News – Page 28

NOC Appoints New Director of Field Operations

January 18, 2015 By nocadmin

NOC is pleased to announce the appointment of Alice Page as Director of Field Operations, overseeing programs and activities at all four NOC Program Centers in Hilton Head and Bluffton.

Alice retired to Hilton Head Island in July 2014 from Northern Virginia where, for many years, she was the Director of Human Resources and Administration for the Reston Association, a large-scale community association that manages Reston, one of the country’s largest planned communities. Prior to that, Alice held senior positions for health-related non-profit organizations in the Washington DC Metropolitan Area, overseeing HR/Administration departments for these organizations.

Alice has led teams in diverse assignments and has accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience in mentoring staff and encouraging team work. She has worked with many groups, including boards, volunteers, staff committees, and clients. She is accomplished in developing, implementing, and managing a variety of programs and activities, including information technology and workplace wellness programs.

Alice has also volunteered as a computer trainer for the Loudoun County Workforce Center in Leesburg, VA for five years and served as a volunteer Information Specialist for the Smithsonian Institution. Alice holds a Bachelor’s degree from Trinity University, a Master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University, and a Management Certificate from George Washington University. She is a health and fitness advocate, as well as an avid runner and bicyclist. She also enjoys Victorian novels and cooking

Alice joined NOC as Program Manager at the Oaks Program Center in September 2014. She brings to NOC extensive leadership, management, and organizational skills, as well as experience in managing administrative and human resources functions and activities. As Director of Field Operations, Alice will focus on results and operational efficiency. She will ensure that NOC’s field operations reflect high quality and integrity in keeping with NOC’s mission and strategic priorities. Finally, Alice will continue to build strong relationships with parents, teachers, and the community NOC serves.

All Saints Church Brings Christmas to Oaks Program Center

January 2, 2015 By nocadmin

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

NOC Celebrates Official Opening of Cordillo Program Center

December 8, 2014 By nocadmin

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

S.C. Supreme Court Finds State Failing Poorest School Districts

November 14, 2014 By nocadmin

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.”

Sharma Makes Presentation at Community Foundation Workshop

October 28, 2014 By nocadmin

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:

Ensuring a strong presence in target neighborhoods and making connections with families by establishing program centers in these neighborhoods.
Listening and building relationships and trusts with people in the neighborhoods; and involving them in finding solutions.
Focusing on empowerment (“teaching people how to fish”) through human capital development.
Partnering with the local schools and service providers, and bringing their services into the neighborhoods.
Bringing teachers, high school tutors, and volunteers into NOC’s neighborhood program centers.
Providing technology-based learning in target neighborhoods.
Focusing on results and impact, while keeping costs low (<$1,200 per child annually).

View Dr. Sharma’s presentation: Community Foundation Presentation Oct 24, 2014