Dr. Narendra Sharma, founder and board chair of Neighborhood Outreach Connection (NOC), has received national recognition with the “Daily Point of Light Award”. The Daily Point of Light Award (DPLA) is a national Presidential honor given to volunteers who go above and beyond in their efforts to help others. A DPLA spokesperson said that “awarding the Daily Point of Light to Dr. Sharma allows us to share NOC’s inspiring work with others.”

[caption id="attachment_22572" align="alignright" width="150"]<a href="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/COMMUNITY-DR.-SHARMA.jpg"><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-22572" src="http://www.yourislandnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/COMMUNITY-DR.-SHARMA-150x150.jpg" alt="Dr. Narendra Sharma" width="150" height="150" /></a> Dr. Narendra Sharma[/caption]

The Daily Point of Light Award was created more than 20 years ago by President George H. W. Bush who said, “By giving so generously of themselves, these remarkable individuals show us not only what is best in our heritage but what all of us are called to become.”

Dr. Sharma remarked that “he is honored and humbled by this national award.” He noted that “it is a testimony to NOC’s outstanding accomplishments over the past seven years, achieved with the help of NOC’s team, partners and generous donors. NOC’s model is unique and effective in combating poverty and lowering the achievement gap experienced by children living in underserved neighborhoods in Beaufort County. The NOC model can be replicated throughout the country.”

NOC is a 501(c) 3 organization, that currently serves 380 children through its preschool, after school, and virtual summer learning programs in four Beaufort County NOC Program Centers, which are located in underserved neighborhoods. Another 100 children soon will be served in the city of Beaufort as a result of a $163,500 innovation grant award given to NOC in partnership with the Beaufort County School District.

NOC also provides health screenings in collaboration with partners including Beaufort Memorial Hospital, VIM, and DEHEC. The screenings serve families in underserved neighborhoods. Last year, over 300 people took advantage of these health screenings.