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

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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
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Making food Especially when its seasoned good, good songs that I really like the beat to or think are lyrically good, I have a few funny favorite movies too like step brothers, talledega nights, an scary movie 3, trailer park bois, also I like nature alot but lately I forgot about that mainly why I like seasoned food so much is cause it never ah. get old cause you could make anything like 10 different ways, an pair it with 10 other foods an- then you could pair it with a movie thats really funny or whatever an keep those same feelings going on or around some music that you really like an maybe put some music. With a spot in the woods you really like an maybe prolly also find some type of nice peace

J
Spring 2021
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I remember when I first met Brandon. It was love at first sight! I Ask him to take me on a 4-wheeler ride, we was gone till midnight! After that we was with each other every day. A couple months later we moved in together. If anybody would get smart with him, or did him wrong, I would get smart with them!

Angel
Spring 2021
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You throw the ball, You start sprinting to catch it you through a touch down your team is cheering You win the game The team yells in victory.

Grace
Spring 2021
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I see a group of people with a lot of different emotions and a lot of different backgrounds. I see broken bodies, I see mismatch clothes, I see power in their own ways. I see broken homes. I see homelessness, maybe hopelessness. I see Grown kids being forced to be an adult but still a kid in their mind.

Te’Nae
Spring 2021
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I come from the heart of the ghetto where kids younger than me are dying I come from drugs being the reason why I had clothes on my back and a bed to lay. I come from the projects where unless you turn on the light, the roaches gone greet you at the door I come from a home where promises always get broke and men got chose first But I’m going to be better than what I’ve seen growing up

Imari
Spring 2021
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Constant thought’s of getting released, I use my positivity to get me threw the Day, An to remind my-self it will all be over with soon.

J
Spring 2021
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1. Astronauts landing 2. on the ISS 3. Uzi and I 3. bumping on the way up together 4. we chewing on Mcdonald’s 5. bumping lil uzi song at the ISS

J
Spring 2021
Life

Dear Miya, Get out of the system, stop doing things u know will get u introuble. You have a lot of potential weather u see it now or not and u can do great things & be successful like other people. Make your mom & dad proud, you’ve got this. Get back into sports, fix family relationships, be a better person. Don’t dwell on things u have no power over and change the things u do have power over. Sincerely, Miya

Miya
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?
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What are the requirements to be a mentor?
Do I need to have writing experience to be a mentor?
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