Proposing a new name for our Pen Pals
Supporting Southwest Washington college women
How the program evolved
When we first launched our Pen Pals initiative to support our scholarship recipients throughout Southwest Washington—single moms at Clark College, professionals at WSU Vancouver, returning students at Lower Columbia College in Longview, the idea was simple: connect caring community members with college students through emails and handwritten notes.
We imagined a back-and-forth exchange, a modern twist on the classic pen pal tradition.
But as the program grew, we discovered something important.
Scholarship recipients across Southwest Washington taught us: They don't always have the bandwidth to respond; they need encouragement, not another responsibility.
And that’s okay.
It’s inspiring to learn from the women we’re supporting.
Why one-way communication works
In fact, it’s more than okay. It’s a reflection of the very reason this program exists. We provide the bulk of our college scholarships to working moms. Besides all the responsibilities of being a mom, college life is full of transitions, pressures, unknowns, and sometimes community service. Our goal has never been to add another task to a woman’s to-do list. It’s been to offer a moment of encouragement, a spark of hope, a reminder that someone out there is rooting for them.
So, we’re embracing what this program has become: a one-way act of kindness with a two-way impact.
A new name for a renewed purpose
After thoughtful reflection and a little AI input, we’re excited to announce that our Pen Pals program is updating its name. We’ve narrowed it down to three inspiring options:
Kindness Couriers
Hope in an Envelope
One-Way Wonders
Supporting Southwest Washington women through one-way kindness
Each name captures the spirit of what we do—delivering encouragement, inspiration, and support without expecting anything in return. Whether it’s a handwritten card, a thoughtful email, or a small care package, these messages are sent with love and intention.
We believe that even one-way communication can create a ripple effect of positivity. A kind word can shift a mindset. A note of hope can brighten a dark day. A reminder that someone cares can make all the difference.
What’s next?
We want your input
We’d love your input as we finalize the new name. Which one speaks to you? Which one captures the heart of this mission? Let us know in the comments or send us a message.
No matter what name we choose, the mission remains the same: to uplift, encourage, and remind our scholars that they are not alone.
Because sometimes, the most powerful messages are the ones that simply say, “You matter.”
Become a Kindness Courier for a Southwest Washington college student; it’s a great way for you to matter, too, was originally published: May 9, 2021 — Updated: September 15, 2025
Design ideas
Generated to rename Pen Pals
Which one is your favorite?
