Today we’d like to introduce you to Terri Thomas.
Hi Terri, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My journey to where I am today was not planned, but truly guided by purpose. I began my career in corporate America as a Buyer for companies such as Memorex Telex, Micron, John Deere, and Wyeth (now Pfizer). During that time, my life shifted when my mother passed away and my father’s health began to decline, requiring more care and frequent doctor’s visits. As I balanced my career and caregiving, my work performance understandably changed, and I realized something in my life had to give.
I sought guidance from my Aunt Linda, who encouraged me not to make a rushed decision but instead to fast and pray for direction. At the end of that week, Wyeth announced it would be transitioning to Pfizer and offering voluntary layoffs. I saw that moment as confirmation and chose to accept the severance package so I could care for my father and return home to Fayetteville.
While caring for him, I became more engaged in the community, served on local boards, and completed my master’s degree in Gerontology. As my severance was ending, a church member called and suggested I apply for a position working with individuals who are blind or visually impaired at the Vision Resource Center. I initially hesitated because I had no experience in that field, but I trusted the opportunity.
Sixteen years later, that decision has shaped my life and leadership. What began as a step of faith became a calling to serve, advocate, and uplift individuals who are blind and visually impaired, and it has been one of the most meaningful journeys of my life.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It has definitely not been a smooth road. My journey required significant personal and professional sacrifice. I transitioned from my own home in Garner back to my childhood home in Fayetteville to care for my father, and at the same time, I went from a six-figure corporate career to a part-time nonprofit position earning $25,000 a year. That was a major life adjustment both financially and emotionally.
Over time, I grew into the role and am now full-time earning a livable wage, but nonprofit leadership has been the hardest work I have ever done. Securing grants, funding, and community buy-in for a mission that is truly needed is an ongoing challenge. It is not always easy to help others see the impact that we witness every day serving individuals who are blind or visually impaired.
Another struggle has been sustaining the mission while trying to recruit and retain quality staff. You want passionate, skilled people to serve the community, but you also must have the resources to compensate them fairly. Additionally, many people do not fully understand the value of nonprofits, especially those serving populations they may not personally connect with. Despite these challenges, the work remains deeply meaningful, and every obstacle has strengthened my commitment to the mission and the community we serve.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I serve as the Executive Director of the Vision Resource Center (VRC), a nonprofit dedicated to enhancing the lives of adults and children who are blind or visually impaired. My role is very hands-on and multifaceted—I oversee fundraising, financial management, program development, community partnerships, public speaking, and day-to-day leadership. At the heart of everything I do is advocacy for underserved populations and ensuring our programs remain accessible, impactful, and mission-driven.
I specialize in advocacy, community engagement, and building meaningful programs that promote independence, confidence, and social inclusion for individuals who are blind or visually impaired. I am known for my passion, persistence, and ability to build relationships that help sustain and grow the mission, even with limited resources.
What I am most proud of is the growth and transformation of VRC since I began 16 years ago. We evolved from a part-time organization into a full-time, active nonprofit that provided over 562 hours of programming in 2025. We have also developed innovative and inclusive initiatives such as a Braille Trail that allows members to walk independently and a 24-hour radio streaming program where volunteers read local news and magazines daily for individuals who are blind and print-impaired.
What sets me apart is my deep personal commitment to the mission and the people we serve. I do not just lead the organization—I advocate, uplift, and walk alongside our VRC family every day. My work is rooted in compassion, lived experience, and a genuine desire to make a lasting difference in the lives of those who are often overlooked in our community.
We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up?
My most favorite childhood memory is riding down to Garland NC with my mom and dad to church on Sunday (that was their hometown) visiting family, the laughs, listening to my mom and dad talking about family, listening to music and going to McDonalds afterward for a carmel sundae with no nuts and a plain hamburger nothing on it that was my meal of choice and the only time we went to McDonalds
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.visionresourcecentercc.org
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/visionresourcecenter
