Bridging Generations

Last month, Wesley Housing launched a heartwarming new initiative aimed at bridging the generation gap and fostering meaningful connections through letter writing. The new “You’ve Got Mail” program pairs older adults from our independent living communities with children from our After School Activities Program (ASAP) for a four-week letter exchange cycle. This new program promotes social connection for older adults while providing children with the opportunity to enhance their writing and communication skills. 

 

Over the course of the program, each older adult and child will send weekly letters by traditional mail to one another, sharing personal stories, achievements, and reflections. The program also teaches participants the art of letter writing, including proper formatting, addressing envelopes, and affixing stamps.  

 

“This program will continue to evolve, offering both older adults and children the opportunity to make meaningful connections, improve communication skills, and share in the joy of intergenerational friendship,” said Marlo Fowler, Wesley Housing Youth Program Specialist. 

 

At the end of the four-week cycle, pen pals will be reassigned to new partners, ensuring that everyone has the chance to build a variety of connections. 

 

“I never had children or grandchildren, so I don’t interact much with kids. I thought it would be fun to talk to them and see what they are interested in. As for how it affects the community, I think the kids will benefit more than us. It not only lets them practice writing and sending letters, but kids often don’t get a chance to interact with seniors outside their own family. This may help them with their social skills, at least in a small way.”
— Judy, Quarry Station Seniors Apartments