JBWC Creative Writing Programs for Youth

“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

“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