A PARTNER IN HEALTH

What other services do you offer

Duet staff provide personalized referral and information both in-person and over the phone. This includes connecting seniors to community resources, answering questions and offering helpful suggestions. Sometimes, when people call Duet, they are just looking for a sympathetic listener because they are so lonely. Duet staff have a very sympathetic ear and enjoy hearing from those in our community looking to make a human connection.

What is Grandparents Raising

What classes/programs are currently offered for seniors’ mental, physical or social health?

Virtual and in-person support groups provide emotional support and build community in a caring and understanding environment with others in similar situations. Workshops and webinars offer tools, resources and problem-solving techniques to help reduce stress. Grandfamily outings give a wide variety of opportunities for grandparents and the grandchildren they are raising to socialize together in fun and cultural settings. Volunteer services help fight isolation and loneliness by pairing compassionate volunteers with homebound adults for friendly visits and phone calls, grocery shopping, rides to medical appointments, technical assistance, and more. Duet has launched a new pilot program to help aging adults stay connected through technology by providing them with a tablet and training on how to use it. In addition, Duet trains faith community nurses, who want to combine their professional skills and faith, to promote health and disease prevention within their congregations and surrounding communities.

When parents are not able to raise their children, a grandparent or other relative often steps in to assume this responsibility. Grandparents are not anticipating the need to raise their grandchildren and are often unprepared and ill-equipped to assume this new role. Duet’s kinship care services offer these family members support groups, educational workshops, social events, respite assistance, legal guidance and resource information and referral. Duet strives to educate, empower and support grandfamilies to help strengthen family relationships and enhance the lives of children.

What’s your favorite thing about what you do?

I consider myself an “empathetic connector” because I care deeply about the people I meet. So, one of my favorite things about my job at Duet is getting to know the people in the community we serve, our volunteers, the staff and board members. I try and make deep, meaningful connections with people, understand their unique perspective, what specific strengths and needs they possess and how I can help them. I am thrilled when I can connect two people in a meaningful way that improves something for both of them. I get positive energy and a sense of gratification talking to our service recipients and knowing that Duet almost always has the resources to help.

What do you wish everyone knew about your job?

I wish everyone knew how much respect and awe I have for the Duet staff. They inspire me every day. I continue to be impressed by their dedication, depths of knowledge, professionalism and willingness to go above and beyond in everything they do. I continuously learn from them and am honored to work with my team. When I came to Duet I knew the work could be difficult and emotionally challenging but working with the Duet staff is a complete joy and I look forward to our shared successes as we expand services to meet the growing needs in the community.

In what ways do you bring Judaism into your work?

Tikkun olam is a concept in Judaism that refers to various forms of action intended to repair and improve the world. This concept is engrained in me personally, through volunteering and professionally, through my work at Duet. As our society continues to emerge from the pandemic, more people have been reaching out to Duet for help combatting the long-term effects of isolation, stress, and loneliness.

Tikkun olam helps me think about how I can personally help others and improve their daily lives in small (and big) ways. Every act of kindness helps, even just listening to someone on the phone, and is an act of tikkun olam. JN y An accredited NIJH Jewish hospice y Chronic illness, dementia and hospice care y Music and pet therapy y Military veteran recognition y Shabbat blessings