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

I come from my grandmothers love. I come from the city of youngstown I come from food stamps & welfare I come from one of the worst parts of youngstown I come from raising my brother I come from an addicted mother I come from disappointment But I’m going to thrive regardless and break the Chain

Alexus
Spring 2021
Untitled

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
Untitled

Door locks spio Like vending machines working Others dropping like shoes Erases goo like candy Ploliils all the way Fike dldrag drwrech

M
Spring 2021
Untitled

I come from Toledo where the streets aint a game and the system is corrupt, but i’m going to get rich or die tryin and I know I will succeed in life from NBA or being a rapper. I now live in a safer town but that don’t mean it will be easy, people act like they know everything.

Anthony
Spring 2021
Untitled

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
Untitled

They think I’m a risk They think I’m a menace But it’s all talk cuz they never seen me outside these walls They say I got whip skills and they just seen me burn him There gasing me up and were bumping the beamer yeah I’m out now and I ain’t got no bracelet so Best believe I’m hype cant nothing faze me

R
Spring 2021
Untitled

This is the kind of world we live in a big ball of fire. Where you can’t trust anybody not even your family. People Join a gang Just to be a part of something. The darkness is taking over

Angel
Spring 2021
Clean up on Aisle 3

When I shoot the ball I feel like Harden but we all know I’m Lebron James. No one can guard me but if they do they gonna need some new ankles. I got ice in my veins I’m like Lamelo I’ll pull up from anywhere. You reach I teach clean up on aisle 3 is what they preach.

Anthony
Spring 2021
Untitled

Floatin in space space But I think I’m laced got the cops behind me Guess I left a trace Now I’m doing the race Running so fast I skipped first base

R
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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