Oakland residents of all ages are encouraged to make new connections through the Pen Pal program.
OPDC is starting a pen pal program! We believe that every day is a good day to get to know your neighbors.
While COVID-19 has halted the in-person community gatherings we usually enjoy, we now rise to the challenge of finding new (and old) ways of connecting.
As colder weather sets in, we are matching interested Oakland residents together for a pen pal relationship that allows folks to meet new neighbors from the socially distanced comforts of their homes.
Andrea Boykowycz is OPDC’s Community Services Director and an Oakland homeowner. Andrea looks forward to the new program, saying, “My Oakland neighbors and I keep tabs on each other through porch and sidewalk encounters — but this winter, those encounters will be a lot rarer than in years past. OPDC’s community services team is always looking for ways to help residents feel better connected with each other, and we’re hoping that matching eager letter writers with pen pals will help forge new friendships — even while we’re all keeping our distance.”
To be matched with a pen pal, please fill out this google form or call Marketing and Community Programs Coordinator Maura McCampbell at 412-621-7863 x17 (please leave a voicemail and she will return your call since we are working remotely.) Tell us a bit about yourself and your communication preferences, and we will pair you with another interested Oakland resident after the start of the new year.
Once matched, you will receive a letter or email (depending on your chosen mode of correspondence) with your pen pal’s name and contact information.
Happy writing!