GREEN VALLEY, Ariz. (KGUN) – According to the World Health Organization, one in four older adults today experiences social isolation, which can increase the risk of stroke, anxiety and depression.
However, one local organization in Green Valley is working to maintain the health of its community through networking and support.
Friends In Deed was founded 53 years ago in the garage of two nurses with a simple goal: to lend durable medical equipment to Green Valley residents who needed it temporarily.
The organization’s facility on South La Canada Drive has everything from shower toilets to wheelchairs and canes. Green Valley residents age 55 and older can borrow a device for free for 60 days, with the option to extend the loan for an additional 30 days.
“We really want to make sure that everyone who has the opportunity to come into contact with us remembers us as someone who helped them,” said Chuck Dorr, CEO. “That’s what it’s all about: helping people.”
All equipment is donated by the community and the organization is run entirely by volunteers.
In addition, the organization offers free transportation to medical and legal appointments and conducts free blood pressure measurements twice a week.
“We have about 65 volunteers who use their own vehicles to pick people up, take them to their appointments and bring them back,” Dorr said.
Volunteer Christa Ryan began her time with Friends In Deed after arriving in Green Valley from Florida following the death of her husband.
“When I first got here, I didn’t know anyone, but I saw the sign, volunteered and have been here ever since,” Ryan said. “You develop compassion for people in need.”
This compassion means solving the problems of the surrounding community.
As Green Valley’s population aged, Friends In Deed recognized another challenge: the social isolation of older people.
“Over time, people just feel more comfortable staying home, turning on the TV and not going out,” Dorr said. “And I don’t think they realize they’re getting into a pattern that’s not good for their mental state.”
To address this issue, Friends In Deed has expanded its mission to include spaces for community gatherings and socializing. The nonprofit also offers several shopping and entertainment outings per month, including to Tucson-area museums and the Kitt Peak Observatory.
“We want to get people moving. Get them off the couch and get them meeting people,” Dorr said. “A lot of us don’t drive anywhere, but they’ll join one of our minibus rides. Just something to get them out of the house and do something.”
The organization offers free meeting space to various groups, including the Green Valley/Sahuarita Lions Club, which met in the space on August 12 to distribute eyeglasses to those in need.
The group meets to clean donated glasses, which are then distributed to various charities in need. Lions member Huberta Zander says the group is able to donate thousands of pairs of glasses each month and the glasses have already been distributed to over two dozen countries around the world.
Currently, Friends In Deed is seeking volunteers for a variety of roles including working the front desk, scheduling drivers, and especially providing technical support. Anyone interested in volunteering can stop by the Friends In Deed office or visit the website at friendsindeedgv.org.
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Joel Foster is a multimedia journalist at KGUN 9 and previously worked as an English teacher in Boston and Tucson. Joel has experience in web, print and video in technology, finance, nonprofits and public administration. In his free time, Joel can often be found in the local Tucson comedy scene. Share your story ideas with Joel at [email protected]or by connecting via on facebook., Instagram or X.
