The inspiration came years ago when I worked for Florida Hospital in Orlando, FL. My work took me to nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Walking into those facilities had such an emotional impact on me, I decided then I wanted to do something to bring friendship to these lonely people.

During that time, the United States Postal Service and the Educational Television Network held a letter-writing contest. When a friend called and asked me to enter the contest, I did it as a lark. When I won for my age group in the State of Florida, I decided letter-writing would be the gift I could offer the lonely, socially-isolated people out there in care facilities throughout the country. With that in mind, I created the “Make Someone Smile” program in 1997.

Since then, the program has evolved into Letters-from-the-Heart and the feedback has been incredible.  In fact, many of you have asked if we will write to members of the military, people with serious illnesses, and people who are more comfortable with languages other than English.  The answer is a resounding YES.  In fact, we are willing to write to anyone, anywhere, with the one exception of those who are incarcerated for illegal activities.

Is there someone to whom you would like us to write?  Just let us know on the registration page! 

Terry Rose
Founder