Unlocking Creativity to Transform Lives

Writers in Residence teaches creative writing to youth who are incarcerated to empower their voices and assists in their re-entry into society through mentorship .
our model

Creativity as Therapy

Address Unresolved Trauma
Oftentimes youth enter the juvenile justice system with unresolved emotional trauma. Through writing and expression, youth are able to begin unpacking these feelings and see a future for themselves.
Creative Writing Workshops
Sessions are facilitated by passionate teaching artists and experienced poets 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 often face unstable environments when returning home after release. Our mentorship program serves as a support system for them as they embark on this next 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 to express myself."
NC, Spring 2026
"I learned that writing gets things off your chest."
KM, Fall 2025
"How to understand writing."
BJ, Fall 2025
"How to think before I move."
KF, Fall 2025
"To forgive others."
CS, Fall 2025
"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.

Learn More
artifacts

Works of Creative Writing

ALL THE THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT KH!

I am very intelligent.
I am also funny.
I also have a strong sense of self.
I’m mature for my age, most people think Im either 17-21yrs old but Im only 15. I be fooling people on da outs. Ionkhow but Ig I look older than what I am but in here I definetlylook my age cause my hair not done. I dont got no lashes nonothing.
I am strong.

KH, FALL 2025
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FACTS

I am loving.
Life is backwards.
Love is a gamble.
Food is everything.
Head up, mouth open.
Why do I feel like this?
I will be better soon.

AM, FALL 2025
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JCU, FALL 2025
CALM WIND

Where I am isn’t who I am, but this place isn’t who I am.I am calm. I am moving forward. I am kind. I am trying to stay out of trouble. I am great. I am fun. I am self worthy.I am a spray hitter. I am fashionable. I am capable of loving others.

CJ, FALL 2025





BUMPY ROAD

Life.
Its hard living in this world.
Life is worth living no matter what. You live and you learn. As long as your alive do what you think is right. In this life knowledge is key.
Your L’s aren’t Losses
they are Learning experiences.

CH, FALL 2025
CWRU, FALL 2025
UNTITLED

you were not perfect but my love willnever end so i grow older im seeing you in myself . . . longlivemyfather

IC, FALL 2025










THE LIFE OF C

I am full of love - life. I want to live a long time. I love my family and friends. I pray for others and people who love and support me. I want to learn new languages.

CW, FALL 2025
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OBERLIN, FALL 2025
IT MUST BE

It must be an impulsive act.
It must be a learning experience.
It must be an act of god.
It must be an act of influence.
It must be me who chooses my future. It must be me who leads the way.
It must be an act of good will for myself and others.

8, FALL 2025
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SHOOTING STARS SHINE BRIGHT

What moves me? It must be the trees outside that shake between my eyes. It must be the stars that shoot like they never had before. It must be the way the water flows through my body.

16, FALL 2025
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HIRAM, FALL 2025
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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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Created by Paul Gehrig

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