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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Someone told me i wasn’t good at basketball and said stop trying and i got mad and yelled at the person. Working out, playing basketball, music, games, good grades, nice clothes, nice shoes, complimented

D
Spring 2021
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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
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1. I will find true happiness soon 2. Steak bowls from Chipotle taste great 3. Show no love, receive no pain

Imari
Spring 2021
My Mother's Working Hands

When I was born the first person that I saw Was my mother already working as hard as the law. When I turned 3 my mother crafted me a present I would love. a beautiful peice of leather work that id oh so love. When I turned 7 I relized my hands have yet to be like my mothers. I have never crafted a peice of wood into something beautiful nor washed and bathed a child and I had yet to learn the lesson of how my mom survied the wild life she lived. Yet she taught me how to craft a peice of leather work and it was so beautiful like the beauty of the light in her eyes my mother is the light inside me that my family loves so now I do trully understand what it is like to work hard like my mothers working hands. What I mean by this is that my mom inspired me to grow up and to Do good deads for others.

S
Spring 2021
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I’ll be good at basketball if i keep trying All eyes on me everyday I have fear of big snakes I’m awful for being in Jail

D
Spring 2021
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I come from a town that does drugs. I come from a place that has helpful people. I come from my home town that has good police. I came from a town where my friends grew up. I came a town that the high school band played in parades I came from a good high school that helps people too. I come from a place where we rap for fun to forget But I’m going to come from a town I love and help out.

Keithlynn
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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Boxing? Volleyball? Drinking or smoking weed Writing about how I feel Watching childhood movies

M
Spring 2021
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My guilty pleasure is smoking weed. before I feel anxious or upset after I feel content and tired sometimes hungry for some fried chicken

A
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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