Hidden Heroes
This mystery match pen pal program links caring adults to youth in the community to provide encouragement and support.
“…she felt so thought-about during the past year. I know it meant a lot to her, and always brightened her day (really..her week!) when [her hidden hero] wrote to her.” – Parent of a Hidden Heroes Youth Participant
- Adults (Hidden Heroes) are matched with youth for the school year.
- Each month, Hidden Heroes are asked to send their youth something uplifting in the mail – ex: a poem, quote, letter, motivating tale.
- Adults may request a youth match or be paired randomly
- Hidden Heroes receive a letter confirming their youth match, meaning parent permission was given and the letter writing may start.
- Adults receive a profile of their youth to get to know them.
- Youth will not know who is sending them mail, only the excitement!
- Background checks will need to be run for all Hidden Heroes, if not already on file with the Youth Service Bureau.
- In late May, LAYSB will host an ice cream social, so youth can meet their Hidden Hero match who has been writing to them all year!
- Our goal is for youth to feel valued, encouraged and supported throughout the school year. Hidden Heroes have the ability to make a huge difference in the life of a young person!
It isn’t too late to get involved!
Please contact Tovah at LAYSB, 651-464-3685, or e-mail tovah.marek@ysblakesarea.org to sign up.
