Friendly Letters
Pen Pal Group
Friendly Letters is a community-based pen pal project created through Linking the Gap in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. Our purpose is simple: to foster genuine human connection through handwritten letters, shared stories, and small acts of kindness sent by mail.
Anyone 18 and older is welcome to write in. Whether you send a short note, a drawing, a postcard, or a longer story, your letter will be matched with someone who would truly appreciate it. Many participants benefit from added encouragement, friendship, and connection, and for some, receiving a letter can be a meaningful bright spot in their week.
All letters are mailed to our clinical office, where they are gently screened for safety and then forwarded on a participant’s behalf. Personal addresses are never shared, ensuring a confidential and supportive exchange. Our goal is to create safe, positive, heartwarming connections one envelope at a time.
If you’d like to get started, send an introduction letter to:
Linking the Gap
Attn: Friendly Letters
3922 S. Western Ave
Sioux Falls, SD 57105
You’re welcome to include drawings, postcards, or little surprises. If you’d like a writing prompt to help spark ideas for your letters, please click below to view our prompt ideas. We also have printable stationary, free to print and use for all your letters.
For Clinics Interested in this Group:
Friendly Letters is easy to replicate and works well in many settings, including counseling programs, schools, nonprofits, disability services, senior programs, and more. At its core, the structure only requires:
A secure mailing address
A simple system for reviewing and forwarding mail
A community of people who want to connect
If you’re interested in creating a branch of Friendly Letters in your own community or state, we’re happy to share what’s worked for us and offer support as you get started.
To learn more, contact: contact@linkingthegapsd.com