Five individuals (Bethany Ramseur, Judy Blahut, Consuelo Saldivar, Edwin Rivera, and Bo Gunlock) spoke at the May 22 HHI Town Council meeting on behalf of NOC regarding the proposed Cordillo Courts Project, which was recently unanimously approved by the HHI Town Council in a 7-0 vote.

Each spoke passionately about NOC’s outreach program at Cordillo Courts that was terminated May 15, 2018, in response to the demands of the Cordillo Board of Directors. They emphasized that NOC’s presence in the Cordillo neighborhood has helped many children and families through NOC’s education and health care programs over the past 4 years. They indicated that the interim solution developed with the generosity of St. Luke’s Church will provide a home for NOC’s programs and the children from Cordillo, Hedges, and Woodhaven for two years.

The speakers emphasized that a community building is an integral component of the Cordillo project and should not be less than 1,400 sq. ft., as originally planned for tennis instruction and community functions. The speakers also mentioned that the community center would be used by more than 20 community organizations and groups, including NOC, to serve the population of the south end of the Island. One speaker correctly stated that the NOC family is looking forward to returning to the neighborhood once the building is completed.

The Town must safeguard the interests of the entire HHI community over the interests of a small group of outside investors who are driven by narrow profit-making self-interest.

At the Town Council meeting on May 15, 2018, Assistant Pastor Steve Chisholm, representing St. Luke’s Church, stated that the Town of HHI should proceed with implementation of the Cordillo Courts Tennis Project, as approved recently by the Town Council in a vote of 7 to 0. He noted that the community building is an integral component of the proposed project. A community building would be used by multiple local service providers, including NOC, to benefit the community in the south end of the Island. People from Cordillo, Hedges, and Woodhaven Apartments would also benefit from this community building though various services and community events.

Read Pastor Chisholm’s statement:

St Lukes Statement–05-15-18 to HHI Town Council

The children and families at Cordillo Courts, along with NOC family and friends, made the day (April 22, 2018) extra special. There was much fun and laughter as people enjoyed abundant food, games, and music. Clearly, pizzas and cookies were favorites for the children. Dr. Sharma greeted the group and gave special thanks to Judy Blahut, Program Manager at Cordillo Courts and her team, Gerson and Consuelo, and to teachers and volunteers who participate in NOC’s learning program, including Bethany Battig Ramseur and students from Prep High School. Special tribute was given to St. Luke’s Church for making their facility available to NOC’s children and families to continue with their programs after May 14, for at least two years. Also, a special thanks was given to Providence Church and other community agencies for their support.

The success of this event reflects the efforts of the entire HHI community. Other speakers were Steve Chisolm, Assistant Pastor, St. Luke’s Church, Dr. Bill Ward, Providence Church, and HH Mayor David Bennett. Also present were several NOC Board members and staff, David Ames, HHI Town Council member, and Tom Conner, community leader, who played a major role in negotiating the agreement with St. Luke’s Church. Special thanks also goes to the Italian American Club for their participation and support. Finally, the residents of Cordillo and Hedges made the event colorful and exciting.

All in all, a great day!

NOC intends to apply for a 21st Century Community Learning Center subgrant from the South Carolina Department of Education. The application and any waiver will be available for public review after it is submitted.