Terrie Cross

Having started and sold three successful businesses, I was 56 years old–now what? I considered retiring for about two seconds and then the opportunity of a lifetime appeared. I was asked to be Executive Director of a nonprofit helping the underserved children in the East Tennessee mountains of Scott County.

In 14 years, the Appalachian Life Quality Initiative has started or assisted 20 programs in Scott County and raised $13 million in grants/donations and $65 million in-kind. I feel very blessed to be able to be a part of this in a county that has had the highest unemployment in the state of Tennessee for over 4 years, and over half the people are on food stamps and/or welfare.

A day in my life at ALQI may be reading to 15-20 toddlers; or, on the other end of the county, installing a program on a donated computer so a 40 year old man can start learning his ABCs; or unloading a truck of donated clothing and bringing in churches and organizations to pick it up for individual distribution; keeping records during dental screening in the schools; distributing toys to over 2,000 children at Christmas; helping the Boys and Girls Club with their various fundraisers; writing grants; ringing the bell for the Salvation Army; serving on various boards and committees.

As I turn 71, on my agenda are more learning centers located in two local churches; a two day health clinic providing free dental and eye care; raising money to send 35 kids to camp free of charge; and gathering toys for the big December event where parents pick out toys so their children will have a gift from Santa. I turned in my resignation last year, but my board of directors refused it – so I am still working. What on earth would I do if I wasn’t doing what I am doing? How can anyone be so selfish as to direct their attention inward when it is the time in your life to give back?

(Terrie Cross was honored as an Encore.org Purpose Prize Fellow in 2007.)