Renewing Dignity’s (RD) mission and work has exponentially evolved and expanded since its birth as a grassroots, volunteer-led nonprofit organization committed to eradicating period poverty in Northeast Florida. As RD approaches its fifth anniversary, it is clear RD needs a “bigger home” with additional resources to continue flourishing.

Renewing Dignity, Inc. is thrilled to announce that effective January 1, 2024, RD is merging with Feeding Northeast Florida (FNEFL). Renewing Dignity will be known and operate as the “Renewing Dignity Program.” Our strong Board of Directors and I believe that integrating RD into FNEFL is the best and most effective path forward, perpetuating RD’s mission and benefiting its clients and the community.  Significantly, merging with our longtime, forward-thinking strategic partner, FNEFL, provides RD the ability to expand and grow its footprint in Florida and leverage resources for increased efficiency and scale.

RD is exceptionally proud of its milestones and achievements since inception which include:

• Together with our partner, FNEFL, distribution of 4 million free menstrual products across 12 northeast Florida counties so those that menstruate are not held back from work, school, or other activities due to something as normal and natural as their periods.

• As an outgrowth of RD’s successful pilot project with Duval County Public Schools, DCPS has installed free menstrual supply vending machines in their Title 1 schools.

• Due to advocacy efforts by RD and many others, the State of Florida unanimously passed legislation in 2023 encouraging all middle and high schools to provide free period supplies to students.

• RD launched a middle and high school menstrual management workshop to educate young girls about menstrual options and good menstrual health.

You, our reliable and generous donors, volunteers, and ambassadors have been the backbone of Renewing Dignity’s growth and success.  We hope you will continue to strongly support our mission under the FNEFL umbrella.  The Renewing Dignity Program at FNEFL will operate as a restricted fund.  All donations to the Renewing Dignity Program will continue to solely and directly support women, girls, and all who menstruate with period products, education, and advocacy.  We anticipate with your support and commitment, RD’s mission will steadily move forward and thrive.

The RD Board of Directors and I will continue serving as an Advisory Board to FNEFL, guiding RD’s mission and helping ensure a smooth transition.  Please reach out to me or Susan King, CEO, Feeding Northeast Florida, (sking@feedingnefl.org), if you have any questions or suggestions as we move forward together. We hope you are as proud and excited as we are about the future and growth of RD!

With heartfelt thanks and great anticipation for the future,

Jan Healy, Founder, Renewing Dignity

Renewing Dignity Board of Directors: Martha Baker, Kendra Gillespie, M.D., Margaret Gomez, Patti Hughes, The Honorable Audrey Moran, Donna Orender, Marta Perez-Chomat, M.D., and Chris Warren