How it started
Terese started by operating group homes for girls up to 18 years old, aiming to give back to young ladies. After they phased out, she helped them with housing and jobs. From there, she expanded into outpatient therapy and then contracted throughout North Carolina to provide behavioral health, mental health, peer support, housing, counseling, group therapy, medication management, and substance abuse services. She is a strong advocate for mental health, especially in areas with poverty, mental health issues, and crime. Her volunteer work in these communities, including givebacks, feedings, and days of prayer, led to a significant contract from the city, which further supported her mental health agency. She also owns a cosmetology school, and many of its clients come from her mental health agency due to its location. She is the only female Black-owned cosmetology school in North Carolina with accreditation.
The business is growing and contracting throughout North Carolina, serving a significant number of people who depend on its services. Challenges include being a minority provider and breaking through barriers, but her passion for giving back to the community without expecting monetary gain has helped her overcome these obstacles. She works with a population that often deals with mental health issues, physical violence, and domestic abuse. Her motivation comes from knowing that many people depend on her, and it's not an option for her to not show up every day. She ensures the doors are open, contracts are maintained, and accreditations are in place. She also faces the challenge of providing immediate help to those in need, as there are often long waiting lists for state programs and shelters are full.
Terese found "Revenued" to be an amazing solution for expanding and growing her business, especially given the costs associated with being licensed and contracted across most of North Carolina. She appreciates having a financial backing that allows for immediate funding without the usual hoops, waiting periods, extensive documentation, and qualifications required by traditional banks.This immediate access to funds is crucial for addressing the immediate needs of her clients. She primarily uses the Revenued card for bigger purchases, such as acquiring property for transitional living, an additional resource office, and a crisis mobile unit. She would absolutely recommend Revenued to other small business owners, emphasizing its "resourceful" and "supportive" nature. The process was effortless, with funding available within days based on bank statements showing the business's longevity and history. She highlights the importance of building relationships with companies like Revenued for backup, especially during uncertain times, as it can determine whether a business survives.
The behavioral and mental health services industry is an essential part of the healthcare system, addressing critical needs such as counseling, substance abuse treatment, peer support, and crisis intervention. Providers like Carolina Therapeutic Services play a vital role in underserved communities, where access to immediate care can be limited by long wait times and resource shortages. Operating in this sector requires significant investment in licensing, staffing, and facilities, making reliable access to business funding crucial for growth and continuity of care. With demand for mental health services increasing nationwide, agencies that combine community advocacy with flexible financial resources are best positioned to expand their impact.