Charlestown Residents Participate in Local School's Pen Pal Program

The art of handwriting a heartfelt letter is not lost on members of the pen pal program at Charlestown, an Erickson Senior Living community in Catonsville, Md.

Each school year, residents volunteer to participate in a monthly letter exchange with fifth-grade students at the Trinity School in Ellicott City, Md.

"The goal of the program is to cultivate intergenerational communication and understanding through letter writing," says Jennifer Fons, a teacher at the Trinity School. "We believe that middle school is a great time for students to learn about the importance of serving others and giving back to the community in a meaningful way."

‘Write from the heart'
As part of the school's Project Give Back program, the students do not receive a grade for their efforts, but get real-world application for their neat handwriting and correct grammar.

"The students practice writing and communication skills while learning about life at Charlestown," says Community Resources Coordinator Allison Chlada. "It's a wonderful program for our residents, especially those who cannot volunteer in other capacities as well as retired elementary school teachers and principals who miss these intergenerational connections."

The students kick off the program for the year by writing letters about their hobbies and what they are learning in school. After receiving students' letters, Charlestown pen pals write back, asking questions about their interests and sharing life stories.  

"We brainstorm ideas about what we could include in our letters depending on the season of the year, but I mostly encourage the students to write from the heart and answer any questions their pen pal might have for them," says Fons.

Bridging generations
Resident Charlotte Poore is very familiar with the many benefits of having a pen pal, as she participated in a pen pal program as a young Girl Scout.

When she heard about the program at Charlestown, she knew it would be a great opportunity to share the experience with a new generation.

"As a kid, I remember being very excited and looking forward to getting the letters, so I thought it would be a fun thing to do. This is an easy way for me to participate in something I enjoy," says Charlotte.  

One of Charlotte's first pen pals, a ten-year-old girl, was a basketball player and a "Swiftie."

"I wasn't sure what a ‘Swiftie' was until I talked to my granddaughter, and she informed me that it is a Taylor Swift fan," says Charlotte. "I really look forward to the letters. Some of the things they write make you laugh. You get to see what is important to them in their lives. It really brightens my week."

Resident Linda Barnes, a grandmother of five and former nurse educator, enjoys fostering intergenerational connections. She regularly writes encouraging letters to college-bound high school students at her church, so when she heard about the pen pal program at Charlestown, she was eager to participate.

"I love kids, and I have always liked to teach," says Linda. "Each time I write a letter, I ask the student a different question. That way, they have something to write back about. If they have a birthday, I will include a birthday message. I had one pen pal who was quite artistic and included a drawing with their letter."

Rewarding experience
At the end of the academic year, the students and residents who participated in the program have the opportunity to meet one another in person at a meet-and-greet event held at the school.

In fact, some pen pals appreciate the letter exchange so much that they continue to write to each other throughout the summer.

"The most rewarding part has been developing relationships with this generation and seeing what's important to them. It's been delightful," says Linda.

Year after year, the program continues to garner lots of praise, encouraging more students and residents to join in.

"It's been a great experience. I feel like I am making a difference in their lives," says Linda. "Whether you invest in a child for a month or a few years, you never know the impact you might make."

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