The Pen(demic) Pals Project connects Billings-area students and seniors in a letter writing campaign to promote pandemic-safe socialization and foster a greater sense of community engagement. The project coordinator, Amber Nichols, is an AmeriCorps member serving on the Coronavirus Response Initiative Project. Pan(demic) Pals emerges from two city-wide surveys conducted by the City of Billings in
the Fall of 2020. The surveys were developed to gage the impacts felt by Billings residents as a result of the pandemic while also quantifying how local and state social service agencies were affected. Survey results show that the majority of Billings residents are experiencing increased stress and dearly miss engaging with our community. Survey results and the published report can be found on the City of Billings website at: https://ci.billings.mt.us/2934/2020-Coronavirus-Survey. The Pen(demic) Pals Project serves as a way for folks to socialize in a pandemic-conscious way, regardless of affluence or access to technology. Current participants include K-8 students, residents of assisted care and nursing facilities, seniors living independently within Billings, and kids in various after school programs. Participants register online, by phone, or through paper registration forms and are matched with a pal. Upon successful registration, welcome parcels containing letter writing supplies are mailed or delivered to participants free of charge, and writing commences! The project is funded entirely by awarded grants, and in-kind donations.
