Imagine a community where every person ages with compassion, dignity, and hope. Duet: Partners In Health & Aging is turning this vision into reality through its vitally needed, free-of-charge services to homebound adults, family caregivers, faith communities and grandfamilies.
No one should have to face life’s aging challenges alone. Too often, older adults and family caregivers feel isolated as they deal with the most overwhelming experiences of their lives. Duet eases the journey by walking alongside the people they serve on the path of caring. From giving rides to the grocery store and medical appointments, to offering health promotion activities and support groups, Duet is here to provide the compassionate help the community needs.
Duet was started in 1981 by the Reverend Dr. Dosia Carlson and Church of the Beatitudes in Phoenix. At that time, the organization’s name was Beatitudes Center DOAR (Developing Older Adult Resources), which later changed to Duet: Partners In Health & Aging in 2009. Duet’s services are based on one person helping another. The nonprofit partner with individuals, businesses, other nonprofits, municipalities, government organizations, and faith communities to make that happen.
For family caregivers, Duet offers support groups, information and guided assistance, workshops, a caregiver mentor program, the “Finding Meaning & Hope” video discussion series, and more. For grandparents raising grandchildren, Duet offers support groups, respite assistance, outings, legal guidance and assistance, and more. For homebound adults, Duet connects them with compassionate volunteers who provide free-of-charge rides to the doctor’s office or grocery store, among other services. Duet also trains nurses to become faith community nurses and helps faith communities launch health programs that benefit their congregations and the communities they serve.
Duet responds to pressing needs that are not being met through other organizations. The nonprofit was the first in the Valley to offer free-of-charge volunteer services for homebound adults, as well as comprehensive services for family caregivers and grandparents raising grandchildren. Duet also introduced the concept to the Phoenix area of congregational health programs led by faith community nurses. Duet exists because caring partners dedicate time and funding to change lives. Hundreds of compassionate volunteers help fulfill Duet’s mission.
Currently, there are 75 homebound adults waiting to be matched with volunteers through Duet. Volunteers can choose from services that include help with grocery shopping, transportation to medical appointments, providing friendly visits, minor home repairs, assistance with basic paperwork and more.
“Many of our volunteers are snowbirds and travel during the summer months, but the homebound adults we serve stay in the Valley and are still in need of vital services such as rides to the grocery store and medical appointments,” said Sue Reckinger, director of volunteer services. “Those who are interested in volunteering just need to attend an orientation and then can set their own schedule to volunteer. One to two hours a week makes such a big difference to a homebound adult in need.”
Through volunteers, Duet is able to provide these services free of charge to help Valley seniors and homebound adults live as independently as possible. To become a volunteer with Duet, the first step is to attend an orientation (which occur monthly). To sign up for a volunteer orientation, visit www.duetaz.org/volunteer, e-mail [email protected] or call (602) 274-5022.
“At Duet we’re fortunate to have caring volunteers, donors and supporters who help us support those who need it most in the Valley,” said Elizabeth Banta, executive director at Duet. “We invite anyone in the community with a caring heart to become part of our cause.”
To volunteer, donate or ask for help, visit www.duetaz.org or call (602) 274-5022.
