www.forwardjanesville.com | 17 development. It also allows for SSM Health to share new initiatives, listen to the community’s needs, and at times provide access information to those seeking healthcare. I love that Ambassadors are genuine in wanting to create an inclusive space for all, to share ideas, build partnerships, and celebrate all the progress being made in Janesville. Describe the Foundation’s role locally, including your role in creating the Mary and Bob Arndt Endowment for Cancer Care. The Mary and Bob Arndt Endowment supports two cancer care initiatives. First are the cancer care bags that every newly diagnosed patient receives to help them navigate through treatment. These bags carry journals, warm socks, nutritional supplement drinks, greeting cards, and more. The second initiative is Hope Blooms, a cancer care resource room that offers comforting items including wigs for patients undergoing treatment regardless of where they're from or where they receive treatment. Everyone is welcome. … And this spring, the Foundation is developing a campaign to support inpatient hospice. Recently the community developed a gap in that area. We are working to transform a patient and family waiting room to offer the comforts of an inpatient hospice facility. We are trying to meet the needs of our patients and their families who can no longer care for their loved ones at home. More information to come on ways the community can support this initiative. When you’re not working or volunteering, where would we find you? Hosting women’s retreats at our Airbnb property up north, running or biking, cooking, gardening – oh, and you can’t go wrong with a good book! ANDY JONES Senior Sales Representative, MercyCare Health Plans Forward Janesville Ambassador If you’ve attended a Forward Janesville event in the past couple years, there’s a strong chance you have met Andy. He joined the Ambassador group in 2023 and quickly leaned in by helping plan and facilitate many of FJ’s signature events. Andy is not afraid to pick up the microphone and assist in announcing golf raffle winners, and he helped coordinate the planning of our Rock Regional Business Expo in February. If you are uncertain or generally uncomfortable with networking and approaching new people, our Ambassadors like Andy are onhand to facilitate introductions and make building connections a breeze. What motivated you to become involved with Forward Janesville? Fun fact: I previously owned a small carpet cleaning company and was a Forward Janesville member back in 2014. But in 2023, I stumbled upon becoming an Ambassador when one of my colleagues took a new position and had to step back from being an Ambassador. At first, I didn’t know what to expect. Over the past few years, networking with other professionals in our community, building relationships, celebrating new businesses, working with existing businesses, increasing my visibility, and influencing Chamber initiatives and even my professional development has been rewarding – and all the while having fun! Describe the value of being an Ambassador. Forward Janesville Ambassadors play a key role in the success of the Chamber. They help foster long-lasting relationships by serving as a bridge between the Chamber and our community. Being an Ambassador for MercyCare Health Plans allows me to have a small part in bringing significant value both to the organization and the community by building trust, enhancing communication, improving patient engagement, creating a value feedback loop and strengthening community connections. MercyCare is a local insurance company that provides access to exceptional care close to home. Being an Ambassador on behalf of MercyCare gives me the opportunity to give back to the community in which we all live, play and work. What are some of MercyCare Health Plans’ biggest initiatives when it comes to community wellness right now? MercyCare is committed to community wellness through initiatives that expand access to high-quality, affordable care. One of our top priorities is increasing access to preventive care and chronic disease management, to help area residents stay healthy and avoid medical complications. For local businesses, we offer tailored health plans that provide comprehensive coverage at competitive rates. By prioritizing affordability, accessibility and wellness, we’re not just offering insurance—we’re strengthening the health of area residents.
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