Writers in Residence is a non-profit organization committed to giving youth in the justice system a voice.

We work with teaching artists, college student volunteers and facilities in Northeast Ohio to provide residents a healing and safe space in which to write.

Our work is made possible by the support of The George Gund Foundation, the Reinberger Foundation, the Cleveland Foundation's Rosskamm Donor Fund, the Ohio Arts Council, Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, the Abington Foundation, HealthComp Foundation, the Fowler Family Foundation, United Black Fund, and the Community Foundation of Lorain.
            











mission
Writers in Residence teaches creative writing to youth who are incarcerated to empower their voices and assist in their re-entry into society.

Vision and Goals

We strive to...

Reduce the recidivism rates of our residents and participate in the transformation of the juvenile justice system.

We work everyday to...

- Increase residents' literacy levels and writing disposition.

- Build their self-esteem, self-efficacy and self-awareness.

- Publish their creative writing.

- Advocate for them.

Team

Lori Ashyk
Executive Director
Spencer Dolezal
Workshop Coordinator
Brandon Johnson
Reentry Mentoring Initiative Coordinator
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Board of Directors

Rachel Schratz
President
Bobbi Saltzman
Vice President
Michalena Mezzopera
Secretary
Paul Gehrig
Treasurer
Phillip Metres
Board Member
Anthony Shoplik
Board Member
Russell Hauser
Board Member
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values

We write to...

Foster
Relationships.

We believe in fostering genuine, strong, and long-lasting relationships as well as walking with our residents as they navigate the path to re-entry.

Seek
Justice.

We believe in creating an environment where justice becomes visible, where restoration from wrong is possible, where people are seen as more than their worst moments, where people can create a future not doomed to repeat the past.

Build
Community.

We believe in the power of community. We continually welcome and accept our residents into our communities to promote individuality and empowerment, especially upon re-entry. We also believe in the creation of a collaborative atmosphere that amplifies all voices together in a spirit of mutuality and kindness.

Instill
Dignity.

We believe that our residents deserve to discover and recognize their own dignity and self-worth through our creative writing workshops. We also believe that if we respect ourselves, our residents, and our student volunteers then we successfully lead by example.

Empower.

We believe that our residents can build their self-esteem, resilience, and power through working on their writing, their reflection, their communication, through the creative writing workshop experience.

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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Contact Us

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