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

This is the kind of world we live in. The world we live in is divided in so many ways good and bad. My mom used to always say you want in one hand + sh*t in the other see which one files up faster.

Jenelle
Spring 2021
Untitled

1. I was very clearly in a terrible mood that was lasting Week an my first childhood best friend came by to once again help me realize Im not alone People still think nicely of me everybody still wants to be around me an that we are doing good an have nothing impactful to worry about besides out future an the people we know will be in it an it really helped me find my way out of a bad mood 2. me an my best friends went sledding an got food Even though like 3 of is didnt have money an we even bought the sleds all of us we definetily Excited an it was the only

J
Spring 2021
Untitled

All he looked forward to were the parties. Until he started to get sick. Now he is all alone trying to fit in. Wearing his raggedy old cloth’s that he always wears. Leaning away from the crowd, not knowing whether to follow the other kids or just do him.

Angel
Spring 2021
Untitled

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
Untitled

Anthony is in space and is on a game called Cod: Ghost, There is gravity somehow and a basketball Court. When I walk into the bball court I see Lebron James dunking over LiL baby and LiL baby is saying Honeybun

Anthony
Spring 2021
Untitled

This is the kind of world we live in a world where black men cant walk down the street without out being A menace. A world where little kids Grow up fast, a world where you get shot if you’re at the wrong place at the wrong time. A world where there is poverty and helplessness. A world where they take your 3rd grade test scores to build prisons but all in all if we keep our hope alive, Everything will work out for its good, but the good die young. Big facts.

Te’Nae
Spring 2021
Untitled

I love my mom to death touch her and you will be laid to rest.

Ma-Raya
Spring 2021
Untitled

Your eyes like diamonds Your skin like the sea Your heart like the pearls The mock of your tone your beating heart like love You are my angle. Your face all blue

Grace
Spring 2021
An Ode to Pineapples

You have always been my favorite even with your sometimes sour taste or hard to find during seasons you were always my go-to when I went into that huge kitchen full of wonderful options. It was you I chose and it will forever be you I cherish The sweet tropical smell on a warm summer evening with my ocean view I wouldn’t replace for a million

Katiya
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?
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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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