The NOC Family remembered Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on January 17, 2022. It was a day for reflection, for taking stock of human progress, and for tackling challenges that we face as we try to make this world a better place for everyone.

Dr. King provided a good road map – a “Dream” — for human progress, social justice, and dignity. Dr. King understood the power of love, compassion, and tolerance to create a just and fair society, and to protect our democracy. He saw poverty, exploitation, and lack of opportunity as forces that undermine human dignity, independence, and self-reliance.

NOC pursues Dr. King’s Dream by helping those who are in need, and those who are vulnerable and less fortunate. We all have a role to play. We all must stand together.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about the things that matter.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr

It was a special day for the children at NOC’s Cordillo Learning Center. The children were excited and happy as they enjoyed pizza and gifts from Island Lutheran Church. The dedicated volunteers from Island Lutheran Church were led by Pastor Kevin Duff. The Comfort Dog Zoara’s presence was extra special for the children who have become fond of him. Several mothers also participated in the celebration. NOC’s field mangers, Carla and Nhur, did an outstanding job in making this event highly successful and exciting for the children.

The First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort, SC, in downtown Beaufort, is building a strong partnership with NOC to support children in NOC’s Learning Centers at Marsh Pointe and Waters at Ribaut (formerly Parkview) in downtown Beaufort. These children participate in NOC’s after school and summer learning programs. On November 14, 2021, the Marsh Pointe field team was invited to speak at the First Presbyterian Church in their “Minute for Mission Project” on Sunday.

First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort has graciously adopted NOC’s students through their Angel Tree Program to kick off their Holiday Giving Event, proving once again that when we work together, we can make a difference in the lives of children.

NOC Learning Center Managers gathered to discuss creative and innovative ways to help children and families from underserved neighborhoods in Beaufort County.

2020 was a difficult year, especially for children who had little support at home when schools closed down in March 2020 due to the spread of COVID. Many of these children did not fully participate in virtual learning and have fallen behind in math, reading, and language arts. Over the past four months these children have worked hard to regain some of what they lost academically, but they need more help.

NOC is committed to intensifying its efforts through its after school learning program to help children excel in school. NOC will also work with families and partner agencies to implement adult classes and community events beginning in 2022.

We are optimistic about a productive 2022.