Words to the Wise
The Area Agency on Aging of Broward County’s (AAABC) Words to the Wise is a pen pal program that invites community members to send positive, encouraging messages to older adults experiencing feelings of loneliness, depression, and anxiety due to isolation and lack of socialization. This program helps older adults in Broward County by fostering intergenerational friendships and providing a creative outlet for participants to express their feelings and connect to a caring person, which reinforces they are not alone. Volunteers can write to a specific older adult citizen or write a generic care card to any program participant.
To signup for the Words to the Wise Program, CLICK HERE.
For more information or for questions, please contact volunteers@adrcbroward.org.
Words to the Wise FAQ
Please complete the online registration form found here. The form asks general questions to help match you with an appropriate pen pal partner. No personal information will be shared publicly.
Words of the Wise also offers the ability to write Care Cards or generic letters of encouragement that can be sent to any member in the program.
Once matched, you will receive a welcome email with match information. This will include the pen pal’s name, address, gender, and age. No other information will be shared. If your family is uncomfortable sharing a mailing address and you would still like to participate, we suggest using the Area Agency on Aging of Broward County address, 5300 Hiatus Road, Sunrise, FL 33315.
Yes! Other than postage, there are no costs associated with participation.
Your correspondence with your pen pals is what is truly valued. The exchange of gifts is strongly discouraged. Sending special cards, bookmarks, cartoons or inexpensive souvenirs is acceptable; however, monetary value items are discouraged.
Yes! While participation in the program is at-will either party in the match can opt-out at any time), we suggest that volunteers commit to the program for a minimum of six months to allow the pen pal relationship time to develop. Please see the Program Guidelines and Policies document that details general program policies.