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, recently 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 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

A willing spirit transcends poverty and abuse

Jennifer Nesahkluah hasn't had an easy life. A Native American, single mother of a young son, she has known povery, abuse, and more challenges than she deserves.

But, to her credit, she has a formidable spirit, reachable goals, and a mission to help others. Add a financial gift from the Nation of Neighbors Program to the equation and a strong, successful woman emerges.

Jennifer is 30 credits away from a college degree, the first in her family to pursue higher education. Over 30, she's not the typical student. There will be many twists and turns in her quest for a diploma. For example, to help meet the needs of her son who has some special challenges, she transferred from the University of Iowa to the Quad Cities campus of Western Illinois University, necessitating a change in her major field of study. But she knows the end result will be worth it.

"The money I received from Royal Neighbors brought me hope. It's amazing that there are people out there who think enough of me to not only nominate me, but actually give me this award. Their belief in me keeps me hanging on and builds my self-confidence."

In addition to a full college schedule and her family, Jennifer is commited to helping the Native American community. One of her projects included providing 40 cooking stoves for several families on South Dakota reservations.

A true believer in giving back, Jennifer looks forward to a future full of opportunities to make a difference. "I'm inspired by giving back," she said. "Programs like Nation of Neighbors help people who may fall between the cracks and inspires them to give back, too. With Royal Neighbors' help, I can turn my dreams into reality and stay true to my mission of helping others.

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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 last year 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 suprise."