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.

Learn More
artifacts

Works of Creative Writing

Untitled

My photograph was taken back in2018 with my family we went to an professional photo shot. We wearin all white with black jeans and white shoes. In are photo it had a lot of details in the background it was really pretty and had lots of flowers in the back. What wasn’t in the photo that was interesting was it was no clouds but everything else was there

Terriana
Spring 2021
Brandon

Brandon He’s my forever rock Always there when I need him unbreakable love Loyal to him only Brandon is my Happiness For him I would kill

Angel
Spring 2021
Untitled

me and my homie was at my house when dis girl wanted to come over and she knew i was home and my friend lied to her saying i got locked up.

D
Spring 2021
Untitled

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
Untitled

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

1. Astronauts landing 2. on the ISS 3. Uzi and I 3. bumping on the way up together 4. we chewing on Mcdonald’s 5. bumping lil uzi song at the ISS

J
Spring 2021
Untitled

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

M
Spring 2021
Untitled

As kids we are forced to change... But regardless we ALL find A way

Alexus
Spring 2021
Untitled

1. are there animals in heaven 2. I want to be 100% truthful to my famleiy 3. I am a hard worker to fix all the wrong ive Done 4. I workhard on makeing money and saveing it 5. im working on Becoming a beter Role mottlefor my littel Brother

M
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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Created by Paul Gehrig

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