Homeward

Homeward has been named to Fast Company’s 2025 Most Innovative Companies list! Over the past year, we’ve launched Homeward Navigation?, expanded our partnerships with local providers, health systems, and national and regional payers, and achieved B Corp? certification—all to build a more connected healthcare experience that makes it easier for people in rural communities to get the care they need. ?? Read more: https://lnkd.in/dJ6ZVya5

We’re proud to share that Homeward’s Co-Founder and CEO Jennifer Schneider, M.D., M. S. has been named to Inc. Magazine’s 2025 Female Founders 500 list! ?? This annual list recognizes 500 visionary women who are driving meaningful change in their industries, breaking barriers, and redefining the future of business. Jennifer Schneider, M.D., M. S.’s career has been defined by a deep commitment to optimizing healthcare to close disparity gaps and expand access for those who need it most. Beyond Homeward, Jennifer Schneider, M.D., M. S. is paving the way for more women in healthcare by mentoring and sponsoring female founders and championing women-led innovation. ?? Read more: https://lnkd.in/etZ72PzT

Homeward was founded to challenge the status quo in rural healthcare. Access to quality, compassionate care and services shouldn’t depend on where you live. Three years in, we’re making real progress. This past year, we’ve broadened our reach, entered new partnerships, and secured federal grant funding to fuel innovation. As we’ve grown our team and entered new communities, every milestone reflects our continued evolution and commitment to rearchitecting healthcare for those who need it most. Thank you to our teammates, partners, and the communities we serve as we celebrate three years of Homeward.

The Homeward team traveled near and far for the annual #UP200, one of America's premier dog sled races that qualifies teams for the famous Iditarod. Held annually in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Homeward was honored to sponsor this tradition and celebrate the strong community ties that define Michigan’s UP community. The team spent the weekend taking in the snowy landscapes, attending local events and celebrations, and spending time with community members and partners. Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, and the Marquette community for hosting such a memorable event!

Homeward Co-Founder and President Amar Kendale will join American Hospital Association Senior Editor Suzanna Hoppszallern and CentraCare Long Prairie President Jose A. at the AHA #RuralHealth Leadership Conference for a discussion on how #AI is reshaping access, provider burnout, and clinical outcomes in rural communities. Amar Kendale will share how AI can enhance – not replace – care for rural communities, identify barriers to better health outcomes, and support providers. ???Wednesday, February 26 at 9:15am CT ??AHA Rural Health Leadership Conference, San Antonio, TX

The Homeward team, including Senior Vice President of Value-Based Care Jeff Ross and Vice President of Corporate Development Dan Katz, had the honor of attending the Ember Charter Schools Annual Black History Ball, a celebration of Black enterprise and entrepreneurship. We’re proud to congratulate CINQCARE Founder & CEO Tony Welters on being named a 2025 Legacy of Black Excellence Honoree. Tony’s leadership, shaped by his personal experience and purpose is an inspiration – demonstrating the transformative impact of delivering care with dignity, respect and deep community connection.

Homeward has been awarded up to $12 million in grant funding to lead a groundbreaking project under the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) Platform Accelerating Rural Access to Distributed and InteGrated Medical Care (PARADIGM) program. Over the next 5 years, we’ll collaborate to develop a mobile platform designed to deliver advanced medical care—like perinatal support, wound care, and more—directly to people in remote, rural communities. This project is part of Homeward’s Advanced Research Program, a new research & development initiative that will develop technology specifically adapted to the needs of rural communities to make a real difference in peoples’ lives, in partnership with rural providers, academic centers and other community stakeholders. Learn more about the program: https://lnkd.in/e77VZAUb

Homeward Co-Founder and President Amar Kendale joined HLTH USA’s The Beat podcast to break down the urgent challenges facing rural healthcare—and how we’re taking a different approach to solve them. From bridging care gaps to reimagining local partnerships, Amar shares how Homeward is building a more sustainable, accessible healthcare system for rural communities. Listen here ?? Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eGFRSnUG Apple Podcasts: https://lnkd.in/eWcaNvKE

We’re expanding our partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan to bring Homeward Navigation to Medicare Advantage members across 48 counties in Michigan’s Upper and Northern Lower Peninsulas. This partnership allows us to better address the challenges seniors in rural communities face every day, connecting them to resources that truly make a difference in their lives. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/etbeEWjf

Did you know? ?? More than 700 rural hospitals are at risk of closing, rural Americans face a 23% higher mortality rate, and 80% of rural America is medically underserved. Amar Kendale, President of Homeward, shares how they’re tackling the rural healthcare crisis head-on. From AI-driven solutions to fostering trust and local partnerships, Homeward is rearchitecting care delivery in underserved communities and creating sustainable solutions. ?? Take a look at how Homeward is bridging the #healthcare divide and empowering rural Americans: https://lnkd.in/gHmzn_bq