Our Sharing Smiles team screens each note before forwarding it to ensure the safety and privacy of both writers. We screen for content including: sensitive medical or financial information; exploitative or manipulative requests; sexual content; threats to self or others; and racist, sexist, or other offensive statements. We will not forward such content, and we reserve the right to terminate from the program any participant who sends inappropriate content.

Yes. The ONLY information each partner has is the other partner’s first name. They write to you via ETA’s dedicated Sharing Smiles email address. Our staff screens their notes and then forwards them on to you. You reply to the same Sharing Smiles email address, and we forward your replies to your partner, so you both remain anonymous to each other.

The younger writers send the first note, which should be an introduction sharing a little about themselves, sharing good wishes, and asking polite questions. We will suggest ideas and prompts. Older writers are encouraged to reply independently or with the assistance of activity coordinators or other staff. Remember: This is a chance to make a friendly connection with people who want to reach out while so many of us are feeling isolated. It can be fun to find out what you have in common and also how different you may be.

ETA staff will review the form and email you to match your group with friendly writers from another generation. We have writers of all ages, from 4-100, but most younger writers are age 8-30 and most older writers are age 60-80.

Sign up using our online form . We’ll ask your name, the name of your group, the age of your participants, and your address (email or mailing address, depending on which you want to use).

You will write the first note. We will send you some ideas and prompts when we let you know we’ve found a match for you. We encourage you to share a little about your own life and ask your partner questions. It can be fun to find out what you have in common and also how different you may be. Remember: This is a chance to make a friendly connection and share a smile with an older person in a time when many people are feeling isolated. If you like to draw, write poems, etc., feel free to share your talent!

FAQs Archive - Empowering the Ages

Q: What if I don’t have email?

If you don’t use email, or you are signing up on behalf of someone who doesn’t use email, you can have ETA staff send your notes to you by postal mail. Your note-writing partner will not receive your mailing address or your email address, regardless of which you choose to use in the program.

Q: What if I don’t have email?

We ask our younger writers to use email, to simplify the process and minimize our expenses. Children may use a parent’s email address, or their own email address if their parent/guardian permits them to. We welcome photos, scanned artwork, etc., as long as you are mindful of your privacy.