Stories Of Hope And Empowerment

 Her family and a dream keep Florida mother moving forward

 

Maria De La Paz Cruz

 

Maria De La Paz Cruz, Ruskin, FL, is a hard-working, single mother.  Not only is she a legal assistant at a law firm and a clerk at a convenience store, she also cleans houses, goes to college to earn a degree in business management, sings in her church choir every Sunday, and is the main support of her two daughters, one of whom also is in college.  "I've been working since I was 8 years old in El Salvador," said Maria.  "I do whatever I need to do to give my family a good life.  It's my responsibility and I want to be a good role model."

The money from the Royal Neighbors Nation of Neighbors^sm Program came just at the right time - tuition bills were due. "I love to go to school and learn," she said. "Getting a college degree has always been my dream.  And through my jobs, I'm getting management experience and have been working my way up."  

Maria's plate is full and sometimes she gets discouraged. "I always pull myself up," she said. "It helps when unexpected things happen, like receiving the gift from Royal Neighbors. It's nice to know people believe in you and it shows there are good people out there who want to help others."

Her daughters and parents keep her going, too. "They are my strength. When I feel like giving up, I think of them and know there is light at the end of the tunnel just a few years down the road."

She believes angels come into our lives at the most unexpected times. "I want to be one of those angels for others in the future," she said. "I would like to help people who are sick and need the simple things done like their houses cleaned or dinners cooked. I want to make a difference."

“During a time when people are laid off and employers are cutting back, Royal Neighbors of America has graciously donated monies to the welfare of others. $3,000 is a nice way to help people towards recovery. I can't wait until next year to make another member smile and cry for joy." - Eric Starke, Royal Neighbors agent

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Nation of Neighbors Program takes the stress away

Amanda McCarron

When Amanda McCarron was 16, she was in a car accident which resulted in a life-changing spinal chord injury. When doctors told her she couldn’t walk, they sent her a psychologist because they were worried about depression.

“That psychologist didn’t care about me. She was just there because she was getting paid,” said Amanda. “So I threw my tuna fish sandwich at her head and told her to get out of my room.” From that day on, Amanda has dreamed of becoming a psychologist so she can help other young people facing life-altering situations like hers.

With the help of the Nation of Neighbors Program and a check for $7,500, Amanda has the means to pay college tuition for two years and progress toward her goal.

“This couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. This has made my whole life better right now,” she said. “It’s awesome. It’s amazing. I can breathe!”. Instead of being stressed about how she’s going to pay for the next semester, she can concentrate on studying and her physical therapy.

Amanda wants to earn her associate’s degree in disability resources/social work, a bachelor’s and master’s degree in counseling to be a high school counselor, and a doctorate in psychology so she can open her own practice. “By the time I’m 33, I’ll have all my degrees,” she said.

“I think I’ll walk again because I don’t ever take no for an answer,” said Amanda. “If I really want something, I get it. I don’t know when or how, but I’ll walk. I told my brother, ‘Don’t drive stupid, and if I ever catch you driving stupid, we’re going to have issues.’ He and his friends are more careful now which is good. I’m strong enough to handle this, but I don’t know if they are.”

“My main goal in life is to be the best I can be and this has made me feel like I’m accomplishing that,” said Amanda. “If I knew how to say thank you in every single language I would, but thank you, Royal Neighbors! This means I’m going to be ok.”

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It's a slow process, but it gets better

 

Barbara Helton

Starting over at age 50 when her 32-year marriage ended hasn't been easy for Barbara Helton of Phoenix, AZ. "It's been a slow process to get going and get my life on track after 32 years of marriage," said Barbara. "After so many years of marriage, it's like a death. But, it's going better now."

Her life is moving in the right direction because she is strong, resilient, hard-working, and dedicated to her children. Royal Neighbors also helped by awarding her a monetary gift through the Nation of Neighbors Program. "I felt like I was drowning," she said. "It gave me such hope and inspiration to know I wasn't alone."

Barbara is trying to fix up her home which had been in a state of great disrepair. "I've done some roofing on my house with the Nation of Neighbors gift," she said. "But, I still have some of it left in the bank. I'm spending it cautiously and wisely."

While Barbara is working two jobs, fixing up her house, and saving for tuition at a community college, she serves others by volunteering at local soup kitchens, staying active in her church, and assisting with local school events.

"I'm truly blessed," said Barbara. "My children are doing great, I have the support of my family, and I try to keep a positive attitude.

"The gift from Royal Neighbors was incredible. I've told so many people about how wonderful it is that an insurance company can give people the extra push they need to better themselves. It was an amazing surprise."