Lorinda Macon entered the foster care system at 8-years-old. Today she is a strong confident mother of two who has written books to share what she has learned from her journey and her faith.
Lorinda, like many children, ended up in foster care because her mother was battling substance abuse issues and could no longer care for her and her sisters.
Lorinda’s foster care journey brought her to Hoyleton where she remembers being cared for by dedicated caseworkers who made her believe she still had a promising future. “Hoyleton made me feel like I was somebody,” Lorinda said. “Hoyleton gave me the tools I needed to overcome obstacles and develop resiliency,” Lorinda explained.
Lorinda’s strong faith in God also helped her persevere despite the trauma and loss she suffered in childhood. She explained how feelings of helplessness and despair were replaced by a sense of personal power thanks to her profound connection with God.
Lorinda found peace in writing and decided to share her story. “I used what I had been through, plus my faith in God, to encourage others to keep going,” Lorinda said. At the age of 18, Lorinda became a self-published author with her first book, "Unbroken," followed by a second book in 2023, "Unveiling the Power of Healing and Prayer," both are available on Amazon.
Lorinda also wrote a children's book titled "Brown Girl, Brown Girl, Be Who You Want to Be," dedicated to her 5-year-old daughter. Lorinda said she knew as soon as her first child was born that she had to make a better life for her child than what she had experienced. Writing allowed her to reflect on her faith while also sharing what she had learned through her life challenges.
Lorinda is a survivor of the child welfare system. She is an example of how enduring hardship while keeping the faith can lead to a better life and help others find hope for a better life too.
Lorinda is currently pursuing a bachelor's degree in social work, driven by her desire to support and uplift others facing hardships similar to those she experienced.
