NEIGHBORHOOD OUTREACH CONNECTION
To establish a level playing field for all members of our community, so all may enjoy a better quality of life.
Recently, an owner and resident of the Oaks Apartments in Hilton Head made the following observation about the NOC children at the Oaks Learning Center: “I happened to look out my window at our dirt landscaping and this is what I saw: kids from Neighborhood Outreach Connection (NOC) combing the area and picking up our trash. I was told this is done at all NOC locations and helps teach the children about littering. Like the parents and teachers, we are proud of these children.”
It is always uplifting to visit the after school programs at NOC’s neighborhood learning centers. The highlight of the day (November 7) was seeing the eager faces of children at the Oaks and Cordillo centers in Hilton Head Island. These kids with their radiant smiles exuded confidence, discipline, and happiness. Even after a long, tiring day at school, these children were eager to spend an additional hour to finish their homework and sharpen their skills in math and reading, while having fun.
At the Oaks center Kerimy was awarded a bicycle thanks to a generous donation by Paula Fee, who has previously provided bicycles to NOC to be given to a student for outstanding performance. Kerimy received the bicycle because of her academic results, attendance, and hard work.
At the Cordillo center, it is not just the children who are students. A weekly computer class, led by Cristian, a high school student, has been started for mothers whose children are in NOC’s after school program.
Our special thanks to the generous donors and supporters who make these outcomes possible.
Oaks Learning Center
This is indeed a special day for us as we celebrate NOC’s 10-year anniversary.
There is much to be proud of because we are making a difference in the lives of many children and families. We are creating opportunities for people in need to get ahead in life and to enjoy happiness and a better quality of life. We are able to do this because of NOC’s unique development approach and business model. NOC maintains a strong presence in the neighborhoods it serves and connects with people by building trusts and relationships with people who live there.
NOC brings capital, targeted services, technology, and other service providers into an underserved neighborhood. NOC’s core programs of education, health care, and workforce and community development are the key drivers in promoting change and development in the neighborhood. Ten years ago, we started with 5 children as a grassroots organization with a shoestring budget; today we serve more than 650 children through NOC’s 6 learning centers covering all of Beaufort County. Nearly 200 people benefit from NOC’s heath screening program annually, and many people benefit from NOC’s workforce development, community events, and enrichment programs. These results are achieved with a budget of less than $500,000 annually and focusing on an efficient delivery of services to the target population.
All this has been made possible through the generous donations of many individuals, foundations, and governmental agencies, plus the support that we have received from local churches, civic organizations, businesses, and other service providers.
Today, we are poised to expand NOC’s programs in Beaufort County and replicate the NOC model outside Beaufort County, statewide and nationally. We have trademarked NOC’s business model and logo, and we have developed blueprints to replicate the model. We want NOC to flourish beyond Beaufort Coounty as a grassroots organization in low-income neighborhoods managed and funded by local people and entities without central control and high overhead costs.
This past 10 years has been a long journey … tough but rewarding and gratifying. I have worked extremely hard but received helped from many individuals and good Samaritans. From this standpoint, I have been lucky and blessed.
In another 10 years, I will be 85 years old … a reality that I cannot control. In the next 10 years, I hope that NOC will help more children and families in need … that NOC’s brand and outreach will continue to flourish in other areas throughout the country. In keeping with my succession plan, I plan to step down from my current position in 2021, and pass the baton to others to lead the organization to the next frontier. Given a shared passion to help others, I am sure we can promote NOC in other areas beyond Beaufort County. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those who are in need to get ahead in life.
Thank you.
Narendra P. Sharma, PhD, Founder & Chair
Neighborhood Outreach Connection, NOC
September 13, 2019
Colleton River Plantation Club, Bluffton, SC
Thursday, August 1, was a beautiful day for the children and families at NOC’s Marsh Pointe Learning Center as they celebrated the successful end of the summer program. The NOC field team, together with the Burton Fire Department and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, made the day extra special for the children. Captain Dan Byrne and his team from the Burton Fire Department in Beaufort used their fire hose to create a rain shower to cool the children off. It was fun for the children, considering that it was sizzling hot outside. Sergeant Shea of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Department brought school supplies for the children from Marsh Pointe and Parkview, and the children enjoyed a lunch of cheeseburgers, cookies, and juice. The children were also thrilled to receive NOC t-shirts.
A special thanks to our partners: the Burton Fire Department and the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office.
Saturday, May 4, was a special day of celebration at St Luke’s Church in HHI. We gathered to celebrate the Sisters of Charity Foundation and other funders (St Luke’s Church, Bargain Box, Long Cove Foundation, and Wexford Charity Foundation) who support NOC’s outreach programs to benefit the children and families of Cordillo, Hedges, and Woodhaven Apartments. The children were joined by many friends of NOC and caring neighbors from surrounding areas. Music and delicious food (some provided by parents) were enjoyed by everyone. Featured speakers, Mr. Tom Keith (President & CEO of Sisters of Charity) and Rev. Greg Kronz (Pastor, St Luke’s) offered inspiring remarks of love, compassion, and faith. Susan, a student volunteer, spoke about the thrill and happiness she receives from her volunteer work at NOC’s learning center at St. Luke’s Church. Additional remarks were made by Dr. Narendra Sharma, NOC Founder & Chair and Cynthia Jenkins, NOC Executive Director. Finally, entertainment was provided by some of the Cordillo Learning Center students.
It was truly an afternoon that connected people and caring neighbors.
