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.

artifacts

Works of Creative Writing

Untitled

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
Untitled

This is the kind of world we live in a big ball of fire. Where you can’t trust anybody not even your family. People Join a gang Just to be a part of something. The darkness is taking over

Angel
Spring 2021
Untitled

1. I am tired of being in Jail 2. I am Resonable 3. I like Birthday cake 4. I like to get my way 5. I am outgoing 6. I will be the greatest African American male role model I posibley can.

Anthony
Spring 2021
Untitled

I come from Toledo where the streets aint a game and the system is corrupt, but i’m going to get rich or die tryin and I know I will succeed in life from NBA or being a rapper. I now live in a safer town but that don’t mean it will be easy, people act like they know everything.

Anthony
Spring 2021
Untitled

1. I am tired, upset, stressed, hungry 2. I am funny, sarcastic, humouros, excting 3. I am wonderful, happy, smiley couragous 4. I am selfish addictive, stubborn, manipulative 5. I am smart, artistic, creative, adventorous 6. I’ll be Everything I need to be

H
Spring 2021
Untitled

Power on, power off Setting picked up and put down all day [no idea] on top of me, see right through me Let you know what’s going on by vibrating Crack my screen, it happens just don’t forget to put me on my charger.

J
Spring 2021
Louisville Slugger

My freshman year. Playing baseball for tiffin Columbian. I had never really played at all that year, just wasnt as talented than some other people at the time. But our coach put me first at bat, top of the order, our very last game. So I remember distinctly I took my friends baseball bat it was a Louisville, and I went up. The pitcher threw a changeup and I just absolutely cranked it into left field, I remember it bounced and hit the fence, and I just kept sprinting. I ended up getting a triple, and playing a lot more after that.

Evan
Spring 2021
Untitled

1. the sunrise comes up. I become heartless until, Jacob comes to save. 2. When sunsets again. I become more heartless now, because he left me.

Johnae
Spring 2021
Untitled

1. My bestfriend and I buy each other everything, and do everything together. she also check up on me everyday, I do also. 2. my best friend and I don’t look out for each other. 3. my bestfriend takes me out of state almost everytime she leaves Ohio.

L
Spring 2021
Read MOre
Created by Paul Gehrig