Hilton Head, Bluffton, Beaufort:
NOC Response to Island Packet Article
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
ONYX (Simmons Cay) Center in Bluffton Flourishing
The last six months have been a busy period for the children, parents, and field staff and volunteers at NOC’s center at ONYX (Simmons Cay) in Bluffton.
About 40 children have registered in NOC’s after school and summer learning programs. The children are excited to come to NOC’s facility at ONYX, Monday through Thursday, where they enjoy healthy snacks and the support of teachers from local schools, dedicated volunteers, and NOC’s field staff. Parents are fully engaged, contributing snacks for the children, as well as helping to clean the center. A highlight of this period was the cheerful Christmas party, which was enjoyed by both children and parents.
The mobile unit from the Beaufort County Library has made bi-weekly visits to ONYX, providing the children with books that they can check out. This is a highly successful program for the children. In addition, the health screening program, in partnership with the Beaufort Memorial Hospital, was useful, especially for families who do not have access to affordable health care.
NOC expects these children to demonstrate improved learning skills in math, reading, and language arts when they take the school-administered standardized tests during this academic year.
Exploitation of Under-served Neighborhoods in Hilton Head Island
In a recent interview with WHHI, Dr. Narendra Sharma, Founder & Chair, of Neighborhood Outreach Connection (NOC), discussed negative changes occurring in neighborhoods in Hilton Head Island — neighborhoods that provide affordable housing for working families and retirees living on modest incomes. He explained that this trend poses a serious threat to the local economy, future investments, and quality of life in HHI. The Island is already strained by the lack of affordable housing for the workforce that supports the service, construction, health, and domestic sectors. As the cost of living increases, retirees and working families are negatively affected. This in turn has a roll-over effect on the Island’s economy as the cost of services increases for all residents.
For further information listen to the following video interview: https://youtu.be/aqwuReDFQW8
Expelled Oaks Children Rescued by Good Samaritans
On December 30, 2019, NOC was ordered by the Oaks Apartments Board of Directors not to allow children (25 to 30 active students) residing outside the Oaks to attend NOC’s after school and summer learning programs starting in January 2020. Shortly thereafter Good Samaritans from Island Lutheran Church stepped up to provide a place for their classes to continue.
Read more at: Expelled Children in Hilton Head Island Rescued by Good Samaritans
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