Wake Up Tri-Counties Etta LaFlora Talks Stepladder Tutoring Program and Donation Options

In this Wake Up Tri-Counties Morning Show interview, Jennifer Russell speaks with Etta LaFlora about the Sunshine Community Services Center (SCSC) and its Stepladder Tutoring Program, a vital after-school and summer academic support initiative for middle school students in Kewanee and surrounding areas of Henry County. LaFlora explains how the program began in 2011 as a pilot at the local library, evolved with district support, and has since provided free, one-on-one tutoring in math and reading to students from sixth through eighth grade. The program emphasizes academic responsibility, skill mastery, and long-term success, with participants receiving daily snacks and ongoing progress tracking through school systems like Skyward. Despite canceling their Easter weekend tag days due to logistical challenges, SCSC continues fundraising through online donations via www.sunshinecsc.com, in-store roundups at Save-A-Lot in Kiwani, and mail-in contributions to PO Box 405. The organization also promotes community involvement and shares heartfelt stories of former students who have thrived thanks to early academic support. The episode underscores the importance of early intervention in education and the transformative impact of consistent, personalized tutoring. LaFlora highlights that the program’s success relies on community generosity, as no student is ever turned away due to inability to pay. With a mission rooted in empowerment and volunteerism, SCSC continues to plant 'seeds' in children’s lives, aiming to reduce academic barriers before they become insurmountable in high school. The segment closes with a strong call to action for listeners to support the cause through donations, roundups, and social media engagement.