Originally founded as a small Mahjong club in Rye, New York, Tiles for Hope has grown into an international 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to uplifting seniors through intergenerational connection, cultural appreciation, and advocacy. Using Mahjong, a game rooted in memory, strategy, and tradition, as a bridge, Tiles for Hope combats senior loneliness while increasing empathy among students. We work through volunteer programs, advocacy campaigns, and civic engagement initiatives to make sure to that seniors are a valued and remembered group in society.
November, 2023
Tiles for Hope (originally named “Mahjong Club”) is founded as a student-led club in Rye, New York with the simple goal of uniting students in their love for Mahjong and appreciation for Chinese Culture.
December, 2023
Tiles for Hope begins their first volunteer initiative, at Broadview Senior Center in Purchase, NY.
April, 2024
Tiles For Hope earns its official designation as a public-purpose organization, affording it resources for advocacy, fundraising, and volunteering guidance from its school.
May, 2025
After a year of continuous volunteering, students in Rye launch their “Walk A Thon” team, where they mobilize peers in a public march around campus to raise funds and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association of America.
December, 2025
Tiles for Hope introduces Gray Matters, a platform featuring student work on systemic issues affecting older adults, including ageism, digital inequity, and neurodegenerative disease. The initiative’s name references both the brain’s gray matter – symbolizing thought, intellect, and empathy – and the belief that the lives and voices of gray-haired individuals matter and deserve public attention and care.
May, 2026
Tiles For Hope is selected as one of only 71 Fellow teams nationally for a new intergenerational penpal program, Letters Across Generations.
With this fellowship, we are granted a $7.5K stipend, professional coaching and mentorship, and, most importantly, are able to have a real impact on lowering senior isolation and increasing civic engagement for the youth.June, 2026
Tiles for Hope partners with @learn.asl.with.us on TikTok, a content creator raising awareness for the deaf and mute community engaging a community of 200K+ learners and changemakers. Together, we create content on difficulties in communication and ways to increase inclusivity in our communities.
September, 2026
Through outreach and advocacy content, Tiles For Hope officially reaches 25 chapters! Check out Our Team to see who our leaders are.