Jonah Eisaman named Medline 2023 Volunteer of the Year

Medline employee Jonah Eisaman is the company's fourth annual Volunteer of the Year Award recipient, presented by the Environmental, Social and Governance team. In 2023, Eisaman, a product manager in the Primary Care division, volunteered 90 hours with several Chicago-based nonprofit organizations, including two in particular: Lincoln Park Community Services, which empowers individuals facing homelessness by providing them with meals, education and shelter; and Street Samaritans, which also supports Chicagoans who are homeless through charitable giving and direct outreach of resource bags.

Employees who are eligible for the Volunteer of the Year Award are among the top 10% of volunteers based on service hours logged in Medline's volunteer platform, DEED. Eisaman was selected, not only for the time he spent, but also his dedication to service, which began when he moved to Chicago. "Growing up in a suburb, I was sheltered from a lot of the experiences people who live in cities have on a day-to-day basis," he said. "When I moved to the city a few years ago, I was quickly hit with the reality that not everyone has been blessed with the privileges I had growing up. As I fell in love with the city, I also fell in love with trying to make it a better place."

Recognizing the impact we can all make

At Lincoln Park Community Services, Eisaman helps out with a number of tasks, including answering phones, signing in volunteers and people who shelter there, making dinner, and cleaning. "None of these tasks are anything too daunting, but it allows the workers there more time to focus on the people who live there," Eisaman said. Since starting with the organization over a year ago, he has been able to see many people graduate from the program and move on to a better, more sustainable life.

"My favorite quote is by Martin Luther King Jr, and it says, 'Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?.' I believe that this is how I should live and how others should strive to live. At each of the organizations where I volunteer, I try not to think, 'How big of an impact am I making?' but more, 'Am I making an impact?" He has clearly made an impact, and he has also felt the impact on his own life. "Getting out into the streets has allowed me to connect one-on-one with people, hear their stories and learn how we can better connect them with resources to give them a better opportunity to have a sustainable life going forward," Eisaman said.

At Street Samaritans, Eisaman has collected donated clothing, food and toiletries to take them directly to the people who need them. "Rain or shine we go into the streets to provide for those who have less," he said. Since starting his volunteer work with Street Samaritans, he has inspired his family and friends to volunteer as well. Together, they have created resource bags for people living at Lincoln Park Community Shelter. Giving back to those in need and in his community is part of Eisaman's personal philosophy.

The Volunteer of the Year Award reflects Medline's commitment to making a positive difference in the communities where we work and live. We also understand that the more people find meaning in their work, the more likely they are to stay with their company, feel fulfilled and create positive change around them. Eisaman has certainly made positive change. In recognition of his ongoing volunteerism, Medline will present a monetary donation to Lincoln Park Community Services and to Street Samaritans.

Learn more about how Medline is making a difference in our communities.