“Dear Friend” Pen Pal Project

While interaction across generations has always been important, the COVID-19 pandemic has increased isolation among older adults and intensified the need to intentionally build intergenerational relationships. COVID-19 has also constrained the options for ways to do that without placing individual and community health at risk. The “Dear Friend” Pen Pal Project grew out of the recognition that letter-writing is an actionable, meaningful and safe approach build connections during this time when opportunities for in-person interactions are limited. Community members of all ages are invited to participate by writing letters - we hope you’ll join us!

How does it work?

Community groups and individuals write cards and letters to residents of assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, Meals on Wheels recipients, and other elders who are more likely to be socially isolated.

How can I participate?

• Community members are invited to write as many letters, cards, or postcards as they would like! Simply start your letter “Dear Friend,” and share what’s going on in your life, something you saw, read, heard, or experienced recently, or simply let the receiver know that you are thinking of them. Not sure where to start? Check out our writing prompts.

• If you would like to receive a response back, feel free to let the receiver know and include your name and return address in the letter (letters may be separated from their envelopes). Please note that not all letter receivers will be able to write back, but know that your letter will be very appreciated even if you don’t get a response!

• Once your letter is ready to go, you can drop it off at one of our community partner sites (please clearly mark the envelope “Dear Friend Pen Pal Project”):

  • Allied Arts of Whatcom County - 1418 Cornwall Avenue, Bellingham, WA 98225

  • Art & Happiness - 2004 James Street, Bellingham, WA 98225

  • WECU location night drops – throughout Whatcom County

  • Whatcom Family YMCA - 1256 North State Street, Bellingham, WA 98225

• Or mail it to the Chuckanut Health Foundation:

  • 1500 Cornwall Avenue, Suite 201, Bellingham, WA 98225

Letters will be collected, sorted, and distributed in batches to residents at Summit Place Assisted Living, Christian Health Care Center, Mt. Baker Care Center, and Rosewood Villa, and participants in the Whatcom Council on Aging’s Meals on Wheels programs.

NOTE: Please be aware that the Chuckanut Health Foundation may photograph or photocopy cards and letters as part of documenting this project. If cards or letters are photocopied, names will be removed. Writers who submit cards and letters do so with permission for Chuckanut Health Foundation to photograph or photocopy them.