Royal Neighbors of America, one of the largest and first women-led insurance organizations in the US, located in Rock Island, Illinois, made the presentation to Ashley Vaala, executive director of The Lotus Community Project in Vincent. The award was one of 10 made nationwide.

In addition to the award, she received a $10,000 grant for her organization. The award and check were presented to Vaala at the organization’s Webster City thrift store, Lotus Treasures.

With 90 miles to the nearest women with children emergency shelter, The Lotus Community Project has served 325 women and children facing homelessness in just over two years.

“It was humbling to learn I had been nominated to receive this empowerment award and grant,” Vaala said. “The community has really embraced and empowered my mission to serve and desire to help build dreams.”

-Messenger photo by Anne Blankenship
Anthony Peck, independent insurance agent and award nominator, presented a $10,000 grant to Ashley Vaala, executive director of the Lotus Community Project. Michelle Hilliker, Royal Neighbors of America regional sales account manager, presented the empowerment award to Vaala Wednesday afternoon at the Lotus Treasures thrift shop in downtown Webster City.

According to Webster County statistics, the estimated ratio of families seeking affordable housing to the number of units available is 5:1.

“Lotus was born out of constantly seeing the need for homeless services for women and children. There just was nothing available,” Vaala said. “If you came across a woman and child in need of shelter services in our six-county area, there was just nothing there.”

Vaala said the project has received support from many donors in the area.

“Everybody came together. I go speak to people and they support it. That’s everything I could have ever hoped would happen,” she said.

Royal Neighbors’ Regional Sales Account Manager Michelle Hilliker presented the award to Vaala.

“For more than 125 years, Royal Neighbors has sought to empower women to make a positive impact in their communities. Ashley Vaala has used creativity and ingenuity, against all odds to make a difference in hundreds of lives. We support her mission to empower women in need to care for their families and start a new chapter,” Hilliker said

Anthony Peck, independent insurance agent, who grew up in Webster City, was the award nominator.

“We came across Ashley’s name and what she does. It’s nice to give back to the community that Ashley gives so much to,” Peck said.

Lotus Community Project plans to use the grant funds to expand the thrift store in downtown Webster City. Vaala said the new location, located on Second Street, would provide nearly double the space of the present location. She said she expected to be open in the new location sometime in November.

The store, featuring clothing, furniture and home decor, helps fund the program and also provides clothing and necessities to women and families served by the shelter. Direct funds from the store will provide shelter for more families and home supplies as they transition to independence.

“Here’s where the program comes full circle,” Hilliker said. “Women utilizing the Lotus Community Services can also volunteer at the thrift store, giving them a sense of purpose, building skills and relationships, and empowering them to give back to their community.”

Nation of Neighbors is a Royal Neighbors of America philanthropy program that awards financial assistance to nominated individuals who have a plan to start or expand a business, organization, program, or nonprofit that helps women and/or girls in their community. To date, nearly $2.5 million has been awarded nationwide.