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. I am tired of being in Jail 2. I am Resonable 3. I like Birthday cake 4. I like to get my way 5. I am outgoing 6. I will be the greatest African American male role model I posibley can.

Anthony
Spring 2021
My Little Baby Goat

It was at 12am on a school night When you were born. I had to help you find where the food was, and this was in the barn. Then the next day was a school day and you almost died that day so we helped you out and got you food and from there on you thought I was your mom and I miss you little one Rip my man Love Mommy

Julia
Spring 2021
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I love cats But some people don’t I hate Jail I am fu**ing sad I hate life so much Sorry I’m sad.

Rachel
Spring 2021
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April 16, 2021 Dear Cody, I can be whoever I want to be have learned that people can change and that change can be good, I have amazing Girl. Your kind respectful you cherish everyone who you come across. Don’t let anybody push you around. You are smart and an amazing Person don’t let anybody come in the way between of me and myself. Stay in Contact with God. Love, Cody

Cody
Spring 2021
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Refridgerator Basketball is so awesome I hate school so much

D
Spring 2021
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My photo is when I was in 5th grade at my last football practice when it was raining and it was all muddy and we were all covered in mud all of my friends smiling and happy. There was a goal post and a big hill with a big fence and all the boys parents were standing behind it.

Josh
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
Untitled

This is the kind of world we live in. Where you can’t trust no one The same people that tell you they love you is gone be the same ones that when times get bad holding the pole up to you and your loved ones head yelling bro just give the dough up. (can’t trust no one it’s me vs me)

Masonique
Spring 2021
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I remember when we were at the group home and I ran, and you called me from your android phone crying telling me “Please come home” cuz you didn’t want me to get into trouble and I tried to call you back but I had no WIFI so it didn’t go through so I walked down Main Street back to the group home and from that point on I never wanted to hurt you again. Instead, I wanted to protect you from getting hurt cuz you mean the world to me & we have always had each other’s back through thick and thin. I love you Chenny forever. Love, Sam <3

Sam
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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