Become a Penpal Across Generations
A nonprofit program that brings people of all ages together through the simple, powerful act of letter-writing. Whether you’re 28 or 78, this membership helps you create meaningful connections while supporting mental health programs for underserved communities.
Woah there, buddy...
you're tyna do TOO much for my energy levels today.
why don't you come back tomorrow and try again.
This is why Generations Together Penpals matters...
Receiving a heartfelt letter from someone who sees the world through a different lens can spark fresh perspectives, offer emotional support, and remind you that you’re part of something bigger - a community built on shared wisdom, care, and understanding.
Why This?
Handwritten letters create meaningful, lasting relationships that share wisdom, spark joy, and foster understanding across generations.
Why Now?
In an era of isolation and digital overstimulation, this program offers a heartfelt way to connect, reflect, and build a sense of belonging.
Why Trust Us?
We're a nonprofit program stemmed from an idea to nurture community well-being through timeless letter-writing. As part of Human of Impact, your penpal membership directly funds mental health care kits and resources for underserved families, ensuring your participation creates a ripple effect of good.
THE FULL PROGRAM STARTS IN MARCH 2025
How It'll Work
Step 1
Sign Up
Join the program for just $29 a month. Let us know your penpal alias name, penpal preferences, and we’ll pair you with a penpal from the other generation.
Step 2
Receive Your Monthly Penpal Kit
Starting your first month, you’ll get a beautifully curated letter-writing kit with:
- Themed stationery
- Creative prompts
- Two prepaid labels to send letters.
- A handwritten letter from someone of the other generation.
Step 3
Send & Receive Letters
Write your letter and send it to our nonprofit address at Human of Impact. We’ll forward it to your penpal to ensure privacy and safety. In return, you’ll receive a heartfelt letter to brighten your month.
Step 4
Make an Impact
All proceeds from your membership support Human of Impact’s mission to create and donate mental health care kits to kids, teens, and families in underserved communities.
WE'RE STILL BUILDING OUR POOL OF PENPALS
Get 3 Months Free As An Early Supporter!
Step 1
Claim Your Free Penpal Kit by February!
This includes everything you need to write two letters, including themed stationery, prepaid return labels, and creative writing prompts. Just pay shipping!
Step 2
Write Two Letters
Use the prompts to write to humans of another generation, seal your letters, and send them back using the prepaid labels. The prompts are for inspiration. So, if you feel like sharing a recipe you perfected this week instead, you can send that, too!
Step 3
Send Them Back To Us
Use the prepaid labels included in your penpal kit to send your two letter back to us. Your letters will help us create a meaningful letter collection to pair members with intergenerational penpals starting in March.
Step 4
Receive Your First Letter in March
By mid-March, you’ll start receiving handwritten letters from someone in the other generation's pool! Plus, as an early-supporter, you'll receive 3 months of free membership and a grandfathered discount price if you decide to continue afterwards.
For Older Generations
Imagine opening a letter from 28-year-old Kara, sharing how today’s music reminds her of her favorite childhood road trips, or from 43-year-old Sarah, who describes her recent gardening adventures and asks for tips.
It’s an opportunity to feel valued, connected, and inspired by the energy and dreams of a new generation.
For Younger Generations
Picture reading a letter from 72-year-old Kim, who shares how she grew her garden full of heirloom roses, or 68-year-old Gerald’s account of traveling cross-country with his family in the 1970s.
It’s a chance to gain life-changing insights and grounding wisdom that inspires you to live your life to the fullest.
IMAGINE THE CONNECTIONS
These connections aren’t just letters - they’re a lifeline to belonging and mutual growth.
A Note From Human of Impact...
Inspired by Life-Changing Friendships
Our founder, Ellyssa, created the Generations Together PenPals program after discovering the immense joy and wisdom that comes from friendships that she and her partner made with her elderly neighbors - like Helma (in the photos), who still shares stories, traditions, and seasonal meals with Ellyssa and her partner to this day. This program was born to bring that same sense of connection and support to others via timeless letter-writing.
A Program With Purpose
As part of Human of Impact, a nonprofit initiative, all proceeds from this program fund our mental health care kits for kids, teens, and families in shelters. Your membership not only builds meaningful connections but also helps make a real difference in the lives of underserved communities.
Organization Name: Human of Impact
EIN: 99-1798879
"These connections have brought joy, wisdom, and belonging into our lives, and I want to share that gift with you." -Ellyssa
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is privacy maintained?
All letters are sent to Human of Impact and we forward them to your penpal. Your personal address is never shared, and we do not open letters before forwarding them. If you encounter anything concerning, please report it immediately.
Is this program available outside the U.S.?
No. Currently, Generations Together PenPals is available only in the U.S.
Can I write to the same penpal every month?
You can request to stay connected with the same penpal. However, we cannot guarantee this, as some participants may choose to write to others.
What happens if I want to cancel?
You can cancel anytime in your membership portal. You can also email us at hello @ humanofimpact.org (without the spaces) and we’ll remove you from the penpal pool.
What's included in each monthly penpal kit?
Each kit contains:
- Themed stationery
- Creative writing prompts to inspire your letters to the other generation.
- Two prepaid labels to send both letters back to Human of Impact so that we can forward them to your penpal without compromising your personal details.
- A handwritten letter from someone in the other generation.
How does my membership support Human of Impact?
Every membership directly funds our programs, including creating and donating mental health care kits to kids, teens, and families in shelters. These kits include books, tools, and resources to nurture emotional well-being and foster community. Please click here to see a percentage breakdown of how our funds are allocated.
Become a Penpal Across Generations!
Write letters, build connections, and change lives - for yourself and for your community.