Story and Photos by Joseph Sapia
RED BANK – The name of the organization, Project Write Now, pretty much says it all.
“It’s a very broad mission of making everybody a better writer,” said Jennifer Chauhan, who co-founded the nonprofit group in September 2014. “We’re hoping to build a writing community in Red Bank.”
“Engage people to write more, write better and get their work published,” said another co-founder, Allison Tevald.
Project Write Now is following that mission in various protocols: writing courses for adults, “An Artist’s Perspective” seminar series, working with students on college admission essays, a writing summer camp, working in schools and an after-school program for 7th and 8th grade students.
“I think our intention was always to do adults and kids,” Chauhan said.
Those still in school also work on overall communication, listening, speaking in front of a group.
Regarding writing and overall communication, “the more they practice the skill, it’s going to spill over into their academic careers,” Tevald said.
Project Write Now, with its studio on Bridge Avenue, is working with the students at Red Bank Middle School, for example.
“I like how we can just go there, do our homework or write,” said Monica Alvarado, 13, an 8th-grader at the school. “
Monica said she has overcome a hesitance.
“At first, I was really scared to write and share with the whole class,” Monica said. “After a while, it became a routine. I guess I thought everyone else was sharing, (so) ‘Why not?’”
Moises Orocio, 14, another 8th-grader at Red Bank Middle School, said the after-school program makes kids feel at home. He said Project Write Now staff helps with “anything we’re working on” – homework, personal stuff, writing.
On the adult side, Elizabeth Jannuzzi, 43, of Shrewsbury and Jennifer Shields, 49, of Red Bank are studying memoir writing.
“I’m the youngest of a family of nine, Irish Catholic, many stories,” said Shields, a psychotherapist whose family had mental health issues.
Both Shields and Jannuzzi said they are writing for themselves, to share with family and to publish.
I’ve always wanted to write, been a dream of mine,” said Jannuzzi, a recovering alcoholic who has five years sobriety. “I think I have a story to tell.”
They think their stories would resonate with readers.
“It’s been my goal to demystify mental illness, (put it) on par with diabetes,” Shields said.
“The same could be said about alcoholism,” said Jannuzzi, a former newspaper reporter.
About four years ago, Chauhan’s JC Writing Studio began working with schools and hosted creative writing workshops, while assisting high school seniors with college-admission essays.
Two years later, in September 2014, Chauhan, now 47 of Little Silver, whose background is in teaching and writing, teamed with Tevald, now 36 of Atlantic Highlands, who has newspaper and book publishing experience, and two others – Samantha Strauss, who teaches in the Little Silver school district, and J. Greg Phelan, a writer and Monmouth University writing teacher – to form Project Write Now.
“Writing brought us together,” Tevald said.
Project Write Now started with three adults studying memoir writing. Then, kids started coming aboard to learn writing.
Its staff has leeway to bring a passion to their courses. Likewise, students can run with their own subject matter.
Kenneth Blake, 12, a 7th-grader at Red Bank Middle School said: “I had good writing skills,” but would write in school only because he had to. Now, Kenneth wants to write because Project Write Now allows him freedom to write on subjects of his choosing.
“Writing has been really amazing,” said Miles Hansen, 13, also a 7th-grader at Red Bank Middle School. “I don’t have a prompt. It’s amazing to just write down your thoughts.”
On the other hand, Orlando Gonzalez, 12, also a 7th-grader at the school, said prompts help him get going when he is writing.
“I used to hate writing,” Orlando said. “Now, I like writing.”
“It helps me be more confident with my writing,” said Orlando’s twin, Juanita. “It helps me express myself.”
Shields said Project Write Now provides for “kids who wouldn’t have that opportunity” to pursue writing. That, she said, “leads to other things they thought they can’t do.”
Some of Project Write Now’s programs are free to users and some have a fee that supports the free programming and the organization.
The $25 suggested donation for “An Artist’s Perspective” seminar series is to support the after-school writing program. Upcoming topics in the seminar series are:
— “The Art of Seeing,” a view of the creative process and sources of inspiration,” with teacher and artist Amanda Heidel, 7 p.m. Tuesday, April 12.
— “The First Five Pages: A Critique,” a look at book proposals and the publishing industry, with literary agents Marisa Corvisiero and Samantha Bremekamp, 7 p.m. Monday, May 23.
In 2015, Project Write Now had revenue of $98,000 and operating expenses of $80,000, Chauhan said.
Besides taking in money from tuition for some programs, Project Write Now also does fund-raising work and seeks donors. Two of its biggest supporters have been the Cullen Disque Family Foundation, Little Silver, and the DefinedLogic company, Red Bank.
In the fall, Project Write Now will launch an online literary magazine, Bridge Ink, for those 18-years-old and under.
“There’s so much we’re doing, (have) done, want to do,” Chauhan said. “It’s fueled by our belief in the writing process.”
“They’re building a community to read and write,” Jannuzzi said.
“I’ve never seen a nonprofit take off like this,” Shields said. “I think it has to do with the heart.”
Project Write Now is at 25 Bridge Ave., Suite 130, Red Bank; 908-675-0467
