Lives Being Rewritten

Prison Writers Workshop offers one of the nation’s leading prison creative writing programs, connecting incarcerated individuals with creative writing classes across Indiana, Alabama, Ohio, and Illinois. The organization began when Debra Des Vignes discovered the power and healing of writing while serving as a volunteer. She decided to go off-script and encourage the men to write. That was her “aha” moment. Discovering the raw talent in the room, she decided to create a 12-week creative writing workshop that helps participants express their life stories through reflection, literacy development, and change of thought. Since its founding in 2018, the organization has expanded its reach while remaining rooted in the belief that storytelling builds literacy, resilience, and dignity.

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MISSION
Improve the lives of those incarcerated through creative writing and expression

VISION
Formerly incarcerated individuals and those affected by crime can strengthen their communities as law-abiding citizens