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’m in the air like I’m free like everything I’ve ever wanted to be is here. Everybody I care about My Girl Eva is pulling upchurch By the car. She throws everyone I love and they come Crashing on and I’m filled with joy.

Grace
Spring 2021
Untitled

My photo is when I was in 5th grade at my last football practice when it was raining and it was all muddy and we were all covered in mud all of my friends smiling and happy. There was a goal post and a big hill with a big fence and all the boys parents were standing behind it.

Josh
Spring 2021
Untitled

Someone told me i wasn’t good at basketball and said stop trying and i got mad and yelled at the person. Working out, playing basketball, music, games, good grades, nice clothes, nice shoes, complimented

D
Spring 2021
Ode To The First Food I Made

Potato you’re like a sweet potato and you’re soft and nice and mushier in the middle. I love it when you melt in my mouth. You look so creamy when I look at you same like you have So much goodness in you. I hear you pop when you’re being cooked on the stove. You need bacon to taste so good. You smell so good. The bacon in you is chewy and salty at the same time. You look so chunky and creamy at the same time you need More meat in you and more sweet potato to taste anything and more like rice

Julia
Spring 2021
Untitled

1. I am beautiful 2. My love is special 3. I am thick and proud of it 4. I want some subway 5. Life’s better with friends 6. Am I just paranoid?

Rachel
Spring 2021
Untitled

Someone told me i wasn’t good at basketball and said stop trying and i got mad and yelled at the person. Working out, playing basketball, music, games, good grades, nice clothes, nice shoes, complimented

D
Spring 2021
Untitled

Where could the Food be? My stomach’s baren dessert I think I hear food My Parents left me They got it like snakes in sun Why forsaken me Refrigerator What a wonderus comfort It’s my disney land

W
Spring 2021
Untitled

I come from a small town, where everyone Knew each other and everything that went on. Kids who would go to school and as soon As we all got home we would link at The park play football or catch things in The lodi creek. I come from the town where not everyone Got along and but most tried. Kids would fist fight and make up the day After like nothing happened. And every day the same old lodi kids Would do the same thing just different Day.

J
Spring 2021
Untitled

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

N
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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