NEIGHBORHOOD OUTREACH CONNECTION
To establish a level playing field for all members of our community, so all may enjoy a better quality of life.
Red Cedar Elementary School awarded NOC Simmons Cay students special certificates for respect. NOC focuses on core value of honesty, respect, and integrity, and its learning culture calls for students to place high priority on education and continuous learning.
NOC Program Manager Shirley Kinlaw-Falcon said she is extremely proud of her students. Recipients of the award and their parents were recognized at NOC’s Simmons Cay Program Center, and each student was given a Centurion Pin.
NOC Founder and Chair, Dr. Narendra P. Sharma, gave a keynote presentation at a workshop attended by representatives from 15 South Carolina foundations at the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry on October 24, 2014. Dr. Sharma’s talk focused on the NOC model as an example of how individuals, families, and communities can be empowered to achieve independence, self-reliance, and dignity.
Earlier in the workshop, participants had reflected on Robert Lupton’s recent book, Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help and How to Reverse It. Dr. Sharma pointed out NOC’s comparative advantages in addressing the needs of underserved groups, in particular:
View Dr. Sharma’s presentation: Community Foundation Presentation Oct 24, 2014
On Saturday, October 18, NOC sponsored a community celebration for residents of Cordillo Courts, The Hedges, and Woodhaven Apartments. Approximately 80 children and 30 adults joined NOC staff, past and current Board members, friends from the Italian American Club, and other volunteers for an afternoon of food, fun, and fellowship. Special thanks are due to Cordillo Program Manager Kaci Hollingsworth and NOC Board member George Palleta, who organized this event, and to Teresa Ullman, who provided Spanish translation.
All those attending enjoyed pizza, hot dogs, and watermelon. Activities for the children included soccer, hopscotch, hula hoops, and a raffle for t-shirts, gift cards, toys, games, and books. One grateful parent spoke up to thank NOC for sponsoring the event, noting that no one had ever done anything like this for the community.
On October 16, more than 60 people participated in a Heath Screening Clinic sponsored by NOC, in conjunction with Beaufort Memorial Hospital, VIM, and DEHEC. There is widespread acceptance of health screening among residents of the Oaks and surrounding neighborhoods. Twenty women took part in a free aerobics class that focused on the importance of exercise.
The Oaks Network, a new community association, provided enthusiastic support for the clinic. In addition, special thanks goes to Dan Clauer, Paul Wexler, Teresa Ulllman, Flor Mora, Oscar Cardozo, Tom DeVoire, and staff from the partner agencies, all of whom gave of their time to make this clinic a great success.
Juan Leyva Perez has been recognized as a Cordillo Student of the Week. Juan is in the 3rd grade at Hilton Head IB Elementary School where he is a great student! He always has a smile on his face, and is a joy to have in NOC’s after school program. He is friends with everyone, and he epitomizes the concept of being a caring neighbor. Juan is always willing to take an extra minute to ensure the computers are shut down, and everything is in order before he takes his place in line for snack at the end of the day. During study time, you will find him keeping to himself and working diligently on the task at hand. He sets an excellent example for those around him, and is a pleasure to work with!
Congratulations on being Cordillo Student of the Week, Juan!
