REPORT
A VIBRANT QUARTER IN THE VISION RESOURCE CENTER
JULY - OCTOBER 2025
Welcome to the Vision Resource Center’s Quarterly Impact Report for July through October 2025. This report highlights our key achievements, program outcomes, and community collaborations during this period.
Through the dedication of our staff, volunteers, and partners, we continue to advance our mission of empowering individuals with vision loss to live independently and with dignity.
Continue reading to discover the moments, and collaborations that made this quarter so meaningful.
SUMMER FUN AND ADVENTURES
The VRC Family kicked off the quarter with a summer charged with fun, excitment, and new experiences. Going on a fun-filled Bingo Casino trip to Danville, Virginia, and then hosting a joyful and empowering Summer Camp experience, embracing adventure and friendship.
The group also attended a lively performance of the play 9 to 5 at the Cape Fear Regional Theatre.
As part of the VRC Foodies tour, participants enjoyed delicious meals at Kusinera Filipino Restaurant and Mi Casita.
LEARNING, GROWING
AND THRIVING
This quarter, we continued to promote independence and healthy living through our Growing Green and Countertop Herb Planting classes at the Cape Fear Botanical Garden.
These hands-on sessions provided members with practical experience in cultivating and using herbs at home, fostering both self-sufficiency and wellness.
Our Lunch and Learn Session this quarter focused on understanding insurance, helping participants make confident and informed decisions about their personal well-being and financial security.
In addition, we convened an Activities Committee Meeting to ensure our programs remain responsive to the evolving needs and interests of our members. This collaborative approach allows us to integrate new ideas and maintain a dynamic, engaging schedule of activities.
COMMUNITY, CULTURE, AND CONNECTION
The Vision Resource Center was everywhere this quarter:
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VRC Members attended the Cumberland County Commissioners Meeting, toured and shopped at Apple Crate, and enjoyed Jazz in the Park during the International Folk Festival.
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Two of our members proudly spoke at the United Way Marquis Society Dinner, sharing how the VRC impacts their lives.
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Meanwhile, two of our Visionaries represented us at the Arts Council of Fayetteville’s Art After Hours event, guiding visitors through the unique experience of seeing art without vision.
CELEBRATING BLINDNESS AWARENESS MONTH
October was a truly special month as we celebrated Blindness Awareness Month with a variety of meaningful activities.
The VRC proudly took to Downtown for a World Sight Day Pride Walk, bringing visibility and unity to our mission while connecting with the community.
We kept spirits high with engaging recreational opportunities, including bowling, the start of new crochet sessions, and the launch of our Walking Club, encouraging members to stay active and creative.
In addition, the VRC supported civic engagement by encouraging members to participate in early voting.
The center also hosted an inspiring presentation on the History of Blindness by Dr. Bradley Kadel. His talk provided valuable perspective and initiated a thoughtful conversation among attendees.
We closed the Blindness Awareness Month on a high note with our Community Yard Sale, an awareness event filled with laughter, teamwork, and great vintage finds.
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SPOTLIGHT ON VOICES AND MUSIC
Our Turn the Lights On Podcast continued to shine bright, featuring inspiring interviews with our members and a special guest appearance by National Recording Saxophonist Pamela Williams.
Her story and music brought energy and inspiration to all who tuned in.
WHAT'S NEXT?
As we close this quarter, we’re excited to share that The Vision Resource Center will once again be participating in Giving Tuesday in partnership with the Cumberland Community Foundation.
This is an opportunity for our community to come together in support of adults and children with visual impairments across Cumberland County and beyond.
We invite you to join us on Giving Tuesday (Nov. 24 - Dec. 2) to help strengthen our mission and vision for a more inclusive future.
What a great quarter it has been!
None of this would be possible without the compassion and support of our community, staff, volunteers, and partners. Together, we continue to prove that vision has no limits.
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- Terry Thomas
Executive Director
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
We are deeply grateful to all who make these programs and experiences possible, including Summer Time Kids (STK) at the Cumberland Community Foundation, the Raymond and Eleanor Manning Family Fund of Cumberland Community Foundation, Inc., our Out of Sight Wing Fling sponsors, the United Way of Cumberland County, an anonymous trust, and our cherished VRC Angels.
Your generosity helps us create life-enriching opportunities that allow individuals who are blind and visually impaired to thrive, connect, and live whole, independent lives.
We also extend heartfelt appreciation to our generous donors who supported Wellness, Independence, and Inclusion to Thrive through our Spring Appeal; your compassion continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of those we serve.
