ROCK ISLAND, Illinois -
Christmas gifts arrived early for two Quad City-area women. That's as Royal Neighbors of America made some special deliveries.
Ametra Carroll stepped into an office on Monday, and she was totally unaware of what would follow.
There were tears of joy and a check for $7,500.
"Never in a million years could I imagine this," she said.
Honored by Royal Neighbors as part of its Nation of Neighbors program, Ametra overcame a drug addiction to become a counselor. Now, she's going back to college.
"Always wondered how would I go back," she said. "How would I start? Where would I get the money from?"
Ametra serves as an on-site residential coordinator at Douglas Park Place in Rock Island. A program that helps to reunite families and turn lives around.
"With her life experience, going into formal education, I think she'll not only receive valuable education, but she'll also provide it for her classmates," said Robert Young Center President Dr. David Deopere.
"To help others," Ametra said. "You see them down, help bring them up with you."
That spirit leads to another award in an unlikely place. It's a shuttered plant that's full of potential for a woman beating the odds.
There are tears and cheers as Erica Eng picks up her check for $7,500.
"Make our lives even better," she said. "It's just me and my mom right now."
The Erie, Illinois, fashion designer beat illness and obstacles to envision her own clothing label inside the former Seaford Clothing Company.
"We hope with our help that they do feel empowered," said Rita Toalson, Royal Neighbors of America. "And they keep chasing the dream."
A dream to restore the plant that recently was filled with more than 300 workers. Hope for a new life making coture dresses.
"Have it all done in one spot," Erica said. "Right here in the Quad Cities."
Two dreams that might become reality.
After launching the program in 2007, Royal Neighbors has awarded nearly $1 million to individuals or families in need across the country.
"This is very good stuff," Erica said. "It's awesome."
"God bless Royal Neighbors," Ametra concluded.
Ametra Carroll stepped into an office on Monday, and she was totally unaware of what would follow.
There were tears of joy and a check for $7,500.
"Never in a million years could I imagine this," she said.
Honored by Royal Neighbors as part of its Nation of Neighbors program, Ametra overcame a drug addiction to become a counselor. Now, she's going back to college.
"Always wondered how would I go back," she said. "How would I start? Where would I get the money from?"
Ametra serves as an on-site residential coordinator at Douglas Park Place in Rock Island. A program that helps to reunite families and turn lives around.
"With her life experience, going into formal education, I think she'll not only receive valuable education, but she'll also provide it for her classmates," said Robert Young Center President Dr. David Deopere.
"To help others," Ametra said. "You see them down, help bring them up with you."
That spirit leads to another award in an unlikely place. It's a shuttered plant that's full of potential for a woman beating the odds.
There are tears and cheers as Erica Eng picks up her check for $7,500.
"Make our lives even better," she said. "It's just me and my mom right now."
The Erie, Illinois, fashion designer beat illness and obstacles to envision her own clothing label inside the former Seaford Clothing Company.
"We hope with our help that they do feel empowered," said Rita Toalson, Royal Neighbors of America. "And they keep chasing the dream."
A dream to restore the plant that recently was filled with more than 300 workers. Hope for a new life making coture dresses.
"Have it all done in one spot," Erica said. "Right here in the Quad Cities."
Two dreams that might become reality.
After launching the program in 2007, Royal Neighbors has awarded nearly $1 million to individuals or families in need across the country.
"This is very good stuff," Erica said. "It's awesome."
"God bless Royal Neighbors," Ametra concluded.
