Lynda Sargent’s Heart of Home Ministries nourishes Quad Cities families every day. Thanks to a $20,000 Royal Neighbors of America Nation of Neighbors Empowerment award, the organization now can provide even more healthy food for families in need.
Ms. Sargent received the award and check from Royal Neighbors on Wednesday, Sept. 24, on behalf of the Rock Island-based ministry that supports nutrition, health equity, and leadership for women and families facing poverty, chronic illness, and food insecurity.
Ms. Sargent, founder and president of the Rock Island-based Heart of Hope, is one of eight community leaders across the nation recognized by the Royal Neighbors program. Its Nation of Neighbors awards are designed to support nonprofits, business and grassroots efforts that empower women and girls, Royal Neighbors, which is headquartered in Rock Island, said in a news release.
That women-led, membership-based nonprofit organization which provides life insurance and annuity products said it is celebrating its 130th year with “a record-breaking $43.85 million in social good impact in 2024.”
Heart of Hope began in 2009 as a small prayer group in Ms. Sargent’s living room. It has grown into a multi-building campus, located at 1740 9th Ave., serving more than 22,000 individuals annually.
The ministry operates Rock Island’s only evening food pantry and provides free clothing, hygiene items, home goods, afterschool programs, and spiritual and emotional support to individuals across the Quad Cities.
Ms. Sargent received the grant to help expand Heart of Home’s Food Plex initiative. “This is an amazing honor. Words can’t fully describe the joy my heart holds,” she said in the release.
“To be considered among the inspiring women who have received this award before me greatly blesses my heart,” she added. “Thank you, Royal Neighbors, for your years of recognizing women who serve their communities.”
Hope, health, dignity
Since its launch in 2007, the Nation of Neighbors program has awarded more than $1 million in grants. They empowered grassroots visionaries through financial support and national recognition.
“Lynda is restoring hope, health, and dignity in a community too often overlooked,” Royal Neighbors President and CEO Zarifa Reynolds said. “Her Food Plex initiative directly addresses food insecurity while equipping women with the tools and support they need to thrive. Her leadership is a powerful example of what it means to insure lives, support women, and serve communities.”
Food Plex provides medically tailored food boxes, culturally responsive nutrition education, and wraparound support for women. Many of whom are managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and obesity.
The Nation of Neighbors’ grant will also fund kitchen tools and educational materials. They will help women prepare healthy meals, even in under-resourced homes.
“We believe that health and hope begin at the dinner table,” Ms. Sargent said. “This grant allows us to serve more women who need access to nutritious food, practical tools, and encouragement as they care for themselves and their families.”
For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, go to royalneighbors.org. To read member stories, visit theroyalneighbor.org.
