Royal Neighbors of America presented $30,000 in grants in August to a trio of Quad Cities community nonprofits through its Nation of Neighbors empowerment awards and grants.
Nation of Neighbors awards are a signature program of the Rock Island-based fraternal benefits organization which boasts more than 250,000 members nationwide, a news release from Royal Neighbors said.
The program recognizes and supports women who work to empower women and girls through a nonprofit, business, or program. Nation of Neighbors recipients are nominated by Royal Neighbors members and are influential leaders who exemplify their “neighbor-helping-neighbor” mission of community service.
To date, Royal Neighbors has awarded more than $2.5 million in Nation of Neighbors grants nationwide since the program’s inception.
Royal Neighbors Nation of Neighbor’s Quad Cities award recipients are:
- Ann Schwickerath, executive director of Project Renewal in Davenport. The organization provides after-school and summer programming for youth in kindergarten through 12th grade. “We have children that are with us for every grade,” Ms. Schwickerath said in the release. “It allows us to build deep, trusting relationships that can last a lifetime.” The funds will be used to help buy the furnishings for Project Renewal’s new health and wellness center and enhance current programs. “We are growing in a good and cautious way,” Ms. Schwickerath added. “Every generous donation builds more opportunities for our youth.”
- Linda Lannan, project manager, The Clothing Center at Minnie’s Maison in Davenport. The center is run entirely by volunteers to provide free clothing to anyone in need. Ms. Maison serves alongside 30 core volunteers and many seasonal helpers. “I am most proud of the strength and kindness of our volunteers,” she said. “Every volunteer has personal tragedies and challenges they face, and they still give so graciously.” The center often responds to emergency clothing requests for children placed into foster care, local students, and families with immediate needs. The organization plans to use the grant to magnify the support and assistance provided for these emergency requests.
- Gloria Mancilla, founder and executive director of Casa Guadalupe in Davenport. Inspired by her faith and desire to serve her Hispanic community, Ms. Mancilla launched a monthly food pantry at St. Anthony’s Church which serves about 40 families a month. She plans to use the Nation of Neighbors grant to expand the pantry and create Casa Guadalupe. The new nonprofit community resource center’s mission will be to support individuals regardless of their legal status and background. “During the winter months, we see a significant increase in the families we serve,” Ms. Mancilla said in the release. “This grant will help us serve more families and respond to the increased need in the colder months.”
In announcing the August awards, Royal Neighbors Director of Philanthropy Amy Jones said: “Each of these women are servants to their community, truly exemplifying the Royal Neighbors mission to empower women and serve communities.”
Added Royal Neighbors CEO and President Zarifa Reynolds: “With their passion and leadership, these women are creating a ripple effect of women’s empowerment in the Quad Cities.
“They understand the long-term impact of bolstering their community. It doesn’t just impact our neighbors today, it creates a better tomorrow. It is our honor and privilege to recognize them for their work in their communities while possessing faith, courage, unselfishness, endurance and humility, which are the five core values of Royal Neighbors.”
Royal Neighbors of America offers life insurance and annuity products to its members and is driven by its mission of supporting women and serving communities. The organization’s employees, members and chapters across the country drive the mission through localized volunteerism and philanthropy programs making social impact the cornerstone of their work.
For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, go to royalneighbors.org.
