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.
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

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I see all different colored people. I also see kids that want to be kids but can’t they struggle because they fumble they fumble but want to be humble.

Ma-Raya
Spring 2021
Oof Means to Me

Why are you saying that? You are so stupid and shut up Oof you lost your bf/gf Go off somewhere else Why in the world would you do that? Oof oof oof Oof that hurt ha ha ha

Julia
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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I feel so weightless in space and I seen Megan da Stallion doing the race She was clutching a brief case filled with heels she bought yesterday I love this chick so much because she has such a pretty face.

Masonique
Spring 2021
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I remember when you came to me when you were at your lowest. When you looked up to me as a lifeline. I remember the times we weren’t eating, and we were taking off some plates both literally and metaphorically. I remember the first I saw your demons when you had that bad trip and you thought cops were coming. I remember our first time running when the plan went south. I remember the times it was 3 to 2. I remember all the times when we looked to each other for help when we had nowhere else to go.

Cosmo
Spring 2021
Clean up on Aisle 3

When I shoot the ball I feel like Harden but we all know I’m Lebron James. No one can guard me but if they do they gonna need some new ankles. I got ice in my veins I’m like Lamelo I’ll pull up from anywhere. You reach I teach clean up on aisle 3 is what they preach.

Anthony
Spring 2021
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Anthony is in space and is on a game called Cod: Ghost, There is gravity somehow and a basketball Court. When I walk into the bball court I see Lebron James dunking over LiL baby and LiL baby is saying Honeybun

Anthony
Spring 2021
Untitled

This is the kind of world we live in. The world we live in is divided in so many ways good and bad. My mom used to always say you want in one hand + sh*t in the other see which one files up faster.

Jenelle
Spring 2021
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This kind of world we live in is cruel, cold & heartless. No one really cares about anyone anymore. “There is plenty of fish in this dirty sea.” Someone wise told me just by the way you can view everything & everyone. Sit back & observe everyone & see how they all move.

Johnae
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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