Senior & Teen Pen Pal Program: Connecting Across Generations
Are you a local senior with wisdom and advice to pass along to our youth? If you said yes, then please join our Senior & Teen Pen Pal Program: Connecting Across Generations!
The Senior & Teen Pen Pal Program connects local seniors with teenagers in a meaningful and thoughtful way by providing them with an opportunity to create a relationship through good old fashioned letter writing.
Moose Jaw Public Library staff will match you up with a teenager from one of the local high schools, and you will receive their letter as your first correspondence. You can write back and drop the letter off at the Moose Jaw Public Library (or have it picked up by Age-Friendly Moose Jaw). Once we receive your letter, we will pass it along to your pen pal and the process will begin again!
Why write letters?
- Writing by hand activates a broad network of brain regions and helps with memory retention.
- Intergenerational communication benefits both seniors and teens.
- Sharing coorespondence can decrease feelings of loneliness and create opportunities for connection!
Any questions? Email us at penpal@mjlibrary.ca
How it works:
Sign Up: To join, fill out the form below. Library staff will pair you with a teenager from a local high school.
Write Your Letter: Your journey begins when you receive your first letter from your teen pen pal. Enjoy the letter from your pen pal and work on your response!
Drop Off Your Letter (or contact the library to arrange for it to be picked up): Once you have finished your letter bring it to the library or contact us to arrange for pickup. Make sure to bring it within the specified monthly timeframe. Our staff will ensure it reaches your pen pal promptly.
Repeat the Process: You will receive letters from your pen pal monthly. Each letter is an opportunity to forge a deeper connection, share your wisdom, and perhaps learn something new from the next generation.
Program Details:
Who can participate: Seniors aged 55 and above
Registration: Free (no cost involved)
Frequency: Monthly exchanges
Dates/Times: Teens meet monthly to write their letters, beginning November 2026; letters will be exchanged in this monthly time-frame.
This program is presented in partnership with Age-Friendly Moose Jaw
