Women-led insurer, Royal Neighbors of America, awards more than $100,000 to 71 women who change lives and transform communities

ROCK ISLAND, Ill., Jan. 28, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- From a teenager's dream to publish a magazine that builds the self-esteem of  high school girls, to programs that combat bullying and shelter battered women, Royal Neighbors of America's  annual Nation of Neighbors^SM Program is a nationwide initiative to empower women, fund dreams, and pay it forward. 

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In 2012, the women-led, not-for-profit life insurer awarded $116,000 to 71 recipients who are changing lives and transforming communities.

Teresa Babers, Rock Island, IL, was among the top recipients awarded a $10,000 grant to grow a teen magazine her daughter and fellow Rock Island High School students founded called "Love, Girls."  L.O.V.E  is an acronym for Lead, Overcome, Value, and Empower. "We are optimistic that this grant will allow us to expand our outreach to more girls," she says. "We are planning our first annual Community Awards Celebration for girls by girls in the spring. The girls are growing in confidence. They are encouraged and empowered by Royal Neighbors' support and belief in their project."

Among the other 70 recipients are Melissa Brown who received $10,000 to build a storage facility for items donated to the Safe Haven Outreach Mission, the shelter she founded in Parsons, KS; Connie Jacobs of Galesburg, IL, who will use the $3,500 grant to complete renovations to Martha's House, a home for women in crisis; and Carrie Severson who will be able to enhance her bullying-solutions and self-compassion outreach program for girls ages 7-14 with the $3,500 award she received.

 "As one of America's oldest and largest women-led insurers, Royal Neighbors continues to empower women to achieve financial security and promote the neighbor-helping-neighbor philosophy on which we were founded in 1895," says President and CEO Cynthia Tidwell. "We are proud of the women who benefit from the Nation of Neighbors Program because they clearly embrace the importance of giving back to others."

Focusing on its history of standing strong for women, Royal Neighbors has given almost $1.5 million to help nearly 1,000 families and individuals in reaching their goals and rebuilding their lives through the program. Winners were nominated by Royal Neighbors members and sales agents across the country. A panel reviewed each nomination and determined the recipients and the monetary amounts awarded.

Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurance companies, exists for the benefit of its members. It offers insurance products to fulfill financial needs of growth, savings, and protection. Members receive valuable benefits and can participate in volunteer activities through the organization's local chapters to help make a difference in their communities. The organization's philanthropic efforts are dedicated to changing women's lives through its national programs, including the Nation of Neighbors^SM Program, and through the Royal Neighbors Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity.

Headquartered in Rock Island, IL, with branch offices in Mesa, AZ, and Austin, TX, Royal Neighbors serves more than 200,000 members and is licensed to do business in 42 states and the District of Columbia.

For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, call (800) 627-4762, or visit www.royalneighbors.org.

230 16^th Street | Rock Island, IL 61201

Phone: (309) 788-4561 | Toll-free: (800) 627-4762
E-mail: [email protected] | Web site: www.royalneighbors.org

 For pictures and videos
Contact: Rita Toalson, FLMI, ACS
(309) 732-8376

SOURCE Royal Neighbors of America