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Rock Island, Ill. (Sept 10, 2025) – Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation’s fastest growing fraternal life insurance organizations*, proudly announces that Ann Wilkinson, founder of WeBUILT (We Build Unique Independent Lives Together) and Next Step Strategies, is a 2025 recipient of its Nation of Neighbors empowerment award and a $20,000 grant to advance her mission of inclusive, independent living for adults with disabilities.

Wilkinson is one of eight community leaders across the country recognized this year through Royal Neighbors’ Nation of Neighbors program, which recognizes leaders across the U.S. who are empowering women and girls through nonprofits, businesses, and grassroots efforts. Since its launch in 2007, the program has awarded more than $1 million in grants, empowering grassroots visionaries through financial support and national recognition.

“Ann Wilkinson is building more than homes—she’s building dignity, autonomy, and hope,” said Zarifa Reynolds, CEO and President of Royal Neighbors of America. “Her leadership exemplifies our mission to support women and serve communities, and we are honored to help expand the impact of her work.”

A longtime special educator, mother, and advocate, Wilkinson created the WeBUILT community campus in Clackamas, Oregon, when traditional care options failed to meet her son’s needs. Today, the campus provides safe, sensory-responsive housing and a vibrant social environment for 26 residents with disabilities. The model empowers adults to live full, self-directed lives while offering caregivers—especially mothers—peace of mind and renewed personal freedom.

With the $20,000 grant from Royal Neighbors, Wilkinson will develop The WeBUILT Blueprint for Empowered Communities—a first-of-its-kind, step-by-step guide to help families and organizations across the U.S. replicate her inclusive housing model.

“This award is a gift to our process,” said Wilkinson. “We receive weekly requests from families who want to create communities like ours. This grant allows us to put our experience into a living manual that will guide others through the journey—from planning and zoning to friendship-building and care staffing. It will empower more women to bring safety, independence, and joy to their loved ones.”

About WeBUILT

WeBUILT (We Build Unique Independent Lives Together) is a nonprofit based in Clackamas, Oregon, dedicated to creating inclusive, supportive housing communities for adults with disabilities. Founded by Ann Wilkinson, WeBUILT reimagines independence and belonging through individualized housing, peer-based support, and caregiver empowerment. The organization is a beacon of innovation for families seeking alternatives to institutionalized care.

More 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. Now, 130 years later, Royal Neighbors remains committed to its mission of Insuring Lives, Supporting Women, and Serving Communities℠. The organization’s 280,000+ 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, 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 in December 2024. In 2024, Royal Neighbors delivered $43.85 million in Social Good impact and record revenue. In 2024, Royal Neighbors received its eighth Great Place to Work® certification and was rated as a 2025 Best Insurance Company by Forbes.

For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, go to royalneighbors.org. To read inspiring member stories, visit theroyalneighbor.org.

* American National’s Exit, Benefit Ratio Shifts, Avoidable Mortality & PRT Rulings. Life Annuity Specialist News Brief; April 3, 2025