Since early 2012, NOC has interacted with local law enforcement personnel to strengthen relationships with the Oaks community.
Recently, Sergeant Laurel Albertin and Sergeant George Moreno visited NOC’s Program Center at Oaks. They interacted with the children, served them snacks during their break, and talked about organizing a social event for the children on July 27 at Oaks. The children were excited to communicate with the two officers who are creating a pathway to improve relationships within the community. This Oaks experience can serve as a model for developing positive relationships within other low-income neighborhoods.
NOC’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce the appointment of Ally McNair as its new Vice Chair. Ally has served on NOC’s executive committee and has been instrumental in building the Board in keeping with NOC’s strategic priorities. She has played an important role in raising funds for NOC and in marketing NOC’s outreach programs. She will be active in implementing NOC’s priorities in its second five –year phase of growth and expansion, drawing on her past experience and knowledge of organizational effectiveness, networking, and communication.
In response to high demand by residents in some low-income neighborhoods, NOC has opened a window of opportunity for women and men who, because of lack of transportation or lack of time, are unable to attend English classes offered by other service providers. Individuals now have the opportunity to participate in English classes twice a week at NOC’s Program Centers in Bluffton and Hilton Head Island.
NOC launched its Summer Virtual Learning Program on June 10, 2013, in Hilton Head Island and Bluffton, a week prior to the Beaufort County School District’s (BCSD) formal opening. With three years of experience, NOC wanted to give its students a head start to maximize gains in learning for the eight-week program. More than 120 students are now participating in the program and NOC has a waiting list of students who want to join the summer program.
Emily Blackshire shows enormous commitment, dedication, and compassion as she helps others through community service. She first came to NOC in 2010 as a high school tutor while she was completing her studies at Hilton Head Prep. Emily quickly connected with the children and gained significant insights about people living in a low-income neighborhood. She understood their struggles and challenges in coping with day-to-day living and their desire to move forward to achieve a better quality of life. Instead of immediately going to a university, Emily made a courageous move by taking an assignment in Uganda to work on a sustainable development project, helping women to generate income and employment. Following this important work, Emily took a position in Washington with a social entrepreneurship company, which allowed her to broaden her understanding of issues relating to development. Clearly, Emily, in a short period, has matured and acquired much practical experience.
