The Neighborhood Outreach Connection thanks the Heritage Classic Foundation for its funding support of our mission and outreach programs.

The continued support of the foundation allows Neighborhood Outreach Connection to finance its core activities relating to education, health services and workforce development.

In the area of education, which is one of our main outreach thrusts, these additional funds enable us to offer after-school tutoring, homework support and Internet-based learning for children in low-income neighborhoods on Hilton Head Island and in Bluffton, as well as preschool and adult learning programs. These programs, which are run by teachers and adult and student volunteers, provide more than 250 children with the extra attention needed to help them succeed academically, stay in school and graduate on time.

In addition, neighborhood health screenings offered in conjunction with Beaufort Memorial Hospital, the Lions Club (evening group), and volunteers have benefited more than 1,200 people from low-income households over the past four years.

Funds from the Heritage Classic Foundation will help us sustain and expand these vital community programs.

Narendra Sharma, chairman Neighborhood Outreach Connection Hilton Head Island-Bluffton