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Rock Island, Ill. (October 25, 2024) – Royal Neighbors of America, a nonprofit life insurance organization, has presented Colleen Anderson, CEO of Mercy House International, with a Nation of Neighbors empowerment award and $10,000 grant.

Nation of Neighbors is Royal Neighbors’ signature women’s empowerment program. This national award 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.

Mercy House International, a faith-based nonprofit organization, is dedicated to renewing the lives of women and their children suffering from domestic abuse. Through partnerships with local churches, county courts, DHS, law enforcement agencies, and private citizens, the organization helps survivors build safe, independent futures.

The organization operates two upscale resale shops,1st Hand Seconds Unique Boutique and Chic-ee Chic-ee Bridal Boutique, which serve as funding sources for their work. “Our boutiques provide the financial resources to help women change their lives,” said Anderson.

The grant from Royal Neighbors of America will enable Mercy House to leverage technology and social media to serve and reach even more families. “I’m blessed to work with an incredible team of strong, intelligent, and dedicated volunteers who drive forward our mission every day,” said Anderson. "We are deeply grateful for the Nation of Neighbors award and the grant.”

Royal Neighbors Member Engagement Specialist, Ursula Miniter presented the award to Anderson and the Mercy House team earlier this month. “The Nation of Neighbors award and grant honors women leaders who drive meaningful change in their communities. Colleen’s dedication to helping women rebuild their lives will have a lasting impact on her community for generations.”

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 275,000+ 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. Royal Neighbors received its eighth Great Place to Work^® certification in 2024. For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, go to royalneighbors.org.