Discover how Duet volunteers find focus, fulfillment, and a deeper connection to their community through giving their time
“The gift of giving is a two-way street. You, as the giver, get a lot of fulfillment. It’s not about just doing it because there’s a need, but the gratitude that the giver receives is enormous. And if you need a mood booster in your life, this is such a mood booster!”
— Duet volunteer, Monica Dorfman, shares how volunteering brings her clarity and purpose
Life’s transitional seasons, such as retirement or relocation, often bring uncertainty, making the pursuit of clarity and direction essential. Your sense of purpose and fulfillment naturally wanes during life’s transitions, and the certainty about how to continue making a difference isn’t always clear. Volunteering is a way to clear the uncertainty, turning good intentions into tangible impact. Volunteering transforms the question ‘What can I do?’ into clear and purposeful action.
Monica Dorfman, a retired special education teacher for 30+ years, knows a little about weathering life’s transitions. Now in her 60’s, she has experienced three major life transitions: retirement, surviving cancer, and a recent divorce. She understands how it feels to lose your sense of clarity and purpose. Last summer, a happenstance conversation with a friend about Duet recalled a saved article she had once clipped from a local newspaper asking for volunteers to help homebound adults. She was moved to sign up to volunteer at Duet. “I feel this [volunteering] is giving me fulfillment and such a sense of purpose, just like my students did when I was a special education teacher.”
When asked why volunteering for Duet is important, Monica replies, “It’ll open your eyes to the hardship.” Like many of her former students with special needs, Monica recognized a shared experience of hardship among those who are often marginalized by society. Homebound adults can feel isolated and overlooked. “They don’t want to be treated like they’re invisible and they want to be heard,” she adds. Duet provides a safety net for those in need impacting the community through its small army of dedicated volunteers.
Last summer, Monica signed up to provide transportation services—making the most of her all-electric vehicle—and was matched with two of Duet’s homebound adults, Michael and Saundra. Saundra shares, “Monica’s not a human being- she’s an angel. And I am so lucky that this angel came to my door.”
As a former federal emergency response agent, Michael understands the importance of having a network of support to meet the critical needs of the community. “I believe in building bridges of support, you know, to help you get through, and that’s what Duet is to me.” His network of support from volunteers like Monica, and Sherri and Ron Terry, among others brings not only mobility and socialization, but also relief from the stress of his personal circumstances and physical challenges. “These services do more than provide for issues like mobility and food insecurity, they also bring socialization, but it’s all related to helping me.” Their unique match has brought a newfound friendship and because of their close geographic location, Monica goes above and beyond to occasionally play a game of chess with Michael or take a side trip to the Dollar Store for a bargain shopping bonanza.
Michael says. “Duet is good, because they’re reliable. They [volunteers] get their clients [neighbors] to their doctor appointments, and sometimes even wait with you. And as a patient, it takes such a weight off your shoulders because you’re already walking into a situation that’s very uncertain, if you know what I mean? That has a profound impact on somebody’s physical health.”
The benefits don’t stop there. Those acts of kindness can be a big boost for the volunteers too. Research shows volunteering can improve both physical and mental health, foster a sense of purpose, and nurture new or existing relationships.
“The gift of giving is a two-way street. You, as the giver, get a lot of fulfillments. It’s not about just doing it because there’s a need, but the gratitude that the giver receives is enormous,” said Dorfman, “and if you need a mood booster in your life, this is such a mood booster!”
For Dorfman and her two “neighbors,” Saundra and Michael, their trips around town have blossomed into friendships. All three live alone and are celebrating the holidays together this year. “Being of the Jewish faith, giving and volunteerism is all you know,” said Dorfman. “It’s a mitzvah to give back, and it’s also the Jewish way; a Jewish life is a verb as well as a noun.”
With nearly 36% of Arizona’s residents ages 50 and older, the demand for these types of services is soaring. Right now, there are over 100 homebound adults on Duet’s list, waiting to be matched with compassionate volunteers throughout Phoenix, Glendale, Peoria, Paradise Valley, and Scottsdale. Duet volunteers set their own hours and are matched geographically with homebound adults close to where they live and work without interfering with work and life.
Register today for an upcoming volunteer orientation to learn more.
