Unlocking Creativity to Transform Lives

Writers in Residence teaches creative writing to youth who are incarcerated to empower their voices and assist in their re-entry into society.
our model

Creativity as Therapy

Address Unresolved Trauma
Oftentimes youth enter the juvenile justice system with unresolved emotional trauma.
Creative Writing Workshops
Sessions are facilitated by passionate university students who create a safe space for youth to express themselves and work through difficult emotions through engaging prompts.
Ongoing Relationship Building
The real journey begins with re-entry. Youth are often forced to return to unstable environments, and we serve as a support system for them as they embark on this chapter.
Youth Enters Juvenile Justice System
Oftentimes youth enter with unresolved emotional trauma.
Creative Writing Workshops
Facilitated by passionate university students who create a safe space for youth to express themselves and work through difficult emotions through engaging prompts.
Ongoing Relationship Building
The real journey begins with reentry. Youth are often forced to return to unstable environments. We serves as a support system that youth can always return to.
impact

What We've Accomplished

12
separate cohorts across the state of Ohio
1344
residents participated in creative writing workshops
826
pieces of creative writing supported
2146
chapbooks distributed
testimonials

What Residents Say

"I learned about Joy"
Resident at Medina JDC
"It was empowering and a safe space to express myself"
Resident at Seneca County YC
"I like this program because I get to get things off my chest"
Resident at Medina JDC
"I needed Writers in Residence, I got to put what was on my mind while no one saying nothing"
Resident at Seneca County YC
"I learned how to cope by using creative writing and there's multiple opportunities to go far with it"
Resident at Montgomery County CAS
"I know what I need to do to be successful mentally"
Resident at Medina JDC
New

Reentry Mentorship Initiative

Facilitate a smooth transition for youth back into their communities.

Learn More
artifacts

Works of Creative Writing

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Thanks cornbread for always being there when I need you. you are squishy and delicious you arent obnoxious to eat and you are beautiful.

Miya
Spring 2021
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1. I’m confedant, funny, selfish, aragant, white, long haired 2. don’t wait for things get better 3. Stop saying love ya’ll being corney 4. I want food, I get food 5. Why you fake, drop the act 6. Are avicatos a fruit or not

W
Spring 2021
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1. I’m funny trustworthy, athletic, realistic confident, sarcastic 2. life is what you make it 3. love can always be found to hate you have to care 4. fight for the things you love 5. don’t let anyone stop you achieving your goals 6. What would’ve happened if one things different Take your chances, they come once

Z
Spring 2021
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This is the kind of world we live in a world where black men cant walk down the street without out being A menace. A world where little kids Grow up fast, a world where you get shot if you’re at the wrong place at the wrong time. A world where there is poverty and helplessness. A world where they take your 3rd grade test scores to build prisons but all in all if we keep our hope alive, Everything will work out for its good, but the good die young. Big facts.

Te’Nae
Spring 2021
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I was trying to keep my concentration When I heard Everything complaining it was at that time i wished I was swimming Maybe hydroplaning all because my mind started straining moral is keep concentrating not contemplating

J
Spring 2021
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Dear Anthony, Remember when you were locked up and a lot of crazy things happened while you were away. Well you need to start doing things by yourself and start taking risks, because if you keep hanging out with “those” people then you’re not going to get anywhere in life. You can’t be trusting anybody cause they always gon do what benefits them. You need to learn from your mistakes and don’t think about peoples opinions cuz they aint facts.

Anthony
Spring 2021
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Welp right Now life is trash But look at the bright side I go home in 36 Dayz an my life will Finally be Back. Their is always parts in life that’s Not Fair Nor Fun But at the end of the day Jus know it will be OKAY!!! ☺

J
Spring 2021
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1. love to see you down, hate to see you up 2. nothing will come easy to you 3. everything happens for a reason 4. I will be a better son

S
Spring 2021
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I’m in the air like I’m free like everything I’ve ever wanted to be is here. Everybody I care about My Girl Eva is pulling upchurch By the car. She throws everyone I love and they come Crashing on and I’m filled with joy.

Grace
Spring 2021
Read MOre

Frequently Asked Questions

Is your mentoring program effective?
What if I have been incarcerated? Can I still be a mentor?
How long does it take for me to get matched with a mentee?
How long does the mentoring relationship last?
What is the time commitment for mentoring?
What are the requirements to be a mentor?
Do I need to have writing experience to be a mentor?
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Created by Paul Gehrig

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