Neighborhood Outreach Connection

NOC achieved significant results in FY2022-2023 relating to its education and enrichment programs. Through its flagship after school and summer programs, NOC served 647 high risk children in Fall, Winter/Spring, and summer sessions at its six learning centers in low-income neighborhoods in Beaufort County. In addition, NOC served 546 high risk children through its enrichment program focusing on personal development. Each Learning Center which is easily accessible, and is equipped with computer technology and internet, and teaching materials, and it provides a safe learning environment for children. The children are provided with healthy snacks when they arrive at the learning center. At the learning center they receive support for completing their homework. They also receive support for building skills in reading, math, and language arts. They also participate in enrichment activities to build their social and emotional skills. Parents are directly involved and teachers from public schools and volunteers provide timely learning to high-risk children, mainly Hispanics and African Americans from low-income households. More than 90% of these children show progress in math and reading. NOC provides these important services, in partnership with the School District, Beaufort County Library and partner agencies free of charge. All children in NOC s education program receive scholarships through their commitment to academic excellence, regular attendance, and personal responsibility to good behavior. NOCs programs are staffed by NOCs staff (a Program Manager and a neighborhood Liaison), teachers from local schools, and adult and student volunteers from the community. NOC typically adds 30 to 35 school equivalent days through its programs, thus complementing the School Districts 180 days. Lastly, NOC provides this service for less than $1200.00 per child per year.

NOC's workforce and community development programs provide opportunities in low-income neighborhoods for helping people build workplace skills and knowledge. Through social events, networking, and building bridges among local communities, NOC fosters community development. . NOC involves churches and civic organizations to foster better relationships among communities. In 2020-2021, NOC through grant funding helped more than 100 low-income families with grants to cover rental and utility expenses, which kept them from being evicted. In FY2022/2023, 177 individuals benefitted from NOC adult learning programs, and over 930 individuals were involved in NOC sponsored community social events.

NOC promotes better health by facilitating periodic screenings in collaboration with Beaufort Memorial Hospital, Volunteers in Medicine, Lions Club, and the Department of Health and Environmental Control. During the initial years (2020-2021) of COVID-19, more than 300 people, who lack health insurance and limited access to health care, have benefitted from these health care support. In 2021-2022, NOC in partnership with the Beaufort Memorial Hospital, and DEHEC, vaccinated 75 individuals including children 12 years and older from low-income households on Hilton Head Island. In addition, during this period, more than 160 people have benefitted from health screenings relating to hypertension, diabetes, cancer, vison, and dental hygiene. Through social media NOC provided timely information to people in underserved neighborhoods in Beaufort County about Covid 19 testing and vaccination. In FY2022-2023, NOC along with its partner agencies conducted 472 health screenings for children and adults who lack affordable and timely health care.