Working with its partners – Beaufort Memorial Hospital and DHEC – NOC sponsored a Corona-19 vaccination clinic on Wednesday, July 21, 2021. In this successful Vaccination Project, 66 individuals, including adults and children over 12 years old, received Pfizer or J&J vaccines over a two-hour period. These individuals recognized that by receiving the vaccine, they are protecting themselves, their families, neighbors, and community. Each participant received a $25 gift card to celebrate the day.

NOC’s project began with visits to working families in non-gated neighborhoods on HHI, stressing the importance of vaccination. NOC believes that at least 80% of the population in HHI should be vaccinated to safeguard the health of the larger community and to protect the local economy from slow-down or stagnation.

NOC THANKS ITS PARTNERS, FRIENDS, VOLUNTEERS, STAFF, AND BOARD MEMBERS WHO SUPPORTED THIS OUTREACH EFFORT.

NOC is holding one of its Bluffton summer learning programs at the Lowcountry Presbyterian Church on Simmonsville Road. The happy faces of these children and NOC’s field team show the success of this 4-week program that combines academic and enrichment activities. The children are having fun, while augmenting their skills in reading, math, and language arts. Social networking also serves these children positively.

NOC extends a special thanks to the Lowcountry Presbyterian Church for their generosity and partnership in meeting the learning needs of these children.

Daysha and Michael, students at NOC’s Marsh Pointe Learning Center, recently submitted entries in Beaufort Housing Authority’s poster and essay competition. Students were asked to express “What Home Means to Me.” Dayshe’s poster focused on “Community,” while Michael’s poster illustrated the importance of “Family.” NOC wishes Daysha and Michael GOOD LUCK!! in the competition.

The contest is held each year for children residing in affordable housing communities.

Congratulations to Hilton Head Prep sophomore Gabby Klobucar, the 2021 recipient of the Neighborhood Outreach Connection Outstanding Volunteer Award. The award has been given annually since 2016 to a Hilton Head Prep upper school student who has demonstrated dedicated commitment to helping children excel academically at NOC’s St. Luke’s Learning Center.

The 2020-2021 school year was Gabby’s first time volunteering with NOC at the St. Luke’s Learning Center, but in a short time she became an integral part of the NOC team. The more Gabby volunteered, the more she bonded with the students. The time she spent with the students allowed her to see the hardships they face, and recognize how different her own childhood was in comparison. As a result, Gabby now volunteers almost every day that NOC is in session. She has found volunteering to be a way to give back and lift the whole community. She has also recruited fellow students and friends to volunteer with her.

VOLUNTEER IN ACTION … Every Monday through Thursday afternoon, Jonathan waits anxiously at the NOC-St. Luke’s campus for his favorite high school volunteer, Gabby Klobucar, to arrive. He cannot wait to greet her with a huge hug. Jonathan is not the only student who feels this way. Jose, who is nine, said “Gabby is great with us and helps us with our homework. She is so friendly with me.” Arianna, who is nine, said, “Gabby helped me do the multiplication problem that I could not do. She explained to me how to solve it. I love her.” The big smiles on every face when Gabby enters are clear evidence that she is special to all NOC students.

Volunteers like Gabby make all the difference in a young person’s life. It is often easier for students to bond with someone who is closer to their age. Gabby’s patience and passion have made a lasting difference on the students at NOC.

We are proud of you, Gabby! Thank you for giving your time and talent to make our community a better place for everyone.