News – Page 3

NOC and Its Partners Provide Vital Health Services to People in Need Locally

September 16, 2023 By NOC

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.

NOC’s Students in the City of Beaufort, SC Engage Successfully in Education and Enrichment Programs

August 24, 2023 By NOC

The 2022-2023 academic year, including the 2023 summer session, provided children at NOC’s Waters at Ribaut and Marsh Pointe Learning Centers with a safe and accessible environment for supplementary learning and enrichment activities. The children were enthusiastically engaged in NOC’s programs and benefitted from the support they received from NOC’s dedicated staff and volunteers. During the academic year, NOC served 119 students from the Marsh Pointe and Waters at Ribaut apartment complexes.

Stephanie Frazier, NOC’s Program Manager at Waters at Ribaut, remarked:

All the students have been impacted positively by NOC, one way or another.
NOC’s programs have brought out the joy of learning in the students.
Jaylyn gets excited when we do science activities. She really lit up with excitement when she was able to create her own stars with our Galaxy Jars activity.
Rayven loves math and science, so he was able to incorporate his love of these two subjects when he built his Gears Structure during a S.T.E.M. activity.

NOC extends a special thanks to the NOC field team, parents, and friends.

Community Clean-up at New Oaks Learning Center

August 24, 2023 By NOC

NOC is grateful for our families and the many ways they partner with us. Recently a group of families participated in an NOC community clean-up around the New Oaks Learning Center. Volunteers mowed the lawn, cut the hedges, and picked up trash along Southwood Park Drive to brighten our community. They made sure the NOC Learning Center sign is visible to all those passing by on Highway 278.

The event was a great way to connect to our families and our neighbors.

NOC Students Show Creativity in Talent Show

July 25, 2023 By NOC

Last week (July 20, 2023) students at NOC’s New Oaks Learning Center displayed much creativity in designing and implementing a colorful outdoors talent show for families and friends. The sizzling summer heat had minimal impact on these enthusiastic children, who entertained the audience with songs and dances that they eagerly choreographed and staged.

The student team that provided the energy, time, and efforts in various practice sessions included Julia, Vanessa, Emir, Sebastian, Jenelle, Jeremiah, and Lili, all from local public elementary, middle, and high schools. Special thanks are due to Flor Mora and her field team for helping the children make this talent show highly successful and extra special.

A great day for the children and the NOC family.

NOC and Island Lutheran Church Partnership Flourishes on HHI

June 4, 2023 By NOC

On June 3, 2023, NOC and Island Lutheran Church held a very successful social event that drew a diverse group of individuals from Island Lutheran Church and the families and communities that NOC serves locally.

The event allowed individuals from both communities to become acquainted and build relationships. The participants—both children and adults—enjoyed delicious tacos, chips, cookies, fruit salad, and cold beverages that were provided.

Dr. Sharma, Founder & Chair of NOC, gave a brief account of how this partnership has evolved since 2019, developing into an important center for children to participate in NOC’s afterschool and enrichment programs. It is also an important center for NOC to offer courses and workshops from its health and wellness program, as well as its workforce/community development activities.

Dr Sharma added that NOC is highly indebted to the Church and its members for making their facility available. NOC appreciates that the Church recognizes the importance of this partnership and the services it provides to our neighbors in need. Dr Sharma thanked Flor Mora for her leadership as NOC’s Program Manager. She, together with her team, has made this center successful.

A great day to remember!