Our Response to the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Outbreak

As a precaution to help limit the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19) and care for our community, Just Buffalo Literary Center has postponed a number of events, and we will follow the guidance of Buffalo Public Schools in terms of Just Buffalo Writing Center programming.

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JBWC Creative Writing Programs

The Just Buffalo Writing Center (JBWC) opened its doors in April of 2014, creating an entirely new nucleus for all of Just Buffalo’s education programs. But our creative writing programs have served schools throughout Western New York for more than 40 years.

Along with our afterschool creative writing programs for youth (ages 12-18), the JBWC provides adults with space to write, learn, and connect with other writers. The JBWC is also a great resource for encouraging and supporting the teachers and schools in our community.

The JBWC Creative Writing Program Calendar

Check out what’s coming up at the Just Buffalo Writing Center, including writing workshops, book clubs, readings, open mics, social events, and more!

Thursday, February 12, 2026
6:30 pm - 7:30 pm
Just Buffalo Writing Center
Phil McAndrew Teachers Are Writers February 12, 2026

Teachers ARE Writers with Phil McAndrew

In this creative writing workshop we will provide space for school teachers and educators to explore their own creative work and writing practice, with space for discussion and exploration.

468 Washington Street, 2nd Floor, Buffalo, NY 14203

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No events currently scheduled. Check back soon for updates to the calendar!

The JBWC Creative Writing Programs for Youth

The Just Buffalo Writing Center (JBWC) invites young writers & artists (ages 12-18) to join us for our after-school creative writing programs for youth. Along with access to writing workshops, literary events, and one-on-one writing feedback, you’ll be provided platforms to share your work!

Writer Residency

In-School Creative Writing Programs & Field Trips

One of Just Buffalo’s greatest strengths is our ability to reach students of all ages and abilities—gifted and talented, at-risk, or special needs. And we’re proud to work with public, private, Catholic, and charter schools, as well as community centers throughout Western New York.

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Mullen Elementary students field trip 2024

Creative Writing Programs for Youth

Our after-school creative writing programs, including all youth writing workshops and other JBWC youth events, are aimed at young writers aged 12–18 and have options to join in-person or virtually.

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Youth Publication Stack

Youth Publications

See what moves the young people of Western New York by checking out our youth publications. Featuring young writers from the after-school creative writing program at Just Buffalo Writing Center (JBWC), as well as other youth we work with across WNY, we are always astonished by what is voiced inside—and we’re sure you’ll be astonished, too.

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Made to Order poems photo credit Noah Falck

Made-to-Order Poems

Order a poem on a topic of your choosing and support Buffalo’s next generation of literary voices. All poems are written by students of the Just Buffalo Writing Center.

Order Your Poem

Testimonials from Students & Parents

“Just Buffalo encourages young writers to explore the arts and hone their craft, but more importantly it is an unconditionally welcoming community. The ages of 12-18 have always been a tumultuous time, but now more than ever teens need a place to make connections where they are accepted unreservedly. Just Buffalo does all that while keeping the culture of writing & reading alive and well in Buffalo.” —Theo, Student

“At a time when opportunities for young people to express themselves seem to grow slimmer, the JBWC is a place that offers hope because, whatever race, class, or identity, we come together and create—all inhibitions are gone.” —Ates, Student

“The first time I read one of my poems out loud I felt powerful. I felt like after years of sitting in solitude, I was finally free to voice my thoughts and dreams. JBWC gave me that power.” —Hemingway, Student

“The JBWC has challenged my daughter intellectually, and helped her gain confidence and become a more expressive writer.” —Parent

“When I first came to a JBWC workshop, I was shy and anxious at the thought of sharing my writing. Spending time at the JBWC has encouraged me to perform my writing at events. The center has provided me with the resources, support, and opportunity to grow as a writer. I believe that my experiences at the JBWC will positively influence me for life.” —Elle, Student

“When I first heard about the Writing Center, I wasn’t sure it was for me. Since my first time stopping in, I’ve had a much stronger urge to write and have been attending the meetings now to be around people I can learn new things from. It’s been super welcoming as a new writer. After just a few months of attending, I’ve had 3 poems published. Someone called me a poet the other day and my first thought was, “I guess I am a poet now!” —Rosemary, Student

“Everything about the JBWC and all the doors it has been opening for me makes me feel so excited. You have no idea how significant the center is to me.” —Hannah, Student

“JBWC is honestly one of the greatest resources I’ve come across for young writers and I’m so glad I did.” —Marie, Student

“Learning new forms of communication, getting into college, performing, publishing—Just Buffalo has assisted so many young people in finding success. Without Just Buffalo, I would have never thought this passionate hobby could be something more; they inspire and motivate.” —Leni, Student

“The JBWC introduced me to other people with similar interests. Now I actually have people who will listen to all my crazy ideas.” —Carson, Student

“The JBWC is a lively, diverse, collaborative community of young people with amazing ideas and voices all their own.” —Parent

“I come to JBWC because it is the only place for me to connect with other writers. Before coming here I had never gotten an opinion or even let anyone outside of my family read my writing. They gave me new ways to look at my stories and helped me develop new techniques while writing. At JBWC…I am encouraged to dig deeper and find the heart of the story.” —Reatha, Student

“There’s always something fun for you to do, whether crafting poetic lines together, trying your hand at comics or filmmaking, or getting inspired to revisit an old writing piece from when you were 12.” —Lucy, Student

