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 feel so weightless in space and I seen Megan da Stallion doing the race She was clutching a brief case filled with heels she bought yesterday I love this chick so much because she has such a pretty face.

Masonique
Spring 2021
End-talk is Cheap - Actions Speak.

This is the kind of the world we Live in Theres the light and the dark in this world. A lot of this world is made from Indoctrination not a lot of people try to expand their knowledge or look at different perspectives. I have met a very small amount of people who are different. The good may be disguised as bad. Im grateful to even have an opportunity to have a life on this earth b/c I have no true Idea where Im going next. The bad is beautiful there’s beauty in the struggle. the world is losing Its humbleness but a lot of us are becoming aware. You gotta mind your business and protect your soul and energy. you don’t got no one but yourself-watch your own back.

Kaya
Spring 2021
Untitled

Gushers, thank yu for bein there for me. You’ve been there since I was little. I always enjoy eating yu wit my lil brother. Me & my lil brother would always find yu in the cabinet when lookin for snacks. My mom would always get mad at us fer eating all of yu cuz you’re her favorit too. I love how when I bite down on yu the liquid fills my mouth. My favorite color of yu to eat is red. I usually always get yu when in at tha store. My lil cousins like yu too. I’ll be sure to eat some of yu when I get outta jail

Nevaeh
Spring 2021
End-talk is Cheap - Actions Speak.

This is the kind of the world we Live in Theres the light and the dark in this world. A lot of this world is made from Indoctrination not a lot of people try to expand their knowledge or look at different perspectives. I have met a very small amount of people who are different. The good may be disguised as bad. Im grateful to even have an opportunity to have a life on this earth b/c I have no true Idea where Im going next. The bad is beautiful there’s beauty in the struggle. the world is losing Its humbleness but a lot of us are becoming aware. You gotta mind your business and protect your soul and energy. you don’t got no one but yourself-watch your own back.

Kaya
Spring 2021
Untitled

Your color so bright, Oval easy to peel Your color like the sun So yellow and pretty I thank you for your sweet but sour taste Your a big boss bouser Your small and able to drink I love you so much Your my lemon

Grace
Spring 2021
Untitled

I remember when WE got in a fight (at your dad’s), you never Called me names, you never hit me, you told me I was being rude, you stuck up for me when your dad punched me in the face, you calmed me down by saying something hilarious to me I choked you and still you never laid a hand on me inspite of all of that you still love me and I still love you.

Keithlynn
Spring 2021
Untitled

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
Untitled

1 Salty Barbeque Chips are so good, I Love chips are so good to eat 2 Friends are amusing They Help out with anything And everything too

Julia
Spring 2021
Untitled

This Photo is of me and my boyfriend holding hands in New York City. IN the photo you can see my right hand which has a bracelet he gave me in it and you can see his left hand and his hand tattoos holding my hand as the camera also points at the buildings as we hold hands. You cant see anything but our hands and what’s in front of us. But after the Photo we danced a little and he picked me up, held me, swung me in his arms and kissed me while everybody stared as they walked past us. During this photo I was very happy and excited to see the city.

Ty
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