Pen Pal Benefits

We recently completed our inaugural pen pal program, connecting local students with senior pen pals.

For our 2024-2025 program, we partnered with Brookdale Senior Living, Champions Assisted Living at Davis, The Woods at Holly Tree, and The Garden tutoring ministry at Christ Community Church. 

We were excited to create a program that fostered intergenerational connections while also providing social engagement. In our tech-saturated world, it was also a joy to revive the old practice of letter writing.

Why Pen Pals?

Writing letters provided so many helpful benefits for the seniors. During a time of life that can feel lonely, the introduction of a pen pal provided a new intergenerational social connection. The act of writing itself also provided cognitive stimulation. In one of the communities we partnered with, reading and writing the pen pals’ letters became a social event as well, providing additional social interaction with peers and staff.

The benefit for the students? “It has been a joy to see our kids both eager to practice their writing skills and — much more importantly — excited to build a relationship with a senior adult,” shared one of the staff members who worked with the students.

Exchanging Memories & More

Throughout the year, almost 200 letters were exchanged. Letters included artwork, childhood memories, travel experiences, photos, and more. Both the seniors and the students shared their favorite colors, hobbies, and foods.

May Celebration

The highlight of the program occurred in late May. After exchanging letters throughout the school year, our pals finally met each other during an after-school event. The celebration included cookie decorating, bingo, group singing, and, of course, many photos, hugs, and smiles.