024 By NOC

Thursday, December 12, was a special day for the children and families associated with NOC’s programs. The mood was festive and cheerful, and there was an atmosphere of happiness. The children were energized and prepared for this special event in the decorated fellowship hall. The children wore colorful clothes and entertained families and friends with Christmas songs and dances. The audience was engaged, thrilled, and proud of the children.

The children enjoyed a variety of food — including pizzas of course –and were excited and happy to receive generous gifts from the Lowcountry Presbyterian Church and Stokes Toyota of HHI. The Field Team, led by Gaby Sandoval and Nelly Perez, did an excellent job in making this event special.

NOC’s Example of a Successful Community Development Program

NOC Extends Greetings and Best Wishes for 2025

Greetings & Happy New Year!

NOC enters 2025 with hope and optimism, building on past success and lessons learned.

In 2024, NOC’s mission and programs continued to impact the lives of many children and families in need locally. These outcomes were achieved with support from NOC’s donors, partners, volunteers, the communities we serve, as well as the hard work of the NOC staff and Board of Directors.

On a broader front, as we reflect on 2024 in keeping with our values, beliefs and perspectives on life, we must not lose sight of those who are suffering and those who are vulnerable and less fortunate — not just here at home, but throughout the world. They also need our help and support.

We must continue to promote peace, better stewardship of our planet, and better understanding among people throughout the world.

We must remain hopeful for the future.

Be a caring neighbor…

Please visit one of NOC’s Learning Center in Beaufort County CALL NOC’s Office: 843-681-4100

Visit our website

Greetings & Happy New Year!

NOC enters 2025 with hope and optimism, building on past successes and lessons learned.

In 2024, NOC’s mission and programs continued to impact the lives of many local children and families in need. NOC’s outreach programs –education/enrichment, workforce/community development, health/wellness– grew significantly, benefiting more people to enjoy a better quality of life.

These outcomes were achieved with support from NOC’s donors, partners, volunteers, the communities we serve, as well as the hard work of NOC’s staff and Board of Directors. Together, we will continue to help those in need, paving a pathway for them to progress in life.

On a broader front, as we reflect on 2024 in keeping with our values, beliefs, and perspectives on life, we must not lose sight of those who are suffering, vulnerable, and less fortunate not just here at home, but also throughout the world. They too need our help and support.

We must continue to promote peace, better stewardship of our planet, and better understanding among people throughout the world. We must remain hopeful.

As we move forward, we wish you and your family a successful new year filled with good health, much happiness, and prosperity.

Weymouth Receives Distinguised Service Award

On December 16, 2024, NOC’s Distinguished Service Award was presented to John Weymouth for outstanding community

NOC greatly appreciates the outstanding community services provided by John Weymouth to help others. His dedication and commitment to service continues to make a difference in the lives of children, families, and communities locally.

Cheerful Celebration at NOC LC at Lowcountry Presbyterian Church in Bluffton

The children enjoyed a variety of food — including pizzas of course –and were excited and happy to receive generous gifts from the Lowcountry Presbyterian Church and Stokes Toyota of HHI. The Field Team, led by Gaby Sandoval and Nelly Perez, did an excellent job in making this event special.

NOC values its partnership with the Lowcountry Presbyterian Church in Bluffton, the Bluffton community, and other supporters of NOC.

The NOC Story

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