When Joanne Braccio started Love Thy Neighbor in St. Petersburg, Florida, her vision was simple but profound: provide tangible help to people who are often overlooked—women fleeing domestic violence, cancer patients in treatment, and struggling veterans.
Her nonprofit, which began as a donation drive in a local park, has grown into a vital community resource offering a food pantry, thrift store, free cleaning services, and everyday essentials to those in need. In recognition of this impactful work, Joanne has received a 2025 Nation of Neighbors℠ empowerment award and a $10,000 grant from Royal Neighbors of America®.
In addition to her role as founder and executive director of Love Thy Neighbor, Joanne also serves as president of Royal Neighbors Chapter 20195, a position she has held since 2019. She was nominated for the award by fellow Royal Neighbors member Trisha Butts, who recognized the extraordinary difference Joanne makes in her community every day.
At the heart of Love Thy Neighbor is a commitment to restoring dignity and independence for individuals experiencing hardship.
“Love Thy Neighbor was built to meet people in their darkest moments and remind them they’re not alone,” Joanne said. “This grant helps us continue to show up—day after day—with support, zero judgment, and a lot of hope.”
The Nation of Neighbors grant will be used to strengthen support for women escaping domestic violence, helping provide them with basic necessities such as food, clothing, and hygiene items. The funds will also bolster Love Thy Neighbor’s food pantry and thrift store, which together serve as the backbone of its support programs.
“This award isn’t just for me—it’s for every woman who’s had to start over, every veteran who’s felt forgotten, every cancer patient too tired to clean their home,” she said.
Royal Neighbors’ Nation of Neighbors program honors community leaders across the U.S. who are serving women and girls through a nonprofit, business, or program. Joanne’s story stood out for its direct, no-red-tape approach to meeting urgent needs.
“Joanne exemplifies what it means to serve with compassion and purpose,” said Royal Neighbors CEO and President Zarifa Reynolds. “As we celebrate our 130th anniversary this year, we are proud to honor changemakers like Joanne who are putting our mission—insuring lives, supporting women, and serving communities—into action. Joanne is a part of our ongoing legacy.”
Love Thy Neighbor continues to grow through local donations and community partnerships. But it’s Joanne’s relentless heart that fuels its reach.
“We can’t fix everything,” she said, “but we can be there for someone in the moment they need it most.”
Learn more about Love Thy Neighbor at lovethyneighborfl.org.
Learn more about Nation of Neighbors at royalneighbors.org/non.
Learn more about Royal Neighbors chapters at royalneighbors.org/chapters.
