Although Nation of Neighbors has evolved and grown through the years, the foundation of the program has stayed the same; it’s about empowering women. Our signature women’s empowerment program is an award and grant that annually recognizes individuals who are improving the lives of women and/or girls in their community with a new or expanded business, organization, program, or nonprofit.
This year, we asked our Beneficial Members, Chapter Leaders, and Agents to nominate leaders who are doing extraordinary things in their communities. Each of this year’s ten recipients will receive grant funds to further their positive impact on children and families, the hungry and homeless, victims of human trafficking, and many others.
1. Regina Fitzpatrick, Spotswood, New Jersey – Community of Hope Ministries will establish a food delivery service, stock the food pantry with diapers, purchase a second oven to increase meal production, and hire a social media strategist to spread awareness of its mission.
2. Brenda Rose, Guthrie Center, Iowa – Firefly Creek Ranch will renovate their current facilities and provide extended support for women and children who have survived human trafficking and sexual abuse.
3. Erin Hottenstein, Fort Collins, Colorado – Colorado 50-50 will file for 501(c)(3) status to be able to accept donations and expand programs to get more women on the path to leadership.
4. Ashley Vaala, Vincent, Iowa – The Lotus Community Project will grow its mission by purchasing a retail store and adjoining apartments to provide permanent housing for homeless women and children.
5. Rita Caviness, Muskegon, Michigan – The Hope Project will purchase a vehicle to transport girls in their housing program back and forth to counseling and medical appointments, work, and anywhere else they may need to go.
6. Pam Frasco, Cleveland, Ohio – Project NICU will implement a new counseling program to provide counseling sessions to NICU mothers experiencing any form of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) or who need guidance in healing from a traumatic birth.
7. Rachel Gulick, Clive, Iowa – Girls Rock! Des Moines will hire a GR!Tech Director to implement and build upon a new curriculum based on STEM Education and launch “Gr!T Records.”
8. Jodie Barton, Sherrard, Illinois – New Kingdom Trailriders will purchase more horses and improve the indoor and outdoor arenas to accommodate more therapeutic riding participants in all types of weather.
9. Molly Murphy, Coconut Creek, Florida – With more than 60% of participants needing financial assistance, Equine Assisted Therapies of South Florida will increase the number of participants served who have a wide range of disabilities, including Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Down Syndrome, and developmental delays.
10. Brianna Huber, Rock Island, Illinois – Brianna will use the grant to begin a nonprofit, Her2O, to benefit women worldwide in the water management industry.
