In recognition of The Family Initiative, Inc. (TFI) 60th Anniversary, TFI is recognizing Nadine Terry, who has devoted nearly 40 years to supporting local children and families.
Terry began her career at TFI, formerly known as ‘The Farm’ Inc., outside Emporia, Kan. in 1985. She first started her career at TFI, working as a teaching parent at a group home. She fondly recalls an incident when she had a fall, and both the children and staff rushed to assist her.
“That moment made me realize that this workplace feels like a true family, where the kids and staff genuinely care for one another and the kids feel like a part of a family,” Terry reflects.
Terry remembers her coworkers as always being incredibly supportive. Over the years, she has taken on various roles that have shaped TFI’s culture. She has been a teaching parent, placement coordinator, director of marketing and director of consumer/provider relations. In addition to her work at TFI, she was also involved with a program called Rites of Passage, where she mentored African American girls, ages 10 to 18. Currently she serves as the Consumer Affairs Specialist and continues to support TFI’s mission to strengthen families and advocate for children.
When asked what motivates her to work for TFI, Terry explained, “My motivation is working with children and families. Knowing that I am making a positive impact on children and families and being a part of their support system is incredibly fulfilling.”
Terry advises those considering a career in child welfare to have patience and be prepared for challenges. She asserts, “Things might get tough, but you just have to stick in there because the end result can be you helping a child get to that next step, to get back to their family.”
Throughout her tenure, TFI has grown from 50 staff members to more than 1,500 staff members. She has enjoyed witnessing the growth and improvement in quality programs that TFI has been able to offer, as well as its expansion across five states. She recalls sending out agency trivia where she would quiz employees on TFI history and employees, to keep everyone close-knit and together. Terry says that no other job has given her the same level of fulfillment TFI has and she credits her experiences at TFI for shaping who she is today.
If she could offer advice to her younger self, it would be, “Never let anyone tell you that just because you’re a woman, that you shouldn’t or can’t pursue what you believe in,” says Terry. “If you have faith and determination, it is going to work out in your favor!”
Terry’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the impact that one person can make. We are thrilled to honor her with the TFI Years of Service Award later this month at our 60th Sip & Safari Anniversary event in Topeka, Kan. At this event on June 28, Terry will receive a prestigious award and be recognized by TFI leadership. As TFI’s longest-serving staff member, her dedication serves as a powerful source of inspiration to her colleagues and the
broader community, exemplifying unwavering commitment and setting a lasting example of perseverance and service.
To learn more about how you can become involved with TFI’s mission of strengthening families, please visit: Employment – TFI.
To learn more about TFI’s 60th Sip & Safari event, please visit: Sip & Safari – TFI’s 60th Anniversary Event – TFI.
Please note, this event is open to the public, but all attendees must be 21 years or older.
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