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 Seville Ohio where I skate I come from drugs and alcohol I come from friends and influence I come from Board and frame I come from weapons and ammunition I come from dirt and game I’m going to change
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
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.
I come from a town with seed people But even better donuts I come from playing football on Friday nights Adrenaline pumping through my veins I come from swimming in pools and Granger lake Not even caring about sunburn I come from playing pickup basketball at the Marriott Inn Till the lights go out I come from home cooked meals on the grill And fast food from McDonalds I come from a family who loves me Even in jail But I’m going to create my own path And help others along the way
I was trying to keep my concentration When I heard Everything complaining it was at that time i wished I was swimming Maybe hydroplaning all because my mind started straining moral is keep concentrating not contemplating
In the box sweat dripping waiting for the ball to come bat up and ready in my stance the pitcher eyeing me ready to through a strike I swing hard and watch the ball fly fly and fly over second & over the fence flying across the bases feeling free, I hit a home run.
1. I am tired of being in Jail 2. I am Resonable 3. I like Birthday cake 4. I like to get my way 5. I am outgoing 6. I will be the greatest African American male role model I posibley can.
I come from a small town and lots of drugs And abandoned places where people go to do drugs One place is the brickyard and not far from There is an abandoned factory And I’m going to Virginia and getting My life back on track To meet the right one and make better friends And to get a job And to get a nice truck to cruise around In with my friends And I want to become a better big brother And not be in jail and be with him
Dear Anthony, Remember when you were locked up and a lot of crazy things happened while you were away. Well you need to start doing things by yourself and start taking risks, because if you keep hanging out with “those” people then you’re not going to get anywhere in life. You can’t be trusting anybody cause they always gon do what benefits them. You need to learn from your mistakes and don’t think about peoples opinions cuz they aint facts.
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Created by Paul Gehrig
