A bullhorn and homemade sandwiches distributed at a local Danville park marked the humble beginnings of what would become a transformative force in Virginia’s fight against poverty. This grassroots effort has evolved into Changing Lives Outreach Center CDC, a comprehensive support system breaking cycles of food insecurity throughout the community. Founder Cynthia Terry, drawing from her own experiences with hardship, has built an organization that addresses not just immediate hunger but the underlying causes of poverty.
From Personal Struggle to Community Service
“My passion for fighting food insecurity began over 28 years ago,” shares Terry, a native of Danville’s South Side. Growing up in Liberty View, she experienced firsthand the challenges of living in a single-parent household where her mother worked two jobs to make ends meet. “There were still times when food was scarce,” she recalls, noting that the extra groceries her mother sometimes brought home were likely from a food pantry.
As an adult and licensed practical nurse, Terry’s heart remained in service to others. Her initial efforts were humble but impactful—using a bullhorn and distributing sandwiches at what is now Camilla Williams Park on Memorial Drive. She later ran a food bank through her church, The Healing Center Worldwide Inc., before officially founding Changing Lives Outreach Center CDC in 2018.
More Than Just Food
While Changing Lives began with addressing immediate hunger needs, Terry’s vision extends far beyond. “Being a catalyst for change means we’re not here to put a Band-Aid on poverty,” she explains. “We’re here to change the narrative.”
The organization offers multiple services designed to create lasting impact:
- Curbside/Mobile Food Pantry: Serving hundreds of youth, families, and seniors monthly by bringing food directly to communities in need
- After-School and Mentoring Programs: Providing academic support, life coaching, and career readiness for youth
- Health & Wellness Initiatives: Offering nutrition classes, physical activities in partnership with the YMCA, and cooking demonstrations
- Community Empowerment Workshops: Teaching budgeting, job skills, and self-sufficiency practices
What makes these programs effective is their holistic approach. “Food is the start, but knowledge is the path forward,” Terry says. By combining immediate assistance with education and skills training, Changing Lives aims to empower individuals to build better futures for themselves.
Meeting Real Needs in Real Time
One of the organization’s greatest strengths is its responsiveness to community needs. This became especially clear during the COVID-19 pandemic, when Changing Lives expanded delivery efforts, provided more hygiene supplies, and implemented contactless support systems.
“We’re constantly listening,” Terry emphasizes. Through surveys, conversations with neighbors, and feedback from volunteers and partners, the organization continuously adapts its approach. This flexibility has contributed to significant growth—their clientele has tripled over the past couple of years as food prices and housing costs have risen.
Terry particularly notes the challenges facing North Side neighborhoods, where their community center is located. “Many of the neighborhoods we serve are located in food deserts,” she explains. “Residents have limited access to healthy food and little education around nutrition,” resulting in increased rates of chronic health conditions like hypertension and diabetes.
Measuring Success Through Transformation
For Changing Lives, success isn’t just about numbers—it’s about transformation in real lives. Terry proudly shares that students in their after-school program have consistently improved by at least one letter grade. Five participants have graduated from high school.
One particularly powerful success story involves a teenager who became pregnant. Changing Lives connected her with resources, support, and alternative education options. Now she’s a graduate of George Washington High School and hopefully continuing education.
“Her story is one of many,” Terry notes, “from seniors regaining independence to youth discovering their purpose, the impact is real and lasting.”
A Vision for the Future
Looking ahead, Terry has both short-term and long-term goals for Changing Lives. In the immediate future, she plans to relaunch healthier cooking classes, expand youth mentoring, and strengthen senior outreach. Long-term, she envisions establishing a permanent community empowerment center—”a one-stop shop” offering everything from food access to education, job training, and wellness programs under one roof.
When asked what motivates her despite the challenges, Terry’s answer is simple yet profound: “We’re fueled by faith and impact. Every graduation, every healed heart, every full belly of a child, every smiling senior reminds us why this matters.”
Getting Involved
The community can support Changing Lives in numerous ways:
- Volunteering at food distributions
- Mentoring youth
- Offering workshops
- Donating healthy food or funds
- Partnering as a business, school, or church
“Every little bit helps us reach another senior, another child, another family,” Terry says. “Coming together as a community instills hope and empowers change.”
Above all, Terry hopes that those who interact with Changing Lives walk away feeling “seen, loved, and empowered to change.” The organization’s message is clear and powerful: “You matter. You are remembered. And change is possible.”