NOC – Page 17

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.

See remarks during the evening program by Dr. Narendra Sharma’s, NOC’s Founder & Chair, elsewhere on this website.

NOC Can Help in Jasper County!

August 2, 2019 By NOC

On July 25, 2019, Dr. Narendra Sharma, Founder & Chair of the Neighborhood Outreach Connection (NOC), spoke to the Town Council of Hardeeville, Jasper, County; SC. Dr. Sharma talked about NOC’s approach to community development with its strong presence in an underserved neighborhood where poverty is widespread. He added that the NOC model has a strong track record in generating results at lower cost. More importantly, he said that the NOC model is a cost effective way to promote community development in undeserved neighborhoods. He concluded that NOC can replicate its model in Jasper County where an NOC Learning Center would be managed, operated, and funded by local people with know-how, blue prints, and technical support from NOC’s central offices until such time as the program is self-sustaining with local support and resources.

View Dr. Sharma’s presentation here: Jasper County Town Council presentation, July 25, 2019

NOC Enrichment Day at Marsh Pointe

August 2, 2019 By NOC

Thursday, August 1, was a beautiful day for the children and families at NOC’s Marsh Pointe Learning Center as they celebrated the successful end of the summer program. The NOC field team, together with the Burton Fire Department and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, made the day extra special for the children. Captain Dan Byrne and his team from the Burton Fire Department in Beaufort used their fire hose to create a rain shower to cool the children off. It was fun for the children, considering that it was sizzling hot outside. Sergeant Shea of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department brought school supplies for the children from Marsh Pointe and Parkview, and the children enjoyed a lunch of cheeseburgers, cookies, and juice. The children were also thrilled to receive NOC t-shirts.

A special thanks to our partners: the Burton Fire Department and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.

NOC on WHHI “Talk of the Town”

July 30, 2019 By NOC

Judy Blahut, Co-Chair of NOC’s upcoming Special Event recently appeared on WHHI’s popular “Talk of the Town” program. Judy shared details about the NOC Golf Tournament “Fore the Teachers and Students” and the 10-year Anniversary Celebration of NOC at the beautiful Colleton River Club in Bluffton, SC., on September 13. This event includes a golf tournament on the famous Nicholas Golf Course at the Colleton River Club, followed by dinner and open bar at the Colleton River Club, with music by local favorites, Deas Guyz. Judy also pointed out that proceeds of this special event will support NOC’s learning programs for children in its 6 Neighborhood Learning Centers in Beaufort County.

Watch Judy’s interview at: https://youtu.be/kH4hDEk90CA