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) Your life is worth more than you know 2) My love for is going to be limitless 3) Good is my coping skill 4) My mistakes are my Destiny 5) Do you really love me?

Te’Nae
Spring 2021
Untitled

I come from Lodi, Ohio where it’s a really Small town but there is a lot to do like parks There was a lot of hangout spots and small Town events throughout the year like parades The corn festival. Corn fest was like a mini Fair there were rides and fair food and stuff.

G
Spring 2021
Look on the Bright Side

1. Jail is poo poo, and these dudes is buming me out , but look on the bright side, we get tacos sometimes. 2. These shoes be hurting me, I swear flip flops got more support, but look on the bright side 3. I get to take naps the air is stuffy and my lies be cracker , but look on the bright side, theres females waiting on the outs 4. My sell is uncomfy, and I swear they be opening my door every time I dump but look on the bright sides I got a sandwhich today.

W
Spring 2021
Untitled

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
Untitled

The family is solid as a rock we always will have respect and love for one another Even though our music is quite different The honesty between us never fails we may fight as most families do but at the end of the day we help each other make our dreams come true The family is solid as a rock.

J
Spring 2021
Untitled

1. I come from Westwood, it aint too ghetto, but it’s still the hood 2. I come from living off dope money, I aint proud, but shoot, I was hungry 3. I come from a single parent mom taking care of three, I love the woman so much. She’s the one who made me 4. But I’m going to be somebody, I know I will never be a nobody

Mykala
Spring 2021
Untitled

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
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
Untitled

1. You’re a diamond in the rough 2. Lost but not forever 3. The best food is brain food 4. Don’t give up, keep going 5. Why is it this hard?

Alexus
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?
Add commonly asked questions here
Add commonly asked questions here
Add commonly asked questions here
Add commonly asked questions here