Encouragement in an Envelope

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What is the Encouragement in an Envelope Program?

In early 2021, the City of Delta was awarded a Federal grant of $25,000 by the New Horizons for Seniors Program to facilitate a unique letter-writing program with seniors, called Encouragement in an Envelope.

The Encouragement in an Envelope project sends letters to seniors via direct mail; the letters are written by community volunteers of all ages. This project is intended to help seniors cope with the physical and social isolation caused by the pandemic while keeping them connected to their community.

The project targets seniors who do not have the ability to engage in today’s technologies, seniors who are isolated and vulnerable, seniors living with dementia, family members and caregivers who support seniors; and seniors who are looking to volunteer and support their peers through writing letters.

The Encouragement in an Envelope program will run through to March 2022.

Who can participate?

Encouragement in an Envelope provides a unique opportunity for volunteerism amongst all ages and demographics. It allows people to participate and give back to their community through writing letters. Furthermore, the simplicity of the program allows for people to participate without barriers — only an address is required and it provides family members and caregivers something special to share and talk about with their loved ones.

What are the benefits of this program?

COVID-19 has brought a myriad of challenges, but Encouragement in an Envelope has the potential to overcome some of those challenges by reaching seniors in the safety of their homes and providing them with support and a sense of community. A letter comprising thoughtful encouragement can alleviate much of the fear and anxiety caused by COVID-19. The tangible gift can be kept by the bedside, on the coffee table, or in the senior's pocket for immediate support should negative feelings arise.

How can I get involved?

Getting involved is simple! Submit this form below.

Volunteers will be contacted once registered.

What is the Encouragement in an Envelope Program?

In early 2021, the City of Delta was awarded a Federal grant of $25,000 by the New Horizons for Seniors Program to facilitate a unique letter-writing program with seniors, called Encouragement in an Envelope.

The Encouragement in an Envelope project sends letters to seniors via direct mail; the letters are written by community volunteers of all ages. This project is intended to help seniors cope with the physical and social isolation caused by the pandemic while keeping them connected to their community.

The project targets seniors who do not have the ability to engage in today’s technologies, seniors who are isolated and vulnerable, seniors living with dementia, family members and caregivers who support seniors; and seniors who are looking to volunteer and support their peers through writing letters.

The Encouragement in an Envelope program will run through to March 2022.

Who can participate?

Encouragement in an Envelope provides a unique opportunity for volunteerism amongst all ages and demographics. It allows people to participate and give back to their community through writing letters. Furthermore, the simplicity of the program allows for people to participate without barriers — only an address is required and it provides family members and caregivers something special to share and talk about with their loved ones.

What are the benefits of this program?

COVID-19 has brought a myriad of challenges, but Encouragement in an Envelope has the potential to overcome some of those challenges by reaching seniors in the safety of their homes and providing them with support and a sense of community. A letter comprising thoughtful encouragement can alleviate much of the fear and anxiety caused by COVID-19. The tangible gift can be kept by the bedside, on the coffee table, or in the senior's pocket for immediate support should negative feelings arise.

How can I get involved?

Getting involved is simple! Submit this form below.

Volunteers will be contacted once registered.

Page last updated: 12 Oct 2021, 11:21 AM