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

I come from poverty, where I had to steal everything I needed. Drugs was everywhere I turned even in my veins. The streets are a cold place. Kill or be Killed, Do what we had to do to make a living. I know more about drugs then I do anything else. Cold winters, hot summers, Broken doors, boarded up windows, But im going to get myself and my family out the mud, and right my wrongs.

Angel
Spring 2021
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

Life 1. No matter what, life goes on Love 2. Pain is temporory, you’ll find better. Food 3. Chipotle chicken tacos are the best Advice 4. Begin with the end in mind.

Justice
Spring 2021
Untitled

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
Untitled

We were at swensons me, my girlfriend, and a few of my friends. I was playing this girl. And her dad Pulled up to swensons. me and my friend who’s 6’3 got out of my car and he didn’t fight us because he was a shrimp.

J
Spring 2021
Untitled

I come from being a nobody I come from places where it’s not muddy From a single mom with no support To steppin in things I couldn’t afford A hustler, a go-getter, that’s who I am From hated to everyone being a fan

X
Spring 2021
Untitled

Floating through the stars No matter where you are At least I’m no longer behind “bars” I see her... the one that brings me down to earth She is how I know my worth To me she’s somebody to you she’s nobody her name is Masonique and our friendship is not so bleak She is my person

Alexus
Spring 2021
Untitled

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
Brandon

Brandon He’s my forever rock Always there when I need him unbreakable love Loyal to him only Brandon is my Happiness For him I would kill

Angel
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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