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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this is the kind of world we live in hurtin people just fore fun. getting angry then going off like a gun, honestly what has this world become?

Rachel
Spring 2021
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I come from a small town, where everyone Knew each other and everything that went on. Kids who would go to school and as soon As we all got home we would link at The park play football or catch things in The lodi creek. I come from the town where not everyone Got along and but most tried. Kids would fist fight and make up the day After like nothing happened. And every day the same old lodi kids Would do the same thing just different Day.

J
Spring 2021
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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
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One time I really covered somebody Was when my Parent was talking Bad About my Best friend I got really Mad and yelled and Backed them up.

Keaton
Spring 2021
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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
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Me and my mom may argue and she may make me mad but I can play PS4 to make sure It wasnt in vain.

T
Spring 2021
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Dear Breylan I know— how it is in life but just know it not your body telling u what to do it’s your heart telling u and your memories of the past self to do better to know your mistakes. The thing is that just follow your dreams and just help the people in your life. P.S. To the one I love most myself To the one the only Finn, this is your spirt telling you this.

Breylan
Spring 2021
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1. love to see you down, hate to see you up 2. nothing will come easy to you 3. everything happens for a reason 4. I will be a better son

S
Spring 2021
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It was hot. Everyone was leaving. The score was 14 to 36. I was happy My Nephew was in my left arm and my helmet was in my right. The gates were filled with people leaving. My girl was by my sister. My girl kept saying I looked good. I changed outta my cleats to my Jordans

Harris
Spring 2021
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Created by Paul Gehrig