Roy Juarez, Jr., founder and CEO of IMPACTtruth, was recently featured in an in-depth KVCR News segment that spotlighted the powerful work being done through the “Beyond the Books” initiative. The segment, presented by journalist Joel Morales, highlighted how Roy and his team are transforming lives by helping youth discover their voice through storytelling and education.
Read here.
Roy’s Vision and Personal Story
During the interview, Roy shared his personal journey—growing up in Texas, facing homelessness as a teenager, and ultimately discovering the power of education and self-expression. These experiences have shaped his mission: to help young people—especially those from underserved backgrounds—recognize the value of their stories and take ownership of their future.
Roy discussed how the pandemic revealed a painful truth: less than seven percent of published children’s book authors come from Latino, African American, or other historically marginalized communities. That realization became the catalyst for the creation of “Beyond the Books.”
Building Young Authors
What began as a small pilot program with 30 students writing about respect has grown into a multi-school initiative across San Bernardino County. Today, students from eight community day schools participate in a 12-module leadership and social-emotional development curriculum. At the end of the program, each student writes, illustrates, and publishes their own children’s book—covering themes like hope, gratitude, and forgiveness.
One of the program’s most empowering aspects is that students retain 100% ownership of their books. They are not only recognized as published authors before graduation but also encouraged to sell their books and share their stories in their communities.
Mentorship that Matters
The KVCR feature also underscored Roy’s direct involvement in students’ lives. In one powerful example, a student texted Roy late at night expressing feelings of defeat. Roy reminded the student that he was a published author—an identity that boosted his confidence and helped him return to school with pride the next day. Moments like this reflect the heart of IMPACTtruth’s work: consistent mentorship, belief, and follow-through.
Community Acknowledgment
San Bernardino County education leaders, including Assistant Superintendent Myrlene Pierre, praised the program for offering students a creative and therapeutic outlet. The “Beyond the Books” initiative not only supports academic growth but also creates space for healing, leadership, and positive identity development.
Looking Ahead
“Beyond the Books” continues to expand, with plans to reach more schools and communities in the coming year. Roy and the IMPACTtruth team are committed to helping young people take control of their narratives, build resilience, and lead with confidence.