(Rock Island, IL)– Representatives of Royal Neighbors of America will make a surprise $500 check presentation to Michelle Smyth, founder of the Quad Cities Autism Center in Moline. The funds from Royal Neighbors' Nation of NeighborsSM Program will go toward furthering Michelle's education within the field of Applied Behavior Analysis.
When Michelle's son was diagnosed with severe autism at age 2, she struggled to find help for him. After facing many closed doors, she decided she would have to provide the help herself. She learned about Applied Behavior Analysis therapy, that, according to the U. S. Surgeon General, is the most effective treatment for children diagnosed with autism. After other parents learned of her son's progress and asked her for help, she opened the Quad Cities Autism Center, and has since served over 75 children and their families.
The more education Michelle receives, the more she can help her son and other children and also train young women who have a passion for making a difference in the life of a child.
What: Surprise $500 check presentation
Where: Quad Cities Autism Center, 2430 6th Ave., Moline, IL
When: Wednesday, Dec. 19, 10 a.m.
Local contacts: Lynnette Meincke, (563) 340-7419
Media is invited to attend: Meet in the Center's gym at 9: 50 a.m.
Focusing on its history of standing strong for women, Royal Neighbors has given more than $1 million to assist 900-plus families and individuals in reaching their goals and rebuilding their lives through its Nation of Neighbors Program. The program, which was launched in 2007, demonstrates the neighbor-helping-neighbor philosophy on which Royal Neighbors was founded in 1895.
Through the 2012 program, determined women of strength and courage are empowered with financial assistance to achieve their full potential, realize a sense of renewed personal growth, and give back to their communities. Each year, Royal Neighbors members and sales agents across the country are asked to nominate individuals they know who want to change their lives for the better. A panel reviews each nomination and determines the recipients and the monetary amounts awarded.
Royal Neighbors of America, one of the nation's largest women-led life insurance companies, exists for the benefit of its members. It offers insurance products to fulfill financial needs of growth, savings, and protection. Members receive valuable benefits and can participate in volunteer activities through the organization's local chapters to help make a difference in their communities. The organization's philanthropic efforts are dedicated to changing women's lives through its national programs, including the Nation of NeighborsSM Program, and through the Royal Neighbors Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity.
Headquartered in Rock Island, IL, with branch offices in Mesa, AZ, and Austin, TX, Royal Neighbors serves more than 200,000 members and is licensed to do business in 42 states and the District of Columbia.
For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, call (800) 627-4762, or visit www.royalneighbors.org.
