Testimonials

AS A WRITER

“Lori Yearwood is that rarest of creatures, the natural writer. Anyone can learn to put words together in a reasonably effective way, but few can speak with their true voice. Lori is the exception, the exceptional writer who uses the letters on a keyboard to craft a symphony of feeling.“

— Tom Shroder, bestselling author and former Washington Post editor of two Pulitzer Prize winning projects

AS A REPORTER

“I contacted Lori after my horse, Elvis, had a serious tendon injury. She was helpful and supportive of our ordeal and told me she wanted to write up our story. I wasn’t the easiest interview and our story was more complicated than Lori had thought, but she took the time to probe and question, and get that the real essence of our story. Weaving my memories of events with interviews of others involved, Lori made a beautiful tapestry that showed the details and highlights of the journey of me and my horse through some very difficult times.”

— Betsy Novotny, MD.

AS AN ENTREPUENER

“My name is Frederick Morley, principal of Charles R. Drew Elementary School. We are located in Liberty City, Miami, one of the poorest and most crime-infested neighborhoods in the country.

It is here, in this neighborhood, that Storyteller’s Ink (a program Lori Yearwood co- founded) launched its pilot program. At first I was skeptical — it was like nothing I had ever seen. Now I can honestly say that this program has made a huge difference in the lives of the 60 children who have been involved in it.

There are so many options — bad options — for children here to become involved with: Drugs, drug dealers, pimps, prostitutes and gangs. But the children of Storyteller’s Ink are not out there involved in those elements. They are in room #29, stretched out on colorful couches and rugs, writing and drawing about their lives.

I have never seen a room like this. It is perhaps the most unique room in the Dade County School System. These children are so comfortable here. IT is a place of non-judgement and great support.

This year, Charles R. Drew boasts the third-highest writing scores in the county. Not in the inner city — but in the entire county. At a time when Florida high school seniors are failing the Florida Comprehensive Asessment Test in alarming numbers our Storytellers Ink students scores have markedly improved.

The parents of the young Storytellers are telling us that their children are watching less television and, instead, are siting at the kitchen table writing and drawing. The children are telling us they have learned to dig deep inside themselves and speak their truths.

I wish you could see the attitude of the children and the pride that they take because they are in Storyteller’s Ink. they stick out their chests and they say: “I’m in Storyteller’s Ink.” They are so proud.

We are proud, too.”

— Dr. Frederick Morley,
Principal Charles R. Drew Elementary

Testimonials

AS A WRITER

AS A REPORTER

AS AN ENTREPUENER

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