Highlighting Royal American Prayer (RAP)

Royal American Prayer (RAP)

A Faithful Community of Support

 

Shared by Sonya Knight

Director of Resident Services & ACE Chair

 

Did you know that Royal American has a prayer group dedicated to supporting employees through prayer? For nearly two decades, Royal American Prayer (RAP) has been a source of encouragement, regularly fasting and praying for personal prayer requests, our company, its leadership—including the Chapman family—our nation, government, and military. The group stays connected through email and meets weekly to offer intercessory prayer and encouragement to those in need.

 

I first learned about this group a few years ago when my husband faced a serious health crisis. I received an unexpected email from a colleague, letting me know that this small yet devoted group was praying for his recovery. In difficult moments, every word of encouragement matters, and their support left a lasting impact on me.  I knew I wanted to share the story of this prayer group with others, so I set out to learn more about the people behind it and how it came to be.

 

Founded 18 years ago by Sundei Granberg, RA Sr. Executive Assistant, RAP began as an in-home Bible study before evolving into a formal prayer group. It later moved to RAM’s former corporate office at One Stanford Center in Panama City, FL, where members gathered in the fourth-floor conference room. However, after Hurricane Michael destroyed the building, the group adapted, continuing its mission at RAM’s current corporate office as well as in private homes, including those of company owner Jeanette Chapman and her daughter, Mary Marie Clemo.

 

Currently, RAP is led by corporate employees Nicole Boles, Jojary Cartarphen, and Susan Brasher, with additional support from Mary Marie Clemo, Frankie Bruner, and many others who join in prayer from afar. Each week, Nicole collects prayer requests submitted via email, ensuring that employees’ concerns—whether related to health, family, work, relationships, or finances—are lifted up in confidence. Beyond prayer, the group maintains contact with those who seek support, offering updates, praise reports, and words of encouragement.

 

For those interested in submitting a prayer request or joining the group, you can reach out via email at RAP@royalamerican.com. Knowing that support is available—no matter where we are in life—can be a profound source of encouragement. I am grateful to share the story of this faithful group.

 

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Call to Action:  Just as RAP provides a space for employees to connect through faith, Royal American encourages the creation of other support groups where employees can share common interests, experiences, or goals. Whether it’s professional development, cultural heritage, hobbies, or another area of focus, you can start a group that brings employees together. Please submit your proposal and a brief description of the purpose for your employee-led resource group to ace@royalamerican.com. 

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Women’s History Month: Marshall Gilley

Women continue to break barriers in industries traditionally dominated by men, and Marshall Gilley is doing just that.  With nearly a year in her role as Maintenance Technician, Marshall is focused on growing her expertise and has her sights set on becoming a Maintenance Supervisor in the future.

Originally from Biloxi, Mississippi, Marshall has spent the last ten years in Florida, where she has built a fulfilling life centered around faith, family, and service. She is a mother of six children—five boys and a girl, she enjoys gardening, fishing, and cooking and she’s a devoted Dallas Cowboys fan.

Marshall’s journey into maintenance was inspired by her late father, a commercial painter and skilled tradesman. “I always wanted to learn from my dad and be like him,” she shares. Honoring his legacy, she has built an impressive skill set, holding degrees in pipe fitting/ plumbing and auto mechanics, with plans to complete her HVAC certification this year.

Marshall understands that being a woman in a male-dominated field brings unique advantages. “I’m often perceived as less intimidating, which allows residents—especially seniors and those with disabilities—to feel more comfortable discussing maintenance concerns,” she explains.

One of Marshall’s most rewarding moments on the job was stepping up alongside her manager to assist a resident during a life-threatening medical emergency. “It’s important to make a difference,” she reflects, highlighting that maintenance is about more than just fixing things—it’s about caring for and protecting the community.  When asked what advice she would give to other women considering a career in maintenance, Marshall’s response was clear and confident: “Don’t be intimidated. Build your skills and get to work!”

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Women’s History Month: Tia Tajuana

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate the fearless women at Royal American who are excelling in non-traditional roles. Tia, a dump truck driver and a dedicated wife, is one of those remarkable individuals. Born in the Bronx, NY, she has been with Royal American for nearly two years, bringing dedication, skill, and a strong work ethic to the job. With a passion for driving and independence, Tia has mastered operating 12-speed semi-trucks, chemical tankers, garbage trucks, concrete trucks, and even hauling heavy equipment—a testament to her ability to thrive in a male-dominated industry. Tia shared, “Royal American is one of the best jobs I’ve ever had, and I thank the Chapmans for giving me this opportunity!”

Before entering the world of trucking, Tia had a career in healthcare as a CNA and a home healthcare aid.  Beyond work, she finds joy in reading the Bible, caring for the elderly, and spending peaceful moments by the ocean.

