Volunteering opportunities come in many forms, and a particularly notable program offered through the AmeriCorps RSVP initiative recently celebrated its 10th anniversary. This program, known as the Pen Pal Project, had a significant impact this year. It is currently available in two schools, and we are excited about the possibility of expanding to more in the future.
In Branford, the project collaborates with the Canoebrook Center and Walsh Middle School, while in Hamden, it connects with the West Woods Elementary School and local veterans.
I would like to share two of the messages I received following the end-of-year gatherings, along with a few pictures.
This is the first time I left a Pen Pal meeting and did shed a tear or two on my way home. My Pen Pal,
Patty,gave me a painting she made for me at the end of our meeting today. I didn’t realize that she had written on the back of it until I got in my car. I have to share this with you, Bob
Checking the Canoe Brook schedule of events is always a delight. But what? What is this? It asks, "Would you like to volunteer to pen-pal cursive with a Middle Schooler?" Didn't our beloved cursive, unfortunately, get retired out with Home-Ec and Shop? I read on....
The purpose is to allow Middle Schoolers to practice writing cursive and connect with a local senior for the school year. To enhance their writing skills and engage their brains in the fluidity of writing pen to paper. What an amazing idea! But first, you need to pass the screenings. All Volunteers needed to present identification and go through a background and criminal screening. Very important for all concerned. If you passed, you were given a survey of general information about who you are; that would then be shared with the student. You would not meet the students until the end of the school year.
The Seniors later met at the Community Center for a friendly program briefing and received the first name of our student. A young man? Am I connecting with a young man? I have three daughters! What could I possibly know about connecting with a young man? I was delighted, but nervous that I would not understand how to connect with him. I needed some quick backup! My husband was happy to help, but I also called my son-in-law (who works with teenage students at a private school). He guided me with some relevant questions, and I took it from there. I could not wait for every letter as we shared our stories (in cursive), likes and dislikes, family traditions, and situations. We were instructed to write supportively, without judgement, to any topic that arose. His teacher and our coordinator screened each letter for appropriateness (which I am sure was a relief to the student parents). I was surprised how easy it was to connect with him on so many topics.
After many months of waiting, the day arrived to meet. I was so nervous and excited to see him. We were allowed to each spend a supervised hour discussing whatever we wanted to chat about. We talked the whole time! He is bright, articulate, and so mature for his age. I felt so proud of all his accomplishments and for his upcoming journey to High School. When it was time to say goodbye, I hugged him, and we agreed to continue to chat via text. I actually got very choked up on the way to my car. I felt as if I had just received such an unexpected gift. Thank you to my Pen Pal!
I plan to participate again in the fall, if possible. Thank you all so much for this amazing experience!
- Theresa
