During our January 27th Community Day, members of Notre Dame's Peer Helpers Club were thrilled to have the chance to put faces to the names of their Misericordia Pen Pals!

At a time when it can be difficult to connect with others, our Dons have reached out to residents at Misericordia home to offer friendship and learn from each other’s shared experiences during these changing times. Each week, Dons have taken time to write heartfelt letters to their Pen Pals, sharing updates on their interests, hobbies, families, pets, and more. In these letters, Dons have conveyed compassion and understanding for the challenges that can come with feeling isolated and being restricted from our everyday routine. They have also shined a light on the many things which we are grateful for, including our new friends. Our Dons have been delighted to receive thoughtful responses from their Pen Pals who have told us about their own likes and interests, along with their experiences working and living at Misericordia.

During Wednesday’s Zoom meeting, we celebrated the diversity among us and took inspiration from our common bonds (art, music, movies, sports, pizza!). This opportunity has reinforced the power of human connection and reaching out to one another in any way we can.