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Rock Island, Ill. (Aug. 22, 2022) – Royal Neighbors of America, a fraternal benefit society located in Rock Island, Ill. has presented Florida educator Dr. Yoder Milton with a Nation of Neighbors℠ empowerment award and $10,000 grant for her mentoring program, Girls with Class. The award and grant presented to Dr. Milton is one of ten Royal Neighbors will present nationwide this fall.

A membership organization boasting nearly 250,000 Members nationwide, Royal Neighbors of America offers life insurance and annuity products to its Members and is driven by its mission of supporting women and serving communities. Royal Neighbors’ signature women’s empowerment program, Nation of Neighbors℠ recognizes and supports women who work to empower women and girls through a nonprofit, business, or program.

Dr. Milton is an educator, mentor, author, entrepreneur, and community advocate in Daytona Beach, Fl. In 2017, Dr. Milton founded Girls with Class Mentoring at Turie T. Small Elementary School. Girls with Class aims to empower young women to be the best they can be socially, academically, mentally, and physically through mentoring on subjects such as financial literacy, etiquette, self-esteem building, and goal setting. Dr. Milton has been the recipient of several awards for her community work including the Kathy Perkins Faithful Servant Award, Teacher of the Year, Keiser University Distinguished and Community Leadership Award, and in 2020, she was recognized on Good Morning America.

“I was inspired to begin Girls with Class because our young ladies needed a positive program that would be engaging, empowering, and to expose them to experiences and opportunities that they otherwise may not have,” said Dr. Milton. “As an educator, I witnessed girls who needed their leadership qualities cultivated, girls who needed guidance and encouragement, and to be celebrated for their successes.”

Dr. Milton was nominated for the award and grant by Royal Neighbors Member Jerutha Hough. “Dr. Milton is a community servant who inspires others to strive for excellence and is a positive role model to those in her community,” she said.

Royal Neighbors Sales Executive Michelle Hilliker presented the award and grant to Dr. Milton on Friday, August 19. “As a servant to her community, and one that is dedicated to providing vital education and resources to young women, Dr. Milton truly exemplifies the Royal Neighbors mission to empower women and support their communities,” she said. “We are proud of the academic and social progress she is making with those touched by her service day in and day out.”

Dr. Milton plans to use the grant to apply for nonprofit status, expand the program to serve more young women in the community, incorporate more STEAM activities and experiences, and provide care packages and clothing for girls in need. “With the increase in youth suicide and youth engaging in inappropriate activities, mentors and mentoring programs are vital, especially to our most vulnerable and troubled children,” said Dr. Milton.

To date, Royal Neighbors has awarded more than $2.5 million in Nation of Neighbors grants nationwide.

Royal Neighbors of America is a unique provider of life insurance and annuities whose mission is to protect women financially and empower them to improve their lives, families, and communities. Royal Neighbors was founded in 1895 as a membership organization by nine pioneering women who recognized the need to insure the lives of women and children. 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 as of November 30, 2021. Royal Neighbors is a five-time Great Place to Work-Certified™ organization. For more information about Royal Neighbors of America, go to royalneighbors.org.