NOC – Page 15

NOC-Beaufort County Library Partnership

October 9, 2019 By NOC

The Beaufort County Library Bookmobile has become a regular visitor to NOC’s 6 learning centers (2 in HHI, 2 in Bluffton, and 2 in downtown Beaufort), benefiting children and families who now have easy access to books, reading material, and videos from the Bookmobile. This is a powerful way to promote reading and love for books. Through this partnership, NOC expects more children and adults to benefit from this valuable program.

Thanks to the Beaufort County Library for their innovative project and delivery of vital services to underserved locations and neighborhoods.

ONYX (Simmons Cay) Learning Center Reopens

September 30, 2019 By NOC

NOC’s field staff met with families at the ONYX (Simmons Cay) Apartments in Bluffton on September 25 to announce that the after-school program will resume classes on Monday, September 30, after being temporarily closed. The children and parents are eager to participate in NOC’s programs. NOC field staff also explained NOC’s intention to provide programs that relate to the health and workforce development/community development. NOC has been involved at ONYX since 2014 and we look forward to building our partnership with the community there to help children excel in school and to help families enjoy a better quality of life.

Congratulations to the field team for their outstanding work.

The Town of Hilton Head Flip Flops on the Cordillo Tennis Project

September 23, 2019 By NOC

After voting to include a building of at least 800 to 1200 sq. ft. as an integral component of the Cordillo Tennis Project, the Town Council reversed its decision and now plans to include only a small structure consisting of storage space and restrooms. Such a building will not allow for a proper youth tennis program. The Town Council appears to have been influenced by outside investors who are interested in transforming these affordable housing complexes into high end units that cater to tourists with high payoffs.

Dr. Narendra Sharma, Founder & Chair of NOC, appeared on the WHHI evening news on September 13 to discuss this topic.

To view his interview, go to: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PJisw1xaGrw

Words from the Chair on NOC’s 10th Anniversary

September 14, 2019 By NOC

This is indeed a special day for us as we celebrate NOC’s 10-year anniversary.

There is much to be proud of because we are making a difference in the lives of many children and families. We are creating opportunities for people in need to get ahead in life and to enjoy happiness and a better quality of life. We are able to do this because of NOC’s unique development approach and business model. NOC maintains a strong presence in the neighborhoods it serves and connects with people by building trusts and relationships with people who live there.

NOC brings capital, targeted services, technology, and other service providers into an underserved neighborhood. NOC’s core programs of education, health care, and workforce and community development are the key drivers in promoting change and development in the neighborhood. Ten years ago, we started with 5 children as a grassroots organization with a shoestring budget; today we serve more than 650 children through NOC’s 6 learning centers covering all of Beaufort County. Nearly 200 people benefit from NOC’s heath screening program annually, and many people benefit from NOC’s workforce development, community events, and enrichment programs. These results are achieved with a budget of less than $500,000 annually and focusing on an efficient delivery of services to the target population.

All this has been made possible through the generous donations of many individuals, foundations, and governmental agencies, plus the support that we have received from local churches, civic organizations, businesses, and other service providers.

Today, we are poised to expand NOC’s programs in Beaufort County and replicate the NOC model outside Beaufort County, statewide and nationally. We have trademarked NOC’s business model and logo, and we have developed blueprints to replicate the model. We want NOC to flourish beyond Beaufort Coounty as a grassroots organization in low-income neighborhoods managed and funded by local people and entities without central control and high overhead costs.

This past 10 years has been a long journey … tough but rewarding and gratifying. I have worked extremely hard but received helped from many individuals and good Samaritans. From this standpoint, I have been lucky and blessed.

In another 10 years, I will be 85 years old … a reality that I cannot control. In the next 10 years, I hope that NOC will help more children and families in need … that NOC’s brand and outreach will continue to flourish in other areas throughout the country. In keeping with my succession plan, I plan to step down from my current position in 2021, and pass the baton to others to lead the organization to the next frontier. Given a shared passion to help others, I am sure we can promote NOC in other areas beyond Beaufort County. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who are in need to get ahead in life.

Thank you.

Narendra P. Sharma, PhD, Founder & Chair

Neighborhood Outreach Connection, NOC

September 13, 2019

Colleton River Plantation Club, Bluffton, SC

NOC Celebrates at Colleton River Plantation Club, Bluffton, South Carolina

September 14, 2019 By NOC

On September 13, 2019, NOC celebrated its 10-year anniversary, along with its annual Golf Tournament for the teachers at the Colleton River Plantation Club. The golf tournament was played on the famous Nicholas Course, followed by a delightful dinner with open bar and music by none other than Deas Guyz. Proceeds from this event go to support NOC’s education programs.

The day was perfect and festive, and the outcome was magnificent.

Eighty-four players participated in the tournament and more than 160 people attended the dinner, including teachers, volunteers, NOC field staff, and representatives from the various communities served by NOC. Throughout the day, there was an air of fun and joy. Clearly, this was a five-star celebration.

Patrice McCloskey and Judy Blahut, Co-Chairs, of this successful event, did an outstanding job, having worked tirelessly to plan, mobilize support, and implement the program. NOC is highly indebted to them.

We are also grateful to the various sponsors of the event, golf participants, individual donors, and others who participated in the event. Special thanks are extended to the Colleton River Plantation Club for allowing NOC to hold this event at the Club. Lastly, we extend our appreciation to Reggie Deas and his band for their captivating music.