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Rock Island, Ill. (October 20, 2024) – Royal Neighbors of America, a nonprofit life insurance organization, has presented Melissa McLean Farrior, founder of Teens 2 Queens, with a Nation of Neighbors℠ empowerment award and $5,000 grant to support her mission of providing a safe and supportive space for teen and pre-teen girls.

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.

The concept for Teens 2 Queens began in Ms. Farrior’s home, where she noticed her daughters’ friends frequently turned to her for guidance. Realizing many girls in her community faced similar challenges and might not have a trusted mentor, she founded Teens 2 Queens to offer a community of support to help them build confidence, find their voices, and embrace the “queens” they can become.

Each week, Teens 2 Queens hosts virtual "rap sessions," where girls connect with counselors and mentors in a safe environment to share their experiences, ask questions, and receive advice. These sessions allow them to voice their concerns, whether about school, family, or personal challenges, in a judgment-free space. “Teens 2 Queens helps girls discover the queens they truly are," she explains. "No matter their situation or environment, they can rise above and achieve greatness.”

Melissa plans to use the $5,000 grant to expand programming, with a vision to bring the older girls on college visits and provide essential items for those in need. “It’s a big investment for us with our girls,” she said. “These funds will help us fill the gaps and provide what they may not have access to elsewhere.”

Looking to the future, Melissa hopes to expand Teens 2 Queens into local schools, with aspirations to extend the program to neighboring counties and cities. “We’re committed to supporting these girls and empowering them to grow not just as women but as people. Our mission is to equip them to help others in turn.”

“By investing in these young girls, Melissa is creating lasting change, helping each of them discover the confident and capable individuals they can become,” said Royal Neighbors Member Engagement Specialist Ursula Miniter. “Her vision for Teens 2 Queens embodies our mission at Royal Neighbors—to empower and uplift women who are passionate about building stronger, more resilient communities.”

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.