Ashley Foster is a senior vice president and the chief people officer for Beebe Healthcare.
In a community-based nonprofit health care system like Beebe, our greatest strength has always been our people. When patients and visitors are asked what makes Beebe feel different, their answers are remarkably consistent: It’s the sense of community. Neighbors caring for neighbors. A culture grounded in compassion. And, above all, heart.
As Beebe’s chief people officer, I want to take a moment to recognize a truly invaluable group that embodies that heart every single day: our volunteers.
Over the past few years, it has been inspiring to watch our volunteer corps grow — now representing nearly one-fifth of our workforce. Their impact reaches every corner of our organization, from patient-facing roles to essential behind-the-scenes support.
Last year alone, more than 550 volunteers contributed almost 45,000 hours of service. That’s the equivalent of 22 full-time employees and more than $1 million in labor support — time and talent given freely, simply because they care. Our volunteers range in age from 14-91, a beautiful reflection of community across generations. Each brings a unique story: students aspiring to careers in health care, grateful former patients and retired professionals who share a lifetime of skills, experience and wisdom.
But numbers only tell part of the story.
What truly defines our volunteers is what you see every day, as they:
These moments — quiet, human and deeply compassionate — are the heartbeat of Beebe.
We are fortunate to have 30-plus pet therapy teams. These pets and their owners bring joy to patients and staff across our Margaret H. Rollins Lewes Campus, Tunnell Cancer Center and South Coastal Campus. I’ll admit: I always stop for a hug when I see them.
More than 125 volunteers support our cancer center in meaningful ways.
Over 150 student volunteers each year gain hands-on health care experience, while helping guide and support patients and families.
Our Auxiliary volunteers (often with the longest tenure) keep the Gift Shop open seven days a week, offering small comforts — flowers, snacks, thoughtful gifts — that brighten someone’s day, in addition to hosting fundraising sales throughout the year.
There are countless others who work behind the scenes in administrative roles, keeping our system running smoothly.
What matters most isn’t where they serve; it’s how they serve. Every volunteer brings something profoundly human to our organization: compassion, presence and a willingness to listen when it matters most.
No matter their role, they all share one thing in common: They give from the heart.
The size and strength of our volunteer corps is a testament to the generosity of our community and its desire to care for one another.
During National Volunteer Month, we proudly celebrate this extraordinary group of individuals who make Beebe stronger every single day. If you’ve visited one of our facilities recently, you’ve likely seen — and felt — the impact of their service.
Please join me in thanking them — not just this month but all year long.
Learn more about available volunteer roles at beebehealthcare.org/volunteer.
Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at civiltalk@iniusa.org.
