4-H Unit-Wide "Grand Friend" Pen Pal

Community Service

A ripped page of lined notebook paper on a mint color background. A green 4-H clover is in the middle of the lined paper.

Event Date(s)

May 16, 2025

Location

Extension office

County

Christian

Jersey

Macoupin

Montgomery

The "Grand Friend" Pen Pal Program is a heartwarming community service initiative designed to bridge generations and foster meaningful connections between youth and elderly community members. Through the simple yet powerful act of writing letters and cards, young participants will bring joy, companionship, and a sense of belonging to seniors who may feel isolated or lonely.

Objectives:

Promote Intergenerational Relationships: Encourage youth to develop empathy and understanding by connecting with older adults.
Enhance Emotional Well-being: Provide seniors with emotional support and companionship through regular correspondence.
Foster Communication Skills: Help young participants improve their writing and communication skills in a meaningful context.
Create a Sense of Community: Strengthen community bonds by fostering relationships between different age groups.

How it Works:

Register: Youth sign up to participate in the program. Open to youth ages 5-18 years old. Do not have to be a 4-H member to participate. Registration deadline is May 16.
Pairing: Extension will work with area nursing homes and retirement facilities to connect youth participants and residents.
Writing Letters/Cards: Youth write letters or create cards to send to their "Grand Friend" and turn in to their local Extension office by May 23.
Receiving Responses: Residents may respond to the letters, creating a two-way communication channel. Responses will be delivered to the local Extension Office. Do NOT list your address on the envelopes.
Special Occasions: Youth can also send cards for holidays, birthdays, and other special occasions to make their "Grand Friend" feel cherished.

Join the "Grand Friend" Pen Pal Program today and make a positive impact in the lives of our elderly community members. Your letters and cards can brighten someone's day and create lasting memories. Register now and start writing your way to a more connected community!

If you need a reasonable accommodation to participate, please contact

Jessica Jaffry

Keywords

4-H

Youth Development

Program Areas

4-H Youth Development

4-H Unit-Wide "Grand Friend" Pen Pal

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