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.
"I learned about Joy"
"It was empowering and a safe space to express myself"
"I like this program because I get to get things off my chest"
"I needed Writers in Residence, I got to put what was on my mind while no one saying nothing"
"I learned how to cope by using creative writing and there's multiple opportunities to go far with it"
"I know what I need to do to be successful mentally"
Facilitate a smooth transition for youth back into their communities.
I come from being a nobody I come from places where it’s not muddy From a single mom with no support To steppin in things I couldn’t afford A hustler, a go-getter, that’s who I am From hated to everyone being a fan
I come from a place of powder Where everyone competes for power I come from a family you can’t see Cause we were masks that says we’re happy I come from a place of hate Where everyone bullies to stay safe I come from a place of homelessness Cause jobs are something people loss it here I come from a block of psychos Who beat people up cause they think there whackos I come from a poor place Where people rob each other to their face but I’m gonna be different for my children
I remember when I met you, and I did’nt know how I felt. I also Remember talking to you and feeling you out to see if we were going to be cool, I Also remember how you made a joke When I was mad and I Knew we were going to be cool, I Also remember saying that I’m always going to be here for you And you saying if I need anything you’re here for me.
I come from Cave City, Kentucky. With many back roads I come from questionable attire. Where it was normal to wear boots with shorts I come from small houses, Everyone knew everyone I come from a community, With unstoppable laughter in class I come from dirt bikes And four-wheelers But I’m going to big houses With built in theaters
To myself, a year from now I have to ask one main question. Are you where you wanna be? If so, then great, but knowing myself now You Probably wont. So what will you do about it? Is your relationship with all your family better? Has your dad physacally said, “Im proud of You?” Is your family outside your own blood still around? Do they still mean everything to you like they do now? Have you found a greater Purpose in life? Just make sure you better yourself and find motivation to move forward. Sincerely, Old Self
I’m like a bottle because I keep my feelings Bottled up like a bottle keeps the drink Bottled up and when people are Done with bottles they throw them Away just like how when my Friends were done with me They threw me away to jail By putting all the blame on someone.
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.
Dear Breylan I know— how it is in life but just know it not your body telling u what to do it’s your heart telling u and your memories of the past self to do better to know your mistakes. The thing is that just follow your dreams and just help the people in your life. P.S. To the one I love most myself To the one the only Finn, this is your spirt telling you this.
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.
.svg){kind=icon}
Created by Paul Gehrig
