In this inspiring episode of Listen Lakeland, host Dr. Sallie Stone, Founder of Compass Smart Solutions and Owner of Well-Done! Events, sits down with Dr. Pamela Craven, Executive Director of the Learning Resource Center (LRC) of Polk County. Together, they explore LRC’s remarkable 50-year journey of serving learners from early childhood through adulthood. Dr. Craven shares the organization’s roots in grassroots volunteerism, its evolution into a vital educational support system, and the programs that continue to uplift students across the county—from “Camp READY!” to SAT/ACT prep, and even game design classes.

Listeners will hear heartfelt success stories that highlight the transformative impact of LRC’s work, including students like Zion, Jackson, and Maximus. Dr. Craven also candidly discusses the challenges of nonprofit education work, the importance of community partnerships, and the critical need for continued support—whether through volunteering, financial giving, or simply spreading the word. This episode is a powerful reminder of the role we all play in building a brighter future for Lakeland’s learners.

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🎧 Listen Lakeland is a collaborative project by Lakeland Vision, the City of Lakeland, and Hall Communications, dedicated to providing an exceptional quality of life for all residents.