To the world, you are a mother, but to your family, you are the world – [Source unknown]
At NOC centers this week, children celebrated Mother’s Day. Mothers are truly the heartbeat of the community. At NOC we see mothers every day picking up their children, making sure they have every opportunity for a good life. We see mothers supporting their families by taking classes provided by NOC. We also see mothers donating time to help at our centers, donating snacks and supplies for the students, and volunteering to carpool other neighborhood children to and from NOC. Tokens of appreciation made this week by the students may be small in comparison to the impact mothers have on the children, but you can be assured they are infused with oceans of love.
Happy Mother’s Day from NOC. Thank you for all that you do!
In March 2020, as COVID 19 was declared a global pandemic, the spread of this virus had a profound impact on our lives, including suffering and death. Locally, people lost jobs and incomes, and for at least 6 months children could no longer attend schools for face-to-face learning. Stress and anxiety have plagued many people, especially the poor, the elderly, and those who are vulnerable.
NOC closed its 6 learning centers in Beaufort County in mid-March 2020. Later, under challenging conditions, NOC re-opened 4 of its centers for a 6-week summer program, giving children an avenue to engage in learning and social interaction. Over the past six months, children (“NOC Heroes”) in NOC’s education program have eagerly participated in its after-school program, wearing masks, social distancing, using hand sanitizers, and adopting other recommended hygiene practices. This way of life has now become routine for these children who are adjusting and striving to move ahead without complaints.
On November 5, children at NOC’s Island Lutheran Learning Center were treated to a very special visitor – Zoara the Comfort Dog. Zoara is an AKC Golden Retriever that visits local hospitals, schools, senior centers/nursing/care centers, hospice, charities, and community organizations.
