Volunteer Highlight: Jean Mathisen
Jean’s Story: A Lifelong Commitment to Helping Others
The heartbeat of Island Senior Resources lies in the volunteers who give their time, energy, and kindness to uplift our senior community. Through this series, we highlight individuals whose everyday actions create extraordinary impact. Join us as we learn more about Jean, and their journey with us.
Jean’s dedication to helping others began in the 1980s, when she started working with private nonprofit organizations supporting causes like child abuse prevention, food banks, elder abuse programs, and even the Seattle Opera.
Her connection to Island Senior Resources (ISR) started in 2015 when she began volunteering at the Senior Thrift store. Soon after, Jean followed her passion and became a State Health Insurance Benefits Advisor (SHIBA) volunteer, what she calls her “first love.”
Jean’s experience with SHIBA actually began much earlier, in the late 1990s, when she realized just how confusing Medicare and health insurance could be for older adults. Through her involvement, she found a meaningful way to make a difference, helping people navigate complex health care decisions with confidence and peace of mind. Her impact did not go unnoticed: in 2019, Jean received the Washington State AARP Andrus Volunteer of the Year Award for her outstanding contributions as a SHIBA volunteer.
From her years with Senior Services of Seattle, Jean learned that people need clear, reliable information to make informed health care choices. That understanding inspired her to join Island Senior Resources, knowing, as she puts it, that “ISR is the place people go on the South End for information. ISR is all things to all people.”
Jean enjoys connecting with community members, listening to their needs, and drawing on her training from the Office of the Insurance Commissioner to provide informed, compassionate assistance. Her least favorite part? “Data entry,” she says with a laugh. But what keeps her coming back are the challenges and the constant learning that comes with being a SHIBA volunteer.
Some of her most rewarding experiences come from helping residents restore Medicare benefits that were denied. Working in partnership with the Office of the Insurance Commissioner to submit appeals, Jean takes great joy in seeing people regain essential coverage and save thousands of dollars a year. “When I tell someone they’re going to save $200 a month, they tear up,” she says. “That money can mean groceries, medications, or peace of mind. It’s so rewarding.”
For Jean, SHIBA is also a bridge to other ISR programs, from Medical Transportation and Meals on Wheels to the Medical Equipment Lending Library. She loves being able to connect people with the resources that enhance their quality of life.
And after more than a decade, she’s still surprised by how many people haven’t heard of SHIBA. Her message is simple: “There’s really no downside. SHIBA is free, we’re here for you, and we don’t earn commissions. We just want to help you make informed decision.”
Jean’s enthusiasm for volunteering continues to grow. “What surprised me most,” she admits, “is how much I’ve enjoyed it and how satisfying it is. I want to do this forever.”
Are you interested in volunteering?
Learn more and apply today. We have opportunities for SHIBA Counselors, Meals on Wheels and Medical Transportation Drivers, Community Meals Helpers, and more.