In Galesburg, Ill., three Royal Neighbors of America® chapter leaders are making a meaningful difference in their community. Barb Bowen, president of Chapter 20126, describes Royal Neighbors as “wonderful.” Secretary-Treasurer Lorraine Dundon calls it “impactful.”
Sue Hamm, president of Chapter 20347, offers a more personal description: “Royal Neighbors is like giving the community a hug … meeting people where theyare and lifting them up.”
In Galesburg, that “hug” shows up in ways both visible and quiet … through acts of service, moments of connection, and a shared commitment to helpingothers move forward.
Where help is needed, they show up
Long before you understand how a chapter works, you understand what these women do. At sunrise, pancake breakfasts are cooked and served for the Rescue Mission and local civic groups. Fundraisers support youth programs and community organizations, while partnerships with pregnancy centers help provide essential supplies to those in need. They clean parks, sidewalks, and shared spaces … small acts that ripple outward.
“We don’t wait to be asked. We look for where we’re needed and step in.”
— Sue Hamm
That mindset is what defines Chapters 20126 and 20347, two growing Royal Neighbors chapters serving the Galesburg community with both heart and hands-on action. Together, they are nearly 50 members strong. And still growing.
Moments that matter most
Some acts of service are joyful and social. Others are deeply personal. At Christmastime and again on Valentine’s Day, members created handmade cards, dozens and dozens of them, and delivered them to nursing home residents. They sang songs. They stayed and visited.
“For some, we may be the only visitors they see — and that makes every moment matter.”
— Lorraine Dundon
In those moments, service becomes something more than activity. It becomes presence. And sometimes, it becomes life changing.
One woman in Galesburg had lost her job due to the demands of kidney dialysis. Without stable income or housing, she found herself living in her car for months, separated from her children and struggling to find a path forward. Through connections within Royal Neighbors, help came together. Members stepped in, offering support, supplies, and guidance. They helped her secure an apartment, access evening dialysis, and return to work.
Slowly, her life began to stabilize. The path back to her children became possible. “That’s all we want to do. Help. That’s all.” said Sue.
A mission that grows with community
Chapter 20126 didn’t begin as a broad community effort. Its roots trace back to Heart Seekers, a women’s conference focused on faith, encouragement, and growth. Over time, as the conference became self-sustaining, the chapter’s purpose expanded. What started as support for one initiative grew into something far-reaching, serving nonprofits, churches, and organizations across the city.
Lorraine joined along the way, stepping into a practical need, bookkeeping, but discovered something deeper.
“Royal Neighbors gave me more than a role — it gave me connection, purpose, and a deeper understanding of my community,”
— Lorraine Dundon
As membership grew, so did opportunity. In 2025, the chapter expanded into a second group, Chapter 20347, led by Sue Hamm, creating even more capacity to serve.
Built on purpose and people
Sue’s journey also reflects that same sense of intention. After retiring from a career as a structural engineer, she chose Galesburg for one reason: opportunity to serve. “This is what I do,” she said. “This is how I spend my time.” And in Royal Neighbors, she found others who felt the same. Sue said that a sense of shared purpose is what fuels the chapters. Members often come in already volunteering, but through Royal Neighbors, they find a way to do more. “This is your village. These are your people. And together, you make sure no one has to go through life alone,” she said.
“Royal Neighbors allows us to be part of something bigger — to do meaningful work that truly makes a difference.”
— Barb Bowen
And that “something bigger” is both structured and deeply human. Royal Neighbors provides support and resources, but the real impact happens through the people who show up.
Connection in a time that needs it most
In today’s world, where uncertainty can feel close to the surface, the value of community becomes even more clear. “When the world feels uncertain, your community becomes your anchor, and that’s what we’re building here,” said Sue.
Lorraine sees it in the way people draw closer during challenging times, leaning into friendships, relationships, and shared experiences. Barb sees it in the culture they’ve created within their chapter. “We’ve created something that feels like family, that’s what keeps people coming back.” Barb shared.
Leadership that reflects the mission
Ask these women about leadership, and they won’t talk about titles. They’ll talk about teamwork. They’ll talk about showing up, listening, and working side by side. They’ll talk about impact … not as something measured, but something felt.
And they’ll talk about the joy of being part of something that is, in every sense of the word, wonderful.
“We may be leaders, but the real strength is in the people who show up beside us every day,”
— Sue Hamm
“Through this work, you begin to see the real needs of your community and realize how much even small acts can matter,” added Lorraine.
An invitation to be part of something more
If you care, there is a place for you. If you serve, there is a way for you to do more. If you want to make a difference, you won’t do it alone. As Lorraine says with a smile, “What have you got to lose? Try it. You might like it.”
Bringing Insurance with a Difference℠ to life
In Galesburg, that invitation has already taken root,growing from one chapter into two, from a handful of members into dozens, from a single focus into a citywide effort. It is wonderful. It is impactful. And most of all, it is just as Sue described, like giving the community a hug.