The VRC sends out prayers for all of our essential workers all over the world. We include as well, families and friends that have lost loved ones and those affected in any way by COVID-19. We pray for the scientists, businesses, and medical industries to provide more tests, solutions, and supplies to help us during this trial. I believe that in the bleakest times, God is there for us, as long as we trust and yield to him. Please stay at home unless its essential and necessary, its the only way to help us decrease the infected and the fatalities.
As the coronavirus continues to affect our communities our staff and volunteers are constantly checking on our members and working hard to get them essential items they need.
Wishing James our dedicated driver a very happy birthday. We feel lucky that you came our way! 🎁
Doing a little homework before painting our multi-purpose room. So many beautiful colors to choose from. 🎨
Even though COVID-19 put distance between us, we still remain a productive team!
VRC staff and volunteers delivered care packages to our members young and old during the coronavirus pandemic. Our hearts were filled as we provided much needed light relief. 💜
Our loaner Ruby HD Magnifier makes reading schoolwork a little easier for one of our youth members.
Fayetteville residents sew face masks, assemble care packages for children during COVID-19 pandemic. CLICK FOR FULL STORY
As coronavirus continues to impact our community we quickly finished delivering care packages to our Limitless group (ages 19-29). It's hard being apart during this time, but we are taking reasonable precautions to minimize risk. Nevertheless, we will continue to stay in touch with our valued members by phone.💜
NOTICE: In response to growing concerns about the coronavirus, spring break camp scheduled for April 14-17 has been cancelled. All payments for the camp photo will be refunded in the coming days. Stay well!
Although the coronavirus has us practicing social distancing, it won't stop us from celebrating our members! Today is Joe Bledsoe's 73rd birthday, and tomorrow Wayne and Katherine Gill will celebrate 44 years of marital bliss! Happy Birthday and Happy Anniversary! We love you!
Wishing all of our VRC family members a very safe and happy Easter.
The VRC could use your help! We always need volunteers, so if you are looking for a way to give back to your community, try the VRC. We invite you to join us and find out just how fulfilling and FUN it is to be a part of this great organization! More about volunteering can be found here: Volunteers Needed
YOUTH SUMMER EXPLOSION 2020 VRC will offer a wide variety of summer activities for blind and visually impaired youth under the age of 18. Programs offered will range from traditional summer activities such as water sports, arts and crafts, cooking classes, cultural trips & life skills classes. Activities are designed to help campers be more independent and gain confidence. The summer program will run May through August with one intensive week of trips and activities (June 22-26) and bi-weekly camp days scattered throughout the other months.
For more information or REGISTER ONLINE visit our website at www.visionresourcecentercc.org
SPONSORS NEEDED! for the Vision Resource Center 4th Annual Chicken Wing Cook-Off on Saturday, June 13th, 2020 (12-6 pm) at Dirtbag Ales Brewery & Taproom, Hope Mills. To learn more call 910-483-2719 or visit our website at www.visionresourcecentercc.org.
A Note From Our Executive Director, Terri Thomas
We want to thank all our donors who have contributed to the VRC this month to help us continue the VRC work in our community. As a result of COVID-19, VRC on wheels, a new disaster relief/assistance program came to life.
We identified VRC members that are home alone and have no way to get supplies nor groceries during this time. COVID-19 funds allowed us to deliver and purchase care packages to our kids at home and those in need.
The VRC believes.. our inspirational support group will begin on Thursday, April 9th, via conference call with our members and their families. Again COVID-19 funding allowed us to upgrade this service, so we did not have to use an access code (which poses an obstacle to prevent our members from participating-with too many numbers). We plan to do this weekly and will serve as an additional check-in. We continue to check on our VRC "family" members during this pandemic crisis; this is a time where depression and isolation indeed run rapidly, and our mission is to reduce the occurrence of these feelings as much as we can.
The 2020 Census is here, and they have extended the deadline. Working with Howard Rawls, Director of Planning and Inspection, Cumberland County and Sharon Covington, Partnership Specialist, US Census Bureau, we were able to come up with a solution for our visually impaired to be counted. An 800 number was given for our participants to complete the Census directly through an agent without having to utilize the identifiers on the letters sent out, which is a difficult feat for them. We thank Mr. Rawls and Ms. Covington for their help and compassion. The 2020 Census matters in our community. Please be counted, complete your Census now!
Thanks to Cheri Smith, Yvonne, and Andre, Designing Station team members for helping us to help one of our members furnish his new apartment. Our VRC member did not have a bed to sleep on, and now he has a bed, furniture in every room, and kitchen accessories to make a beautiful home. We will miss Designing Station in our community; we pray that Cheri Smith, founder's vision of transitioning individuals and families from homelessness with no to meager income, continues in Cumberland County. Thanks to Patty Nusbaum, VRC volunteer Community Relations Ambassador, and her family for aiding in this remarkable transition for our VRC member. Non-profits helping non-profits do fantastic work, that's what it's all about.
The VRC volunteer community relations ambassador, member outreach coordinator, and staff are working at home remotely to ensure when we resume business as usual; the VRC will be even better.
The 2020 "Out of Sight" Wing Fling is still on. We will await direction from Governor Cooper at the end of the month to see if we should continue to push forward. The event will serve not only as a fundraiser but a much-needed breath of fresh air if the "stay at home" directive lifts. Stay Tuned.
VRC is praying to resume all programming in May.
Remember, good things can come out of any situation! Wishing safety, peace, blessings, and love to each of you and your families
Make a difference in the world of people with no or low vision.
Until next time
With love and blessings,
Terri and the VRC family
Executive Director
Vision Resource Center
…..Serving the Blind and Visually Impaired
#80years1939-2019
VRC Happenings in April 2020:
ALL VRC activities have been CANCELLED until further notice due to COVID-19.
Watch for more updates! Follow our Facebook page and check out our website at www.visionresourcecentercc.org for more information.
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