“The JBWC is an atmosphere filled with open minds and curiosity. Peers at the JBWC are always willing to listen. Each of us come from different backgrounds but we all come together to exchange stories. I am constantly inspired by the other young artists at the center and spending time with them pushes me to become more confident in my writer identity.” —Zenaya, Student

“For me, Just Buffalo’s Writing Center acts as a second home. It’s a vibrant community of young writers and artists that has given me opportunities to grow and share my art in ways I never would have thought to be possible.” —Liam, Student

“Without Just Buffalo, I might never have laid the foundation necessary for me to start growing into the writer that I need to become. I might never have learned how communal the practice and art of writing is and the true impact that it has on others—from the individual to massive social movements. I might never have been able to discover and find confidence in my own voice.” —Emma, Student

“Before coming here I had never let anyone outside of my family read my writing. The JBWC gave me new ways to look at my stories and helped me develop new techniques.” —Reatha, Student

“Because of the JBWC, I am a global citizen. I can think and write outside my comfort zone, to speak about issues larger than myself.” —Trinity, Student

“Just Buffalo is an organization that wants to see youth succeed; they give us incredible opportunities, prepare us for college, help us find a place in the world once we have to leave the nest.” —Sage, Student

“It’s an amazing program with a kind of access to working writers of all stripes that exceeds what is available at many writing colleges. It’s made her a better person and given her great relationships.” —Parent

“I can’t imagine a better incubator for creativity.” —Stacy, Parent

Other JBWC Creative Writing Programs

Along with our afterschool creative writing programs for youth (ages 12-18), the JBWC provides adults with space to write, learn, and connect with other writers. The JBWC is also a great resource for encouraging and supporting the teachers and schools in our community.

Teachers ARE Writers with Nina Vega-Westhoff photo credit Noah Falck

Creative Writing Programs for Adults

The Just Buffalo Writing Center (JBWC) provides adults with space to write, learn, and connect with other writers. Our creative writing programs for adults (ages 19 and up) are designed for any level of writer, from beginner to advanced, to hone your craft in a relaxed, nonjudgmental atmosphere.

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Teachers ARE Writers with Nishant Batsha photo credit Pat Cray

Creative Writing Programs for Teachers

We at the JBWC believe that teachers are the most passionate, dedicated, and creative people on the planet, and we want to support their creativity. That’s why our creative writing programs offer professional development opportunities just for them.

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2023 JBLC Poetry Fellow Ae Hee Lee reading at Silo City Reading Series photo credit Pat Cray-min

Just Buffalo Fellowships

Throughout its history, Just Buffalo has offered a number of fellowships to poets and writers to help foster the future of creative writing—both here in Western New York and around the world.

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Testimonials from Teachers

“Just Buffalo is providing invaluable professional development experiences for participating teachers. Good writing pedagogy is modeled in these workshops and teachers are able to use the prompts and other activities they experience in their own classrooms.” —James Cercone, English Education Coordinator

“Just Buffalo has show a light inside of me that I forgot existed. From brainstorming guides to mentor texts, I feel alive as a writer and human each writing workshop session. Thank you.” —Teacher

“Spending time in inspiring spaces, in an inspiring city with likeminded people provided a catalyst to revitalize what is happening in my classroom. In a profession that doesn’t lack for heavy content, a moment of light in the darkness was a much needed reminder of what connects us all.” —Teacher

“Just Buffalo provided a welcome departure from the typical writing that so many teachers are bogged down by- the formulaic five-paragraph essay. It was a pleasure to dive into creativity and to think about ways in which we can incorporate more of it in our classrooms.” —Teacher

About The Just Buffalo Writing Center (JBWC)

The Just Buffalo Writing Center provides access to writing workshops, literary events, and one-on-one assistance with all kinds of creative writing.

Typewriter-Graphic design by Julian Montague

Just WHAT is the JBWC?

The Just Buffalo Writing Center (JBWC) is a vibrant creative hub nurturing young voices and fostering a diverse community of writers. At our core, we offer after-school creative writing programs that empower youth ages 12–18 to discover their unique artistic voices. Our welcoming space also serves as a sanctuary for adult writers seeking inspiration, growth, and meaningful connections with fellow creatives.

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Rachelle Toarmino leading a workshop at the Just Buffalo Writing Center photo credit Pat Cray

Our Teaching Artists

Just Buffalo’s teaching artists represent the best of Western New York’s literary presence, from poetry and fiction to playwriting, non-fiction, and beyond.

Meet Our Teaching Artists

The Latest JBWC News

Stay up-to-date on the latest news from the Just Buffalo Writing Center.

Announcing “In Gratitude”: A City-Wide Practice of Hope
Tuesday, January 27, 2026
Announcing “In Gratitude”: A City-Wide Practice of Hope
We are thrilled to announce "In Gratitude," a city-wide reading and writing initiative designed to bring our community together. This project invites us all to practice "unabashed gratitude"—a concept inspired by the renowned poet and essayist Ross Gay.
“Still Life” by Zazie Anastasopoulos
Friday, November 15, 2024
“Still Life” by Zazie Anastasopoulos
Presenting “Still Life” a short story by the 2024 JBWC Youth Fellow, Zazie Anastasopoulos.
Transmissions: Issue 6
Monday, November 4, 2024
Transmissions: Issue 6
Transmissions is a collection of youth writing edited and designed by Youth Ambassadors of Just Buffalo's Writing Center. Issue 6 features work that emerged from JBWC programs during the Spring of 2024.
All JBWC News