Jill Beeman - FIRST TO VOLUNTEER

After the death of her husband in 2022, Jill Beeman channeled her grief into working for the greater good.

“I got into volunteering because my husband was in and out of the hospital quite a bit before he passed away, and I appreciated all the help I received from hospital volunteers,” she said. “It was the little things they did like bringing him a warm blanket or pushing his wheelchair.”

Now, Beeman is a fixture at UW Health’s SwedishAmerican Hospital.

“I know how much I was blessed by the volunteers during my husband’s illness, and I wanted to give back to the community,” she said. “I try to be positive and uplifting to those I assist at the hospital, and I think it gives them hope to heal.”

During Beeman’s weekly four-hour shift at the hospital, she restocks medical supplies and assists patients who are being discharged.

“I bring patients down to their cars when they leave the hospital, so they are pretty happy to see me,” she said. “Since I’m the last person patients encounter before going home, there are usually lots of smiles.”

Beeman finds personal satisfaction in volunteering at SwedishAmerican: “I like to be around people, and it’s very fulfilling to help them. The patients and their families have been through a lot during a hospital stay, and they appreciate the kindness and help volunteers provide.”

Beeman is a believer in the benefits of volunteerism, especially for teens and young adults.

“[It] helps them understand different occupations, leads them to discover their talents and gets them used to giving back to the community,” she said. “When you help people, it gives you a good feeling in your heart and soul.”