The true spirit of the holidays was found at NOC’s Island Lutheran Learning Center on Wednesday, December 6th. It was a very festive time with much joy and happiness for NOC’s students, families, volunteers, staff, and Island Lutheran church members. Zoara, the popular comfort dog, made a special appearance and spread holiday cheer and snuggles with children and adults alike.

All of this fun and excitement didn’t prevent some of our diligent NOC children from wanting to do their academic work. Their dedication is inspiring.

NOC appreciates its continued partnership with Island Lutheran Church. Thank you for spreading joy among children and adults at our learning center.

Sunday, November 19, was a perfect day for a Fall celebration at Hony Horn Plantation in HHI, SC. It was a sunny day with a light breeze and agreeable temperature. Between 500 and 600 people attended this colorful event, which was organized by working families, friends, donors, and staff of NOC. The children and families enjoyed a variety of delicious ethnic dishes from Latin America. The children were thrilled to spend some time in the Bounce House and tossing horseshoes. Everyone was entertained with live music, songs, and dances performed by children and adults.

This was a grassroots event that we are proud of locally. Special thanks go to families, volunteers, friends, donors, and NOC staff who worked tirelessly to make this event very special and to raise money to support afterschool and enrichment programs in NOC’s 6 learning centers in Beaufort County.

A highly successful event!!

The Neighborhood Outreach Connection (NOC) is a 501(c)(3) community development organization established in 2008 in Beaufort County, SC. NOC seeks businesses, organizations, and individuals willing to sponsor a child from low-income households and underserved neighborhoods for our after-school academic and enrichment programs. All NOC programs are 100% scholarship with no cost to the families served.

At NOC’s six learning centers in Beaufort County, children from low-income households and underserved neighborhoods receive support from NOC’s field staff, teachers from local schools, and volunteers to finish homework and build skills in math and reading so that they can excel academically. NOC’s afterschool and summer learning programs, along with its enrichment program, show positive results in academic performance and personal development of participating students. Since its inception in 2008, NOC has served more than 3,500 children from low-income and low middle-income households.

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Please also note that since 2008, NOC through its health care and workforce/community development programs, has benefitted more than 12,000 children and adults in Beaufort County.

 

You can sponsor a child for the 2023-2024 academic year for $1,200.

It is through our partnerships that we can uplift people out of poverty.

To donate now, please click on the blue button “Donate Now,” above.

 

 

 

 

Julie Palma, who joined the Neighborhood Outreach Connection (NOC) in June 2022, has been appointed as the organization’s Executive Director, effective September 26, 2023. Julie is a resident of Hilton Head Island and lives with her husband Michael in Hilton Head Plantation.

Julie is the organization’s Chief Executive Officer, providing leadership, knowledge, and professionalism to help NOC grow and prosper so that more low-income families can benefit from NOC’s community development efforts. In keeping with NOC’s mission, business model, and strategic priorities, she will be responsible for the organization’s business, administration, and day-to-day operations. She will ensure successful implementation of NOC field operations and outreach programs relating to education and enrichment, health and wellness, and workforce/community development. She will give special attention to results and impact, and to building stronger relationships with families, communities, and partner agencies.

Julie brings to NOC leadership qualities and experience in the field of education, management, and human resource development. She has over 18 years experience in public education, both teaching and administration, and dealing with high-risk children. Julie is strongly committed to NOC’s mission, business model, and development approach to lift people out of poverty.

Julie recognizes that NOC, established in 2008, has been very successful in implementing its mission and programs with tangible results and impact. It has established a strong foundation, a proven business model and development approach, and a high standard of integrity in its operation to grow and expand its programs locally and nationally to help those living in poverty. Julie will build on this foundation and promote the following goals:

GOAL 1. Reduce the “achievement gap” of children from underserved neighborhoods and low-income households locally.

GOAL 2. Improve the health of people living in low-income neighborhoods through health screenings and health and wellness education, referrals, public safety, and good nutrition and wellness.

GOAL 3. Augment skills and knowledge of low-wage workers through NOC’s workforce development and social entrepreneurship programs.

GOAL 4. Build stronger communities through NOC’s outreach programs and community development efforts in low-income neighborhoods served by NOC.

GOAL 5. Replicate NOC model in other low-income neighborhoods locally, statewide, and nationally over the next three years.

Derek, a second grader, attends NOC’s after school and enrichment programs at the Oaks Learning Center in Hilton Head Island. He is an excellent student, dedicated to learning and acquiring new knowledge. On Wednesday this week (September 27), Derek got off the school bus glued to his book, reading intensely with an expression of joy.

Instead of joining the other kids for a snack and short break before entering the learning center, Derek continued reading his book. He was in his own world, oblivious to the noise of the children around him.

Derek is a smart kid with a bright future.