NOC – Page 14

NOC Success Stories at St. Luke’s Learning Center

March 23, 2020 By NOC

XIMENA has been attending NOC since the summer 2019 program when she was a Pre-Kinder student. She spoke very little English and was very shy. Ximena was having difficulty completing Pre-K level work as she did not know numbers, names of letters, colors or how to handle a book. The extra time spent at NOC programs has truly benefited Ximena as she has been able to work on the basic skills that set her up for success in Kindergarten. This year, Ximena is outgoing, social and speaks English very well. She excels in completing her work with Ms. Murray, taking her time to master needed skills. Ximena also exemplifies NOC values in showing kindness and respect toward others, focusing on her work, and being a good example to those around her.

QUOTES:

Ximena: NOC is fun because we get to play games and color. I am learning a lot and like the teachers. I want to come every day, even on Friday. (The Center is closed on Fridays)

Isaura (mom): For me and my three children, NOC is a very important part in their education. NOC is helping them to develop skills that I cannot help them with. My children continue to learn new things every day that make them successful at school.

Cynthia (NOC teacher): Ximena started our program in the summer and had very little understanding of English. She now understands English very well and is able to speak it with greater fluency as her English vocabulary has grown. Ximena’s ability to follow directions for assignments has greatly improved. She is working very hard on her writing skills and has shown improvement in other areas as well.

JOSE started with our program in the Fall of 2019. He was well below grade level when compared with other 3rd graders. Jose had difficulties in both Spanish and English. After working in collaboration with his elementary school teacher, our teachers at NOC have been able to find ways to connect with Jose and help him to better understand his work. He used to become very frustrated while doing homework but has gained self-confidence. Jose continues to work hard, even when he feels the work is difficult. Jose was struggling with completing number order and last week he zoomed through three different assignments on this subject. His vocabulary and reading skills have also improved.

QUOTES:

Jose: NOC means I get help with my homework and get to see my friends. My teacher at NOC helps me a lot.

Kenia (mom): I am Jose’s mom and I love the NOC program because they help my son on a daily basis with homework and reading. I am very grateful for this site (Cordillo) because as an immigrant, it’s very hard to help my kids when I don’t even know English myself.

Paula (NOC teacher): When Jose started at NOC this fall, he was struggling with understanding English and got frustrated very easily. He would give up while doing his school work. Even with the fact that his family cannot help him learn English, he has continued to work hard at NOC. His reading comprehension and reading level have improved. Jose is a sweet boy who has worked hard to improve his English and his ability to read. Every day he does his best.

Corona Virus Spread Closes SC Schools and NOC Centers

March 22, 2020 By NOC

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)

NOC’s Protocol for Safety and Good Health

Following South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster announcement of March 15, 2020, to close all schools in the state effective, Monday, March 16, through March 31, 2020, we have closed NOC centers at all locations in Beaufort County until March 31, 2020. We told the field staff that we will monitor the situation closely for further instructions. All the teachers, volunteers, and staff have been informed of NOC’s decision. The field staff used WhatsApp to inform children and families about NOC’s decision to close.

The Program Managers (PMs) and Neighborhood Liaisons (NLs)spent Monday, March 16, as regular day at their respective centers in the event that any children or parents came to the center; They took this opportunity also to deep clean and disinfect the center and have it ready for opening.
The NOC Office will be closed during this period, March 17 to March 31, 2020. Every effort will be made to ensure that all business matters are addressed and completed as required.
NOC is communicating with the local schools to ensure that the children and families receive pertinent information relating to learning materials and food (breakfast and lunch) distribution schedule and locations. Since the parents of these children are working, it will be difficult for these families to receive materials and food. Many of these children do not access to computers and internet connections; therefore, eLearning activities will not work for these children. Many parents are also not equipped to help these children with their homework and building learning skills in math, reading, and language arts.
We feel for the children and parents as they deal with this difficult situation. The next two weeks will be trying for many people, including the people we serve. I hope that this unprecedented calamity will be short-lived. Unfortunately, the schools will most likely not open until the end of April; we may also lose the remaining period of this academic year, 2019-2020.
For additional information please visit https://bit.ly/3aGWvHs for information from the CDC and DHEC. You can also visit the Beaufort County School District website: www. https://www.beaufortschools.net/. You can also listen to Governor McMaster’s recent press conferences at https://scemd.org/.

Additional helpful sites:

Beaufort County Alliance for Human Services: https://www.beaufortcountysc.gov/topics/coronavirus/index.html.

https://www.beaufortcountysc.gov/human-services/help.html

Beaufort Memorial Hospital:

www.bmhcareanywhere.org.

South Carolina

www.scdhec.gov/covid19

South Carolina Department of Health

https://www.scdhec.gov/infectious-diseases/viruses/coronavirus-disease-2019-covid-19

Beaufort County School District Food Distribution Schedule

http://beaufortschools.net/cms/One.aspx?portalId=170925&pageId=23614099

NOC Earns Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency

March 22, 2020 By NOC

NOC is pleased to announce that it has received the Guidestar Platinum Seal of Transparency (see link below).

NOC has always placed great importance on integrity, accountability, and transparency in its operations, business transactions, and financial management. NOC has established effective internal controls and checks and balances in its management, operations, and use of funds. From the outset in 2008, NOC has employed the services of external auditors (June Associates CPA) to review its accounts and finances to ensure proper management and use of donors’ money. Moreover, NOC places importance on monitoring the results and impact of its outreach programs and how these programs are making a difference in the lives of the people it serves. NOC ensures that it implements programs that are cost effective and sustainable.

Platinum Seal of Transparency: NOC EARNS GUIDESTAR PLATINUM SEAL OF TRANSPARENCY

NOC Learning Center Calendar 2020-2021

March 22, 2020 By NOC

Hilton Head, Bluffton, Beaufort:

NOC LEARNING CENTER CALENDAR 2020-2021

NOC Response to Island Packet Article

February 14, 2020 By NOC

In its February 11, 2020 article (‘Beaufort Co. after-school program may be forced to relocate third site in two years” – see link below), the Island Packet’s motive regarding the Neighborhood Outreach Connection (NOC) is not clear. The focus of the article in negative, and does not address the many positive impacts that NOC has had on low-income neighborhoods and the families, especially the children, who live there.

The article overlooks the fact that since 2008, NOC has worked relentlessly — with help from donors, partners, friends, and dedicated staff and volunteers – to support children and families in underserved neighborhoods. Many of these children and families, who live under the burden of poverty and face significant transportation constraints, want opportunities and help to enjoy a better quality of life. Over the past 11 years, NOC has made a difference in the lives of many children, families, and communities through its now seven learning centers in Beaufort County. NOC has established a viable business model, a strong foundation, and a standard of integrity. This has allowed NOC to build strong relationships with people in low-income neighborhoods and help them progress. NOC targets only neighborhoods to which it has been invited and plans to stay there only until its services are no longer needed. Moreover, NOC places high priority on ensuring that its learning centers are accessible and safe for the children and families, as well as its staff and volunteers.

During the last three years, NOC has faced dynamic changes that are taking place because of gentrification, as investors invade underserved neighborhoods and convert affordable housing for working families and retirees with modest income, in favor of short term rentals, including Airbnb.

NOC abides by existing laws and works closely with Beaufort County and Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Beaufort municipalities to find solutions that help children and families who are in need. More than 40% of minority children, accounting for more than 52% of the total school population of 22,000 in Beaufort County, are not at grade level in either math, reading, or language arts. NOC will continue to work with other service providers and partners to address this challenge.

Island Packet (02/11/2020): Beaufort Co. after-school program , Feb 11, 2020