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Rock Island, Ill. (August 7, 2024) – Royal Neighbors of America, a nonprofit life insurance organization has presented Monica Kelsey, Founder of nonprofit Safe Haven Baby Boxes, with a Nation of Neighbors empowerment award and $10,000 grant.

Nation of Neighbors is Royal Neighbors’ signature women’s empowerment program. It recognizes and supports women who work to empower women and girls through a nonprofit, business, or program. Nation of Neighbors recipients are influential leaders who exemplify the Royal Neighbors “neighbor-helping-neighbor” mission of community service.

Ms. Kelsey’s life-saving work through founding Safe Haven Baby Boxes has transformed the landscape of infant care and safety in the United States.

In 2015, after Ms. Kelsey had a profound encounter with a “baby box” in Cape Town, South Africa, her vision took shape. “On my flight back home, I designed the Safe Haven Baby Box on a napkin,” she said. Today, Safe Haven Baby Boxes has installed over 250 boxes across 19 states, offering a secure, anonymous option for parents in crisis to safely surrender their infants.

A Safe Haven Baby Box provides a designated, secure location where parents can leave an infant they are unable or unwilling to care for. Once the baby is placed inside and the door is shut, a sensor alerts authorities to ensure the infant receives immediate care. These boxes adhere to Safe Haven Law protocols, preventing unsafe abandonment and safeguarding infants' well-being.

The organization emphasizes non-judgmental support for birth parents, encouraging them to make the best decisions for their children without fear of shame. “We are providing a 100% anonymous option for women in crisis,” Monica said.

In addition to the baby boxes, Safe Haven Baby Boxes operates a 24-hour crisis hotline to assist parents through their decision-making process. “Our hotline is the workhorse of our operation,” Monica explained. “We don’t tell them what is best or what we would do. We encourage them to make their own choices so they are at peace with their decisions.”

The $10,000 grant from the Nation of Neighbors℠ program will aid in the installation of a new Safe Haven Baby Box.

“The Royal Neighbors mission is to support and empower women who are making a difference in their communities. Monica Kelsey embodies the spirit of this mission through her extraordinary work,” said Royal Neighbors CEO and President, Zarifa Reynolds.

“Monica’s achievements and ongoing work is saving precious lives across the country. We are incredibly proud to support Monica and Safe Haven Baby Boxes,” said Ursula Miniter, Member Engagement Specialist at Royal Neighbors of America, who presented the award.

About Royal Neighbors of America

In 1895, nine founding women created a membership community. They were one of the first to make life insurance accessible to women. Nearly 130 years later, Royal Neighbors remains committed to its mission of Insuring Lives, Supporting Women, and Serving Communities℠. The organization’s 265,000+ members, chapters, employees, and appointed agents across the country drive the mission through localized volunteerism and Philanthropy Programs, making social impact the cornerstone of their work.

Royal Neighbors members experience Insurance with a Difference℠ through their tailored life insurance and annuity products, opportunities to make an impact in their communities, and access to a variety of Member Programs, including savings on prescriptions, health screenings, grief support, and more.

In 2020, Royal Neighbors was upgraded to “A Excellent” (3rd highest out of 13) by the AM Best Company for overall financial strength and ability to meet ongoing obligations to certificate holders. The rating was affirmed as of November 17, 2023. In 2023, Royal Neighbors delivered $31.2 million in Social Good impact, record revenue, and received its seventh Great Place to Work® certification. For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, go to royalneighbors.org.