Syracuse Sun

Associate Professor Patrick Berry of the College of Arts and Sciences at Syracuse University has been making waves with his innovative approach to writing and community building. Berry's class on writing and rhetoric not only teaches the foundations of good writing but also aims to foster a sense of community among its participants. This vision led Berry to establish Project Mend, an online and print magazine featuring works by individuals impacted by the criminal justice system.

Berry's efforts have not gone unnoticed, as he is set to receive a $25,000 Post-Incarceration Grant from Humanities New York for the second time to support Project Mend. Reflecting on the project, Berry highlighted the importance of acknowledging the role of family members in the lives of justice-impacted individuals, emphasizing the need for a holistic approach to understanding their experiences.

Project Mend serves as a platform for individuals, including those with personal experiences of incarceration, to come together and contribute to the publication "Mend." Participants engage in various activities, from editing manuscripts to designing layouts, culminating in the creation of a published issue. Berry noted the increasing popularity of the project, with submissions now coming in from across the country.

A key aspect of Project Mend is its emphasis on community engagement, made possible through the grant funding that provides stipends for participants and supports events such as launch parties. Berry stressed the importance of creating a space where individuals can explore new identities through their writing, moving beyond narratives solely focused on their past experiences with the criminal justice system.

Unlike traditional prison publications, Project Mend offers a diverse range of content, including love poems and sci-fi pieces, reflecting the participants' creativity and individuality. Berry's commitment to providing opportunities for personal growth through the liberal arts underscores his belief in the universal value of education and learning.

Project Mend's success is attributed to collaborative efforts with various organizations and support from Syracuse University. Through initiatives like the HNY Post-Incarceration Humanities Partnership, Project Mend continues to thrive, offering a platform for individuals to express themselves and connect with others through the power of writing.

This impactful story was brought to light by Lesley Porcelli, shedding light on the transformative work being done by Patrick Berry and Project Mend in creating identity and fostering community through writing.