Narendra Sharma, PhD., Chair of NOC, spoke to members of the Hilton Head Kiwanis about NOC's outreach programs in Hilton Head Island, identifying areas in which members of Kiwanis could participate and programs in which the two organization could collaborate.  

 

Dr. Sharma's presentation focused on the following:

 

 What is NOC's mission?

 Why is NOC relevant?

 How does NOC conduct its work?

 What has NOC accomplished to date?

 What are NOC's current priorities?

 

The discussion focused, in large part, on the scale and extent of poverty in Beaufort County, including Hilton Head Island and greater Bluffton. The presentation demonstrated that data on poverty is scarce and limited, and that much of it is derived from the 2000 census report. Dr. Sharma pointed out that poverty may be in excess of 12% in Beaufort County and more than 17% among children under 17 years of age. 

 

Furthermore, it was pointed out to the audience that because of the current economic slowdown and the last recession, which started in December, 2007, more persons have slipped into the poverty category. Presently, many people are unemployed (more than 8% in Beaufort County) and many more are underemployed. A significant number of people are under stress and face severe hardships.

 

In terms of NOC's priorities, Dr. Sharma enumerated the following:

 Broaden and deepen outreach programs and expand program centers.

 Increase efforts relating to workforce development and micro-enterprises.

 Expand and diversify NOC's volunteer pool.

 Strengthen NOC's capital base to support expanded and new programs.