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Friend Mail Program

Letters of Support Delivered

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We deliver peer support
to victims of bullying!

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About Friend Mail

Our signature Friend Mail program was envisioned by the junior cast members of the 2015 world premiere of "IT'S EASY! The Friend Strong Musical" in the Bronx, NY. These young actors asked the playwrights for a way to carry off-stage the show's "speak up, reach out and be a friend" message, determined to help victims of bullying stay strong and know they matter. What better way than a surprise delivery of peer support delivered to their door like a big bundle of 'fan mail' to a celebrity?  The young Upstanders named it "FRIEND MAIL," letters of peer support with empathetic words and art, videos and personal gifts. Currently, each Friend Mail Recipient receives between 700-2,000 letters from K-12 students across the USA and growing internationally. The more letters, the greater the impact to a child bullied beyond hope and feeling alone. Will you join us?

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Current Recipient

Current Recipients

Past Friend Mail Recipients (FMRs)

Click on a child's name to read their courageous story!
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Letter Writing Guidelines

First names only and give no personal contact info

The BAFP keeps all under-18 Ambassadors and Recipients safe and anonymous. Only school and organization addresses, Teen Kindness Board members and teacher last names, are okay. We review all letters and remove personal contact info.

Connect!

You know their story. What do you have in common? If you share hobbies, tell them about it. If you have been "in their shoes" before, let them know.

Stay mindful about Religion

It is beautiful to share what gives you strength with Recipients, but the person you are writing might have different beliefs from you. The BAFP is kindness and diversity-based, and not religion-based.

Your "style" is up to you!

The sky's the limit! Whether you send a virtual card or email, handwritten letter, class poster or creative masterpiece, a video or gift, what matters most is that you are sending your heartfelt support and be proud of it! 

Don't "blame the victim"

... by telling them they "should have" done something differently. THEY SURVIVED. Especially do not tell them they should have hit their bully, or spread lies about them. We will pull out letters that encourage violence.

Introduce yourself

...without giving your last name or home address.  For example: "I'm a 5th grade student in a New York City public school..."

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Letter Samples

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How to Send Your Letter

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Send All Mail To:

Be A Friend Project

P.O. BOX 30

Beacon, NY 12508

Use Office Address for UPS, FED Ex, etc.

2 Kemble Avenue

Cold Spring, NY 10516

Sending Virtual Mail:
Letters can be sent by using our online form, sending us your Google Drive link, or an email. Emails can also include PDFs or pictures of your handmade letters! For best results, take pictures overhead and straight-on, easiest to do by placing them on the floor. We will print it out for you and include it in the "Friend Mail" delivery!

Email jennifer@beafriendproject.org

send
Testimonials

Testimonials

Words of Support mean a lot to us, too...

“I have never cared for something more than the Be A Friend Project – taking just two minutes out of your life can change someone else’s AND your own as well.  Brightening someone else’s day is not just a favor to them, it’s truly a favor to yourself. ” 

Daniel Simpson

Teen Kindness Board

“Thank you for being the change, making the difference and most importantly, teaching children to spread love instead of hate. Amazing organization showing people that we can make a difference!” 

Joan Quaresima, school social worker, IL

“Seeing (Friend Mail Recipient) Marcus' reaction was so amazing. I don't really know how to describe it, it brought tears to my eyes... don't ever give up.”

Tristan Dore, Lake Worth High School Student, State VP of Projects, Texas FCCLA

“Your letters touched a 10-year-old who was losing hope. With all the support, Logan is smiling knowing he is loved and nothing is wrong with him.” 

Sandy, mom of FMR Logan, Florida

“My students learn empathy through this program and truly care about the well being of others.  It warms my heart to see our youth care so much about others.  We only hear the bad stuff teens do, and rarely get to see the positive.  I love that through Be A Friend, we can see our students shine!” 

Michelle Lancaster, Teacher and FCCLA Leader, Bushland High School, TX

"After the worst day of my life, you guys really brightened me up. I just want to say to every single one of you, thank you." 

Dylan (9) Friend Mail Recipient from Minnesota 

"This is making a huge difference for her as she just a week ago refused to go to school. She even talks about having a letter with her in her backpack at school to give her confidence."

Arica, mom of FMR Charlotte, NY

“Those letters made me feel so good about myself and like a better person. It always encouraged me to move on and ignore the bullies.” 

Lexi (14), Friend Mail Recipient, NY

"As Sonia settled in for bedtime she shared, 'Those kids and adults are so kind - they took time to make art, pillows, write nice letters ….for me? I can’t believe it' ... Hearing her focused on positivity and gratitude instead of the bullies - priceless."

Zoya, mom of FMR Sonia, Washington State

“Robert has been busy reading all his letters... each and every one of them is so uplifting, it is amazing. He has been a different child since that week! We can not thank the Be A Friend organization enough... you are helping our family heal.”​

Donna, mother of FMR Robert, PA

"My students eyes lit up when I announced we were writing ... Thank you for starting such an amazing organization that teaches empathy and friendship long distances!”​

Michelle Lancaster

Teacher, Bushland HS, TX

"I realized I guess that I am worthy."

FMR Michael, 15, from NY upon receiving support

“We have been writing letters from our Afterschool Students. We employ Character Building Skills within our program to give a good foundation of positive social-emotional traits. We believe that with this foundation, it could faze out Bullying within our program.” 

Square One After-School & Summer Learning Program, Springfield, MA

“You don't know how happy I am for what you guys did. I'm so happy that I know a lot of people care about me.” 

Bailey (10), Friend Mail Recipient, MD

“I will put my cup of sand on this amazing project to build a sand castle.”​

Kattya Fernandez, Teacher, Newburgh Central School District, NY

"I can’t tell you how your project has already turned Piper's life around ... This is by far the best organization I have ever come across."

Beth, mom of FMR Piper, NY

"I love ya'all guys and I really appreciate that boys and girls and family and friends just supported me because you do not know how much this means to me, like important."

Josh (10), Friend Mail Recipient, Oklahoma

“I can't explain how lost and afraid I was. Getting that box of letters made me so happy. Just to see how many people cared, how many people took time out of their day to show me support. Your letters helped me emotionally. ” 

Mia (13), Friend Mail Recipient, TX

“Thank you for your on-going work to send love to and from young people across our nation and the world!” 

Mylene Keipp

Principal Eagle Rock Jr/Sr High School, Los Angeles

Be A Friend Project deserves so much credit for the boy that he is now. Ayden’s healing process has been made possible by your letters of support… I love the Be A Friend Project for making it a priority to help build our kids through the power of kindness.” 

Nelly, Mom of FMR Ayden in Illinois

“We are now committed to writing letters for the duration of the school year! The teachers and students really want to be a part of the work... you are doing work that makes a positive difference in the lives of children - and adults!” 

Joyce Chapnick, Principal Main Street School, Irvington, NY