Today we’d like to introduce you to Renewed Community Initiatives. Them and their team share their story with us below:
Renewed Community Initiatives (ReCI) seeks to rejuvenate and empower deserving communities by advocating to bridge the art and culture gap through the incorporation of public art, beautification, and helping communities focus on their historical + environmental assets.
ReCI, started by daughter and mother advocacy team Tracie Thornton and Rosemary Thornton, initially began as a neighborhood organization. They both soon began to realize that the problems one specific neighborhood faced were experienced by most neighborhoods specifically those communities where residents feel unheard and unseen; so their impact area expanded.
ReCI now advocates improving all deserving Jacksonville communities in need through a variety of projects. Past projects include neighborhood cleanups, tree plantings, public art, and though not a part of their primary mission, one of their favorite projects is one that supports those individuals experiencing homelessness.
Although still a young organization, Renewed has positively impacted the community by helping individual constituents realize their power to create change, through using their voices. They’ve become a catalyst for other organizations and individuals looking to change their communities through the injection of art. Though some individuals don’t necessarily see the benefit of art in certain neighborhoods, public art and placemaking have measurable economic and educational impacts.
The goal of RECi has been to advocate for art and an equitable division of city resources in every community so that all neighborhoods can enjoy those benefits. Right now Renewed Community Initiatives has three signature projects that are ongoing:
+ Origami Love Notes: Origami Love Notes is a low-cost community art project that injects art into communities in a very personal and individual way. Volunteers folds origami hearts inscribed with inspirational quotes and distribute them to the public. The hearts were passed out in areas that have often been left out of the conversation on public art to engage as well as encourage.
+ Life Essentials Bags: Backpacks filled with essential items including socks, a blanket, hand sanitizer, and dental care kits for those experiencing homelessness or those otherwise in need.
+ 10 x 10 Project: The 10 x 10 project proposes to complete a series of small artworks and beautified spaces, only 10 feet by 10 feet in size in neighborhoods that deserve a little more love and attention.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Most journeys worth taking might have some challenges along the way, Renewed Community is no different.
What might be viewed by some as a ‘struggle’ is also actually a positive for the two Thornton community mavens: their passion for helping people even with few or no resources or time. This has cultivated a spirit of creativity and focus in regard to how the two women view their work in the community and how to most effectively use their resources and time.
They both wish they had a large budget dedicated to Renewed Community and all the projects they’d love to do and they are also dedicated to simply using what tools and resources they have available.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Renewed Community Initiatives as an organization strives to help create communities that people look forward to coming home to. ReCI is probably best known for speaking out on issues of equity; whether it’s making sure all park spaces have foundational amenities, advocating for spaces to be designated historical sites, or championing for art in every neighborhood.
Renewed Community began because of the Thorntons’ love of people and specifically the Jacksonville community so working for Renewed Community Initiatives neither of them earns a wage. Because ReCI has been a passion project for them both, they’ve continued to work in other ways to pay the bills (and at times support the work of ReCI). Tracie–a once and always Peace Corps volunteer– is a visual artist, works as an actress, and has worked with several community organizations as an advocate and project facilitator. Rosemary, who is an officially retired computer programmer, has most recently worked as a youth internship program administrator. They both have taken their passion and what time they have available and applied those valuable assets in the best way possible.
What sets Renewed apart from other organizations is that they are focused on sustainability. Tracie insists on applying existing city services or assets to solve some of the city’s current problems. For the past few years, if she hasn’t been advocating for art for all as a member of Art In Public Places (Cultural Council of Greater Jacksonville) then she’s done her best to speak to city council members one on one to propose ways to restructuring existing city services. Rosemary Thornton is the past chair of Council on Elder Affairs and is most interested in livable/age-friendly communities for seniors. The Thorntons believe the best way for the work they do to continue on long after they’ve gone is to ensure the services and resources are integrated into city protocols and legislation.
What Renewed Community Initiatives is most proud of is advocating for the new sculptures “On The Shoulders” and “Winged Victory” (by artist Donald Gialanella) in front of Legends Community Center and Ribault High School; from seeking support to the days that both pieces were dedicated. These were the first formal pieces of public art installed in each of these areas. “After the dedication of ‘Winged Victory’ some of the residents came over to the piece to take pictures and talked about how much they liked it and how proud they are. That makes me proud too.” says Tracie Thornton.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you, or support you?
Renewed Community is always looking for partners to complete another great project! Here are some ways you can be involved:
+ One way to help out ReCI is to contribute to one of their ongoing projects: Origami Love Notes, 10 x 10 Project, or Life Essentials Bags. Donating to one of these projects will definitely contribute to helping out the various individuals that ReCI strives to assist. If a monetary donation isn’t possible sharing with others about the work they do is enormously valuable.
+ ReCI is looking for partners for their 10 x 10 project. Property owners who are interested in investing in incorporating placemaking principles or artwork into their spaces don’t hesitate to reach out.
+ Business owners and other organizations also make great teammates. ReCI would love to find out what great projects you can accomplish together.
+You can also join Renewed’s mailing list and follow on Instagram and Facebook to stay up to date on project and volunteer opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: https://renewedcommunity.weebly.com/
- Instagram: @reneweddream
- Facebook: @renewedcommunity
- Other: Life Essentials Bags: https://bit.ly/recilifeessentials and 10 x 10 Project: https://bit.ly/reci10x10
