Write in Our Own Backyard

Deborah Cloyed has lived all over the world, working as a travel writer and photographer in over thirty countries on five continents. When she became a mentor through Create Now, she found there were plenty of stories right here in her own backyard at Aviva Family and Children’s Services, a group home for teenage foster girls in Hollywood.

“Teaching writing with Create Now enriches my life. I learn from the girls as much as I teach. In these girls, I see strength, resilience, and the triumph of the human spirit. It also reminds me why I love to write - because writing empowers, because it gives everybody a voice in a vast, overwhelming world, and because writing bestows life's most precious gifts: laughter, self-awareness, and healing.”

For six weeks, Deborah met with the six girls in her workshop to share ideas for poems, essays, articles and stories. Each class focused on different types of writing: poetry and rap, positive affirmations, screenwriting and photojournalism. The mentor arranged for her students to take a field trip to nearby Runyon Canyon where they hiked in a beautiful natural environment, most for the first time. Deborah also taught them yoga and meditation, which are soothing tools for troubled youth. The last class highlighted careers in writing. The girls received individually-crafted photo books that Deborah made and they each presented stories about their hike. Create Now provided the girls with a wrap party and gift bags with journals and other special gifts.

Rose Marquez Blãdh, Volunteer Coordinator at Aviva Family and Children’s Services said, “The girls in Deborah's Creative Writing Workshop have widened their eyes to more creative career opportunities in writing and photography. Through volunteers and access to performances, Create Now has provided these girls with new creative and cultural experiences that they might not otherwise have had.”

Deborah remarked, “No matter how often I thought they weren't paying attention or were too busy goofing off, every class always had one instance that proved the opposite, whether it was a quiet “You always come!" or a shy request for a book that I quoted from or help with career research. It reminded me that these girls have had some pretty tough starts, that the adults in their lives haven't always met their responsibilities, and that if one thing's for sure - they deserve to have someone believe in them and their futures. And I do.”

Here’s what some of the girls had to say:

“I liked taking pictures and hearing Deborah talk about how it all works. She was very nice.” – Natasha

“I had a good time. I love to write and take a picture. Deborah was wonderful!” – Dynasty

“I now have a better view and understanding of the field of pictures. Deborah was very helpful.” - Tiffany

“Deborah took her time and listened to what we have to say. She was patient with us and there for us.” – Alexandra

“She never missed a class. She cared in so many ways. I learned that poetry is life.” – Dyonna

We thank Oprah's Angel Network, the Office Depot Foundation, the Employees Community Fund of Boeing, CA, and the Wells Fargo Foundation for making this project possible through their support of the Write Now literacy program.