In the nine months Lonnie Calhoun III has held the position of Director of the Charlotte County Learning Center he has strengthened existing programs, initiated new programs, and undertaken a fundraising effort – while maintaining the center’s commitment to helping the community, according to a press release.

Calhoun’s first undertaking was to re-familiarize the community with the center and the free services it provides, while enhancing its traditional literacy, digital literacy and workforce training efforts. A six-week course, Plugged In Virginia (PIVA), piloted by Calhoun and taught by Joyce Nelson, the center’s new program manager, promoted workforce soft skills, learning workplace safety and reading skills. Five students took the course and graduated, receiving a certificate that tells employers they know the basics of a safe workplace.

There have also been improvements to the facility. Southside Virginia Community College donated remodeled laptop computers to the center. In addition, the Book Nook, a Community Library and Learning Space, which is managed by Dorthiea Price, a board member and volunteer, has been reorganized and spruced up. According to the press release The Book Nook sells books inexpensively or at no cost, depending on the need, to community members. Tables and chairs were donated by the Blue Ridge Bank of Drakes Branch for a reading area.

Founded in October 1986, the learning center’s mission is to help illiterate adults in the county learn to read. Since its creation, it has grown to include Southside Virginia Community College sponsored classes in preGED and GED, English as a second language, basic computer literacy, writing, money management, health literacy and public speaking. The center is open 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. during the week.

Contact Calhoun at charlit401@gmail.com or by telephone at (434) 542-5782.