On Saturday, Sept. 21st, Members of Chapter 1373 of the Royal Neighbors of America, based in Atlantic, surprised Natalie Groves, of Exira, with a $500 check from the organization’s “Nation of Neighbors Program,” to her Groves with her ministry at the Bethany Farm Christian Center in Brayton. The funds will help keep the cost of activities at the retreat for women and couples reasonable, and to purchase bunk beds for children.

Royal Neighbors has given nearly $1.5-million to more than 1,000 families and individuals in reaching their goals and rebuilding their lives through its Nation of Neighbors Program, which was launched in 2007. Officials say the program demonstrates a vision of protecting women financially and empowering them to improve their lives, families and communities, based on a philosophy founded in 1895.