ABOUT US
Our Mission
The Vision Resource Center (VRC) enhances the quality of life for individuals who are blind or visually impaired.sour
Our History
The Vision Resource Center began in 1936 as the Cumberland County Association of the Blind, serving the needs of this special population in conjunction with the Cumberland County Department of Social Services. We are proud to be one of the first four agencies of the United Way of Cumberland County.
In 1976, with the involvement of a group of church members, the Cumberland County Association of the Blind was incorporated and began offering services at a facility on Robeson Street.
In 2000, our name changed to the Vision Resource Center (VRC), and, in 2007, we moved to the Dorothy Gilmore Therapeutic Recreation Center located at 1600 Purdue Dr, Fayetteville, NC 28304.
In May 2019 (thanks to all our incredible supporters) the Vision Resource Center now has their very own Center for the Blind, our NEW HOME located at 2736 Cedar Creek Road Fayetteville, NC 28312.
Governing Board
The Vision Resource Center is governed by a dedicated Board of Directors, who serve on a volunteer basis. Our Board members are actively involved in the Center’s operations and fundraising efforts. Board meetings are scheduled at least four times a year.
Meet Terri Thomas - Executive Director of the Vision Resource Center
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Terri Thomas spent most of her career in corporate America as an experienced buyer with companies such as Micron, Memorex Telex, John Deere and Wyeth Pharmaceuticals (Pfizer). However, her dad's health began to decline, and she took on the role of the "only-child" caregiver which transformed her life. Terri left Wyeth in 2004 with a severance package in hand to care for her father and obtained her Master's Degree in Gerontology from Oklahoma State University in 2009.sformed her life. Terri left Wyeth in 2004 with a severance package while pursuing her Master's Degree in Gerontology at Oklahoma State University.
Terri became Executive Director of the VRC in February 2010. Terri is known for going above and beyond to help, advocate, and support the blind and visually impaired in her community through their life journey. Terri enjoys creating meaningful life experiences for the visually impaired, which does not limit them because they have little or no sight.
As a part of VRC, Terri takes pride in making a difference for those that need a voice and she is driven by her motto, "True greatness in life is to choose to pursue significance over success", which is taken from 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life on Fire by John O'Leary.
Board Members
Fred Baker - Chair
Reshma Patel Beal - Vice Chair
Jacqueline Smith - Secretary
Jesse Baker - Treasurer
Dr. Mark Kendrick, Member
Steve Goodson, Member
Shawnelle Jones, Member
Rick Foster, Member
Cara Spencer, Member
Advisory
Ramon Yarborough
Suzanne Shankar
Carol Foster
Melvin Lindsey
Staff
Terri Thomas - Executive Director
James Johnson - Driver
Monica Turner- Program Manager
Patty Nusbaum- Volunteer Community Relations
Board meetings are held on the 2nd Tuesday, monthly at 11:30 a.m. on Zoom Conference Meeting
If you are interested in becoming a part of our volunteer organization or to learn more about our programs and services please complete the email form below or call (910) 483-2719.