Serving With Love

Duet
2 days ago
2 min read

How Volunteerism Is Strengthening Communities Across Arizona

Independence, Dignity, and the Meaning of Home

In Arizona, independence is deeply valued.

For many older adults, remaining in their own home represents dignity, stability, and connection to the community they helped build. But for homebound adults who can no longer drive due to age or health conditions, independence can slowly erode, often leading to isolation and declining health.

That’s where Duet: Partners In Health & Aging steps in.

A Community Built on Human Connection

Duet is a Phoenix-based nonprofit that promotes health and well-being through its vital services for homebound adults, family caregivers, and grandparents raising grandchildren. Through its homebound adult services, Duet pairs homebound adults, affectionately referred to as neighbors, with compassionate volunteers who provide free-of-charge services such as transportation to medical appointments, grocery shopping, help with paperwork, and friendly visits.

Duet’s work is rooted in a simple belief: communities thrive when one person helps another.

When Service Becomes Relationship

That belief comes to life through relationships like the one between Duet volunteer Dona Kay Hakes and Patty Bowen.

Dona Kay has volunteered with Duet since 2008, but she doesn’t describe her role in terms of hours or tasks. When asked what Duet means to her, her answer is immediate. “The first thing that comes to mind is love,” she says. “Because I love Duet. I love helping others. It’s just so fulfilling.”

Beyond Volunteer and Neighbor

One of the people Dona Kay has been matched with is Patty, who can no longer drive and has been receiving support through Duet for nearly ten years. What began as a volunteer match quickly became something more profound.

“We don’t see each other as volunteer and neighbor,” Dona Kay says. “We’re friends.”

Patty agrees. “Dona Kay’s a very giving person,” she shares. “Her friendship is very special. We share life together.” With Dona Kay’s support and Duet’s services, Patty says she feels more independent.

The Quiet Impact of Showing Up

That sense of independence is exactly what Duet aims to protect. For many homebound adults, the loss of transportation or companionship isn’t a small inconvenience. It can mean missed medical appointments, limited access to food, and profound loneliness.

Social isolation has been linked to serious health risks for older adults, making consistent human connection just as vital as practical help.

Measuring Impact, Preserving Humanity

Over the past five years, 557 Duet volunteers have supported 976 homebound adults, helping prevent homelessness, fight isolation, and improve access to healthcare and nutritious food. Today, more than 180 individuals remain on Duet’s wait list for a volunteer.