Over 14% of the population in Beaufort County, SC, does not have health insurance or easy access to affordable health care. Over the past 17 years, NOC has worked closely with its highly committed health service partners (Beaufort Memorial Hospital, DHEC, VIM in HHI and in Bluffton, Lions Club, BC Alcohol & Drug Abuse Dept., and Gullah Nurses in Beaufort) to implement neighborhood health screenings in Beaufort County. These important health screenings include vision, hearing, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, HIVAIDS, syphilis, and dental hygiene. Individuals also receive vital information on drug and alcohol abuse, mental health, and health and wellness.

On May 16, NOC and its partners offered a health screening at NOC’s New Oaks Learning Center, which is easily accessible to working families. To accommodate more working individuals, NOC’s health screening was offered from 4:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The weather was delightful; the turnout was excellent; and the atmosphere was cheerful as people mingled and waited patiently for various screenings.

NOC thanks its partners, volunteers, and its staff and participating Board members.

Greetings!

 We hope 2024 brings peace, happiness, good health, and prosperity to you and your family.

 2023 was a good year for NOC.  We continued to implement our mission and programs to help children and families from low-income households locally. NOC’s outreach programs –education & enrichment, workforce & community development, health & wellness– grew significantly and reached pre-pandemic levels (2019 peak).

 This outcome was possible because of the extraordinary support from NOC’s donors, partners, friends, and volunteers, as well as the outstanding work of the NOC staff and Board of Directors.

  We are confident that 2024 will be a great year as NOC expands its programs and replicate its business model in other areas to help more people.

 As we look ahead to 2024, it is important that we keep in mind those who are suffering and those who are vulnerable and less fortunate — not just here at home, but throughout the world.

 In closing, we must remain hopeful. Be safe; stay well … better days are ahead of us.

Be a caring neighbor… 

Cheers — NOC Family

   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!!