News

NOC New Oaks Scholarship Day!

September 22, 2022 By NOC

NOC students and families committed to their partnership with NOC during a recent scholarship ceremony.

The NOC scholarships ask students and families to commit to academic excellence, personal development, and family involvement. Hilton Head High School Principal Steven Schidrich marked this special occasion for the families by handing out the NOC scholarship certificates. We thank him for inspiring students to become Seahawks. It is NOC’s pleasure to provide all our families 100% scholarships for NOC’s learning programs. NOC provides education support free of charge to students who are committed to exceling in school and graduating on time from high school.

We are proud of our students, their families, and their future!

Chimney Cove Residents Need Help

September 5, 2022 By NOC

Chimney Cove Village, an affordable housing complex, is home for many working families whose future remains uncertain as investors see other high return options for this complex in the lucrative local tourist industry. Despite paying high rent, the more than 300 people who live in Chimney Cove see limited options for finding a new home in Hilton Head Island, where they have jobs and where their children attend local schools.

NOC recently met with several families whose children attend its education program, families who have benefitted from NOC’s health screening and community development programs. The families expressed deep concerns about the current situation and the challenges they face moving forward. NOC is exploring ideas on how to help these families and children, who are valuable members of our local community.

Be a Compassionate Neighbor

August 31, 2022 By NOC

On Sunday, August 28, 2022, Dr. Narendra P. Sharma, NOC Founder and Chair, delivered the sermon at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Lowcountry in Bluffton, SC. His focus was “Be a Compassionate Neighbor … NOC’s Approach to ‘Teaching a Person to Fish’ to Achieve Independence, Self-Reliance, and Dignity.” He spoke about cultivation of the soul in order to achieve inner peace and lasting happiness. The presentation was enthusiastically received by the congregation and prompted vigorous discussion following the service.

Slides from the presentation are attached: Narendra Sharma. UUC Presentation, August 28, 2022

What a Pleasant Surprise …..

February 21, 2022 By NOC

Thursday, February 17, was a special day for Dr. Sharma as he visited NOC’s Learning Center at Island Lutheran Church on Hilton Head Island. His expectation was simple: He expected to see smiling faces of children working diligently with teachers from local schools, volunteers, and NOC’s field staff. But, lo and behold, he was greeted at the door by two parents who surprised him with a basket of fruits artfully carved by these parents. The presentation had NOC’s logo and the name of the church –Island Lutheran Church. These parents said that this gift was a token of appreciation from the children and families NOC serves locally.

Clearly, this gesture was unexpected, but greatly appreciated for the thoughtfulness of the people NOC serves. Caring for others, especially those who are in need and those who are vulnerable, is the essence of our existence and purpose in life.

Thank You! Lowcountry Presbyterian Church

February 1, 2022 By NOC

Rev. Christine Herrin and Congregation: Good morning.

Thank you for the opportunity to share with you a message from Dr. Narendra Sharma, NOC’s Founder and Chair, and from the NOC family.

We are happy to report that NOC’s after school and summer learning programs, which started in June 2021 at the Bluffton Lowcountry Presbyterian Church, have been highly successful.

You provided a home to these children and families when NOC lost its Avalon Shores and ONYX Learning Centers. The children have settled in well in this new location and are participating actively to build their academic, social, and emotional skills. The parents of these children are grateful for the generosity of the Lowcountry Presbyterian Church in providing a safe and secure facility for their children.

NOC also appreciates the support of the Lowcountry Presbyterian Church and the partnership that has evolved over time. You have not only provided a good facility to NOC, but you have also provided funds to help NOC implement its outreach program. For this we are grateful. We have our first volunteer (Wendy McCarthy) from your congregation and we hope the volunteer pool will grow.

The last two years have been difficult for everyone, especially for children and families of low-income households in Bluffton. These underserved children have suffered significant learning loss during the pandemic because of lack of access to virtual learning and academic support at home. Furthermore, the children have suffered from social and emotional stress, which has adversely impacted their personal development.

NOC’s education program at the Lowcountry Presbyterian Church is vitally important to help children excel academically and to build social and emotional skills. Working together, as partners, we can continue to ensure that these most vulnerable children have the support they would otherwise not receive. Together, we can also expand our outreach program to help more children, as well as families in need and those who are vulnerable.

Thank you.

This statement was read by May Angulo, NOC Program Manager, on Sunday, January 30, 2022, at the Bluffton Lowcountry Presbyterian Church.