What is the Pen Pal Program? 

The children of Blue Monarch often come from extremely traumatic or unsafe conditions, and may never have had the stability of a grown-up who was always available to them. At Blue Monarch, we strive to create stability and normalcy for our children and give them the childhood they may have missed. By writing to our Blue Monarch kids, they will receive a fun surprise every other week and know that people are praying for them and encouraging them along the way. 

What Do I Need to Do? 

If you are interested in becoming a Pen Pal, please read through the following information, and submit the online form below. 

What are the Rules?

When writing your letter, feel free to share about your family, friends, and interests. You can always include a colorful postcard or photo, which your pen pal will treasure.

Please do not enclose your monthly sponsorship gift or any cash with your correspondence. This program is solely to promote friendship and a fun adventure for the children of Blue Monarch. 

Blue Monarch's Ever-Changing Family

Blue Monarch is a voluntary program, meaning each woman can choose to leave Blue Monarch at any time, taking her child(ren) with her. Because of this, Blue Monarch’s family is ever-changing.

As a staff, we hope that every resident at Blue Monarch graduates from our program, and it is painful when a resident departs prematurely. We know it can be difficult for our pen pals as well. If you want to talk about a child leaving, please reach out to us. However, please keep in mind that we are not in a position to discuss the details of a resident’s departure. 

Common Questions

Q: How do I get paired with a child?

A: Once you fill out the form below, the Volunteer Coordinator will contact you with steps to proceed. Because of the limited amount of children we can house at Blue Monarch, you will not be able to pick out your own child, rather a child will be assigned to you.

Q: How long do I have to write and how often?

A: We ask that you write 1 to 2 letters or postcards a month. That way if you do not wish to continue, there will be continuous communication in the interim period when we pair the child with another Pen Pal.

If you wish to discontinue writing to your child, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator as soon as possible. We realize that this is a time commitment, and sometimes life can take unexpected twists and turns that make it hard to continue writing to your pen pal. If this is a case, please contact the Volunteer Coordinator as soon as possible so we can make the necessary arrangements.

Q: Can I send a Care Package?

A: Sure! Many sponsors wish to do something extra for their sponsored children by sending gifts. We encourage doing so but ask that the packages contain only small, inexpensive items that fit into a 6”x 9” envelope. You can send your gift with your pen pal's name to Blue Monarch at P.O. Box 1207 Monteagle, TN 37356. Please do not send gifts that would not fit into a 6"x9" envelope.

Please look at the list below for ideas of what to send, and what not to send.

What to send:

Here are some small items that your pen pal might especially enjoy and that fit into a 6"x9" envelope. Use your imagination to come up with others!

  • Stickers

  • Small Toys

  • Pencils

  • Picture Postcards

  • Hair ribbons

  • Bookmarks

  • Coloring Books

  • Small puzzles or board games

  • Books

  • Silly Sippy Straws or Glasses

  • Fun Pillow Cases

  • Balloons or Punch Balloons

  • Small notebooks or pads of paper

  • Colored pencils and a sharpener

  • Handmade items (small paintings, flat craft projects)

  • Drawings made by children, grandchildren, or children at your church

What not to send:

  • Keepsakes or items of great sentimental value

  • Perishable food items

  • Cash gifts

If you have any more questions please contact us at info@bluemonarch.org.