The Queen of Crafts

Lori Yost was known by all as the queen of crafts. You could often find Lori, glue in hand, working on some type of special activity while supervising The Arc’s Simon-Edmonson Day Center. Although most of our program participants prefer to go out into the community during the day, there were others who preferred to stay inside with Lori, working on puzzles, watching movies, or helping her with her many crafts. It was important that our participants had the opportunity to choose whether they went out into the community as part of a Community Engagement Team or stay in the calm and quiet space of our day center. And when they chose to stay in, Lori was there to support them, entertain them, and create opportunities for engagement within the center itself.

Although Lori was no longer with The Arc as an employee, it was no less painful to hear of her recent passing on July 27, 2022. Lori was a familiar face in our space as her work with us spanned 15 years as a Direct Support Professional from 2006 to 2021. She was known for her consistent laughter and what seemed to bring her the most joy was simply making program participants laugh as well. She was a proud aunt and advocate of a niece with a disability who she deeply cared for and was very close with. Some of Lori’s favorite things to do included going to yard sales and she would often freely give away her bargained treasures to participants and other staff at The Arc.

Our hearts go out to those in our community who were close to Lori and to her family and community who continue to grieve their loss. We’re grateful for the creativity, laughter, and care she brought to The Arc during her time with us. Lori will always be considered part of The Arc family and her presence will be dearly missed by all the lives she touched.