NEIGHBORHOOD OUTREACH CONNECTION
To establish a level playing field for all members of our community, so all may enjoy a better quality of life.
In mid-December 2014, All Saints Episcopal Church in Hilton Head Island provided a special treat to children who had participated regularly in after-school classes at NOC’s Oaks Program Center. Members of the church congregation purchased WalMart gift cards that allowed each child to shop for that special gift that she or he wanted.
Click here to read NOC’s letter of appreciation to All Saints: letter to All Saints, Jan 1, 2015
Earlier this year, thanks to a generous $90, 000 grant from the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, with additional funding from the Wexford Foundation, the Long Cove Foundation, and private donors, NOC opened its fourth program center in the Cordillo neighborhood on Hilton Head Island, SC.
On December 6, the organization held a grand opening celebration and ribbon cutting (see photos below) to mark the success of this newest program center where more than 60 children receive after-school academic reinforcement and homework support. NOC is making a real difference in the lives of these young people by opening the door to academic achievement and success in school.
Click here to view coverage of the event by WSAV-TV: http://www.wsav.com/story/27565361/neighborhood-outreach-connection-tutors-children-in-cordillo-courts
In a legal decision that could impact the state’s public school system, the S.C. Supreme Court ruled that the state has failed in its duty to provide “a minimally adequate” education to children living in the state’s poorest school districts. State Senator John Matthews testified to the Court that “we must do whatever it takes to make sure our children’s opportunities are not defined by where they live.”
Read more: http://www.thestate.com/2014/11/12/3807370_breaking-sc-supreme-court-finds.html?sp=/99/205/&rh=1
NOC Founder and Chair, Dr. Narendra P. Sharma, gave a keynote presentation at a workshop attended by representatives from 15 South Carolina foundations at the Community Foundation of the Lowcountry on October 24, 2014. Dr. Sharma’s talk focused on the NOC model as an example of how individuals, families, and communities can be empowered to achieve independence, self-reliance, and dignity.
Earlier in the workshop, participants had reflected on Robert Lupton’s recent book, Toxic Charity: How Churches and Charities Hurt Those They Help and How to Reverse It. Dr. Sharma pointed out NOC’s comparative advantages in addressing the needs of underserved groups, in particular:
View Dr. Sharma’s presentation: Community Foundation Presentation Oct 24, 2014
On Saturday, October 18, NOC sponsored a community celebration for residents of Cordillo Courts, The Hedges, and Woodhaven Apartments. Approximately 80 children and 30 adults joined NOC staff, past and current Board members, friends from the Italian American Club, and other volunteers for an afternoon of food, fun, and fellowship. Special thanks are due to Cordillo Program Manager Kaci Hollingsworth and NOC Board member George Palleta, who organized this event, and to Teresa Ullman, who provided Spanish translation.
All those attending enjoyed pizza, hot dogs, and watermelon. Activities for the children included soccer, hopscotch, hula hoops, and a raffle for t-shirts, gift cards, toys, games, and books. One grateful parent spoke up to thank NOC for sponsoring the event, noting that no one had ever done anything like this for the community.
