About Restore & Renew

For the Love of Dixie County

Restore & Renew began as a grassroots idea rooted in Cross City and a simple belief: the places we live in shape how we feel about ourselves and each other. When buildings fall into disrepair and public spaces are forgotten, communities feel it — not just visually, but in their spirit.

What started in Cross City has grown into a volunteer-led movement reaching communities throughout Dixie County. Every project we take on is driven by local people giving their time, skills, and care — working together to bring life, vitality, health, wellness, and hope back to the places we call home. Restore & Renew has no paid positions. Every hand raised here is a volunteer hand.

Volunteers and community members restoring a building in Cross City, Florida

Our Mission

To restore and renew the places we call home by bringing people together to create healthier, more vibrant, beautiful, and hopeful communities throughout

Dixie County, Florida.

Why It Matters

More Than Paint. More Than Landscaping.

When a building is restored or a public space is renewed, something larger happens. People notice. They take pride. They begin to believe that their community is worth caring for, and that their own effort can make a difference.

Restore & Renew exists to create that momentum. Each completed project is evidence that change is possible, and that evidence inspires the next volunteer, the next donor, the next neighbor who decides to get involved.

Every project we complete is designed to increase:

  • Community pride
  • Hope
  • Participation
  • Vitality
  • Momentum
Restored building facade with proud community members in Dixie County, Florida

We're Better Together

Restore & Renew is built on the belief that every person has something valuable to offer. You don't need to be a contractor or a major donor to make a real difference. Whatever you bring to the table, your time, your skills, your connections, or your resources, it has a place here.

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Your Time

Show up to a project day, help at an event, or lend a hand wherever it's needed. Every hour moves the work forward.

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Your Skills

Painting, landscaping, construction, photography, marketing, administration, bring what you know and we'll put it to work.

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Your Materials & Equipment

Tools, supplies, building materials, and equipment donations stretch every dollar and accelerate what's possible.

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Your Relationships

Know a business owner, a property manager, or a community leader? Connections open doors that money alone cannot.

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Your Resources

Sponsor a project, fund a community event, or contribute toward the next transformation in Dixie County.

Your Financial Support

One-time or recurring donations directly fund project materials, event costs, and community improvements.

Meet Our Leadership

Restore & Renew is led by a dedicated group of local volunteers who believe in the power of community to transform itself. Every officer gives their time freely, no paid positions, just genuine commitment to Dixie County.

President

Karen VanAernam

Vice President

Barbie Higginbtham

Secretary

Christy

Roberts

Treasurer

Verna Wilson