Tia credits her father’s influence for teaching her that she can accomplish anything a man can—and do it just as well, if not better. Her advice to other women? “Keep God first, stay strong, and never cut corners.  We women are patient and we may move a little slower, but we are the safest in the field.  Safety and perseverance always pay off!” Tia’s story is a powerful reminder that women can thrive in any profession with determination and faith.

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Women’s History Month: Savanna Stevison

This Women’s History Month, we celebrate women at Royal American who are thriving in non-traditional careers. Savanna Stevison, a wife, mother, and Maintenance Superintendent at Magnolia Crossing, is one of those trailblazers. Originally from Pensacola, FL, Savanna joined Royal American as a Maintenance Technician and worked her way up to Maintenance Supervisor. After spending five years in a leadership role at her previous job, her drive to grow and learn new skills led her to pursue a career in property maintenance.  In December 2024, she earned her Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Certification, further expanding her expertise.  One of her proudest accomplishments? Being named RAM Maintenance Supervisor of the Year in 2023—a testament to her hard work and dedication.

As a woman in a male-dominated field, Savanna encourages other women seeking a maintenance role to never doubt their abilities, to seek out the right training and resources to succeed, and to never let others discourage you.  Beyond work, she enjoys traveling, shopping, trying new restaurants and going to the movies.

Her journey reflects the spirit of Women’s History Month proving that women can excel in any profession. Join us each week as we spotlight more inspiring women who are redefining roles at Royal American.

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Women’s History Month

Celebrating Women Breaking Barriers at Royal American!

March is Women’s History Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the achievements of women who have paved the way in every field—especially those who have stepped into roles where women have been historically underrepresented.

At Royal American, we’re proud to have incredible women on our team! In the coming weeks, we will be highlighting some of these amazing women who are thriving in non-traditional careers such as truck drivers and maintenance technicians. Their dedication, skill, and passion prove that no job is off-limits.

Throughout this special series, we’ll introduce you to these trailblazing women, sharing their personal stories, experiences, and what inspires them in their work. Join us each week to meet a new employee who’s redefining the industry and making an impact.

ACE invites you to stay tuned and celebrate with us!

 

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Winners For Black History Month Trivia

Congratulations to Team Beverlye Crossings (Shuntanya Harris, Area Manager, Beverlye Crossings II; Buddy Underwood, Maintenance; Dixie Maxwell, Community Manager, Beverlye Crossings I) for winning our Black History Month trivia competition! Their team won a $150 gift card as their prize!

A huge thank you to everyone who participated and helped make this celebration meaningful. We appreciate your efforts in honoring Black history and culture!

See the answers to this week’s questions HERE!

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Black History Month Trivia Week 4

 

JOSEPH “JOE” CHAPMAN, III: CHAMPION OF UNITY AND OPPORTUNITY

Our final Black History Month entry is special this year.  We proudly celebrate Joseph “Joe” Chapman, III, founder of Royal American Companies, for his lasting impact on Bay County, Florida. His dedication to unity and opportunity helped transform underserved communities, including efforts that uplifted Black families. Through his work in housing, education, and workforce development, Joe’s visionary leadership continues to shape the region, promoting a legacy of progress and inclusion.

As the founder of Royal American Companies, Joe was committed to developing quality housing that strengthened communities. He developed thousands of multifamily units across the Southeast and recognized the importance of providing supportive programs for residents. Long before such initiatives became state requirements, he championed efforts like HUD’s Neighborhood Networks Centers, offering tutoring, educational workshops, and free computer classes to enhance opportunities for families.

Understanding the importance of education and job opportunities in empowering Black families and underserved communities, he made education and workforce development a key focus of his efforts. He helped establish the Bay County Boys & Girls Club, launched Early Head Start and an after-school program at Pana Villa Apartments, and served as the first president of the Bay Education Foundation, expanding scholarships and mentorship programs for local youth. Recognizing the need for economic mobility, he also championed welfare-to-work initiatives such as Women of Destiny, Inc., and Career Source’s One on One, One by One program, providing pathways to self-sufficiency for those striving for a better future.

Joe’s impact reached healthcare and civic engagement. His leadership on the Bay Medical Center Board of Trustees led to the Joseph F. Chapman III Outpatient Center, improving community healthcare access. The Chapman Family Foundation continues his legacy by donating holiday gifts to children in need, bringing joy to families each season.

Through service and collaboration, Joe Chapman proved that one vision can spark lasting change. His legacy echoes the unity and perseverance celebrated during Black History Month, reminding us to work together, give back, and build a brighter future for all.

 

Must answer all questions correctly:

  1. Joe served two terms in which governmental body?
  2. As the youngest Chief General Counsel for Florida Governor Haydon Burns, Joe had a hand in bringing which entertainment dynasty to Florida?

 

View last week’s answers here!

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