Morton House
Help Transform The Morton House
For nearly five decades, The Nest has been a lifeline for Central Kentucky families. Founded in 1977, our mission is to prevent the abuse and neglect of children and adults by embracing, encouraging, and empowering individuals and families, without bias and always at no cost.
Each year, more than 7,500 children and adults turn to The Nest for safety, stability, and hope through our four core programs: Family Assistance, Emergency Childcare, Parenting Education, and Domestic Violence Counseling & Advocacy.
Now, our work and the families we serve need a home that reflects the care, compassion, and dignity at the heart of our mission.
The Project: Transforming The Morton House
Our historic home, The Morton House, is being reimagined as The Nest Family Center. A fully trauma-informed facility designed to meet the needs of families in crisis today and for generations to come.
This is not just a renovation. It’s a transformation of how our community cares for its most vulnerable members.
This transformation will:
Protect privacy and safety with more secure, confidential meeting and counseling areas.
Promote healing and dignity through calming, flexible, and accessible spaces for families in distress.
Empower collaboration by creating healthier, more functional workspaces for our dedicated staff.
Expand capacity so we can serve more families, more effectively, every single day.
Why This Matters
This renovation is not just about modernizing a building; it’s about ensuring safety, stability, and sustainability for the thousands of families who rely on us each year. The Morton House, like many historic structures, has reached a critical point where essential systems and infrastructure must be updated to continue operating safely and effectively.
Structural reinforcement and framing to strengthen the integrity of the 100+ year-old building.
Drywall, plastering, and waterproofing to preserve the structure and prevent long-term deterioration.
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment are designed for comfort, functionality, and accessibility, creating a welcoming environment for both families and staff.
Upgraded electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems to ensure reliable, energy-efficient operation and comfortable spaces year-round
Security and technology improvements, including modern lighting, soundproofing, and integrated AV/IT systems for client safety and staff efficiency.
Dedicated children’s spaces with sensory toys and play materials that support healing through engagement and connection.
New doors, windows, and insulation to improve privacy, safety, and accessibility while reducing energy costs.
Finishing touches such as calming paint palettes, soft flooring, specialty millwork, and trauma-informed design features that make every space feel safe and dignified.
Every improvement, from the foundation to the finishing details, serves a deeper purpose: to create a physical space that mirrors the emotional safety The Nest provides every day.
The Opportunity: Your Gift Will Be Matched Dollar-for-Dollar
Thanks to the generosity of the James A. and Martha R. Brown Foundation, every gift made to this project will be matched 1:1 (up to $325,000), doubling the impact of every dollar you give.
To unlock the full $650,000 investment, we need