Be a Caring Neighbor: Sponsor a Child
The Neighborhood Outreach Connection (NOC) is a 501(c)(3) community development organization established in 2008 in Beaufort County, SC. NOC seeks businesses, organizations, and individuals willing to sponsor a child from low-income households and underserved neighborhoods for our after-school academic and enrichment programs. All NOC programs are 100% scholarship with no cost to the families served.
At NOC’s six learning centers in Beaufort County, children from low-income households and underserved neighborhoods receive support from NOC’s field staff, teachers from local schools, and volunteers to finish homework and build skills in math and reading so that they can excel academically. NOC’s afterschool and summer learning programs, along with its enrichment program, show positive results in academic performance and personal development of participating students. Since its inception in 2008, NOC has served more than 3,500 children from low-income and low middle-income households.
Please also note that since 2008, NOC through its health care and workforce/community development programs, has benefitted more than 12,000 children and adults in Beaufort County.
You can sponsor a child for the 2023-2024 academic year for $1,200.
It is through our partnerships that we can uplift people out of poverty.
To donate now, please click on the blue button “Donate Now,” above.
NOC Appoints Executive Director

Julie Palma, who joined the Neighborhood Outreach Connection (NOC) in June 2022, has been appointed as the organization’s Executive Director, effective September 26, 2023. Julie is a resident of Hilton Head Island and lives with her husband Michael in Hilton Head Plantation.
Julie is the organization’s Chief Executive Officer, providing leadership, knowledge, and professionalism to help NOC grow and prosper so that more low-income families can benefit from NOC’s community development efforts. In keeping with NOC’s mission, business model, and strategic priorities, she will be responsible for the organization’s business, administration, and day-to-day operations. She will ensure successful implementation of NOC field operations and outreach programs relating to education and enrichment, health and wellness, and workforce/community development. She will give special attention to results and impact, and to building stronger relationships with families, communities, and partner agencies.
Julie brings to NOC leadership qualities and experience in the field of education, management, and human resource development. She has over 18 years experience in public education, both teaching and administration, and dealing with high-risk children. Julie is strongly committed to NOC’s mission, business model, and development approach to lift people out of poverty.
Julie recognizes that NOC, established in 2008, has been very successful in implementing its mission and programs with tangible results and impact. It has established a strong foundation, a proven business model and development approach, and a high standard of integrity in its operation to grow and expand its programs locally and nationally to help those living in poverty. Julie will build on this foundation and promote the following goals:
GOAL 1. Reduce the “achievement gap” of children from underserved neighborhoods and low-income households locally.
GOAL 2. Improve the health of people living in low-income neighborhoods through health screenings and health and wellness education, referrals, public safety, and good nutrition and wellness.
GOAL 3. Augment skills and knowledge of low-wage workers through NOC’s workforce development and social entrepreneurship programs.
GOAL 4. Build stronger communities through NOC’s outreach programs and community development efforts in low-income neighborhoods served by NOC.
GOAL 5. Replicate NOC model in other low-income neighborhoods locally, statewide, and nationally over the next three years.
Young Philosopher at Work …
Derek, a second grader, attends NOC’s after school and enrichment programs at the Oaks Learning Center in Hilton Head Island. He is an excellent student, dedicated to learning and acquiring new knowledge. On Wednesday this week (September 27), Derek got off the school bus glued to his book, reading intensely with an expression of joy.
Instead of joining the other kids for a snack and short break before entering the learning center, Derek continued reading his book. He was in his own world, oblivious to the noise of the children around him.
Derek is a smart kid with a bright future.
NOC and Its Partners Provide Vital Health Services to People in Need Locally
On September 14, NOC and its valued health and wellness partners provided health screening and referral services during a free clinic at the Lowcountry Presbyterian Church in Bluffton. The church generously provided space for NOC to conduct its free health clinic for children and adults in need. During this event more than 130 people were screened for diabetes, blood pressure, cancer, dental health, vision, and HIV/AIDS. Many individuals received vital referral information relating to health care (VIM referrals, healthy minds, and drug and alcohol). These beneficiaries lack timely access to affordable health care.
This highly successful event would not have been possible without the support of NOC’s partners – Beaufort Memorial Hospital, DHEC, VIM/HHI, VIM/Bluffton and Jasper, LIONS Club, DMH, Coastal Empire Community, BC Alcohol & Drug Abuse Dept., ROC Dental Group—as well as NOC staff & Board members, volunteers, and friends.
NOC is very grateful to these entities and individuals for their dedicated support to help those who are in need and those who are vulnerable. NOC will continue to provide this important service periodically.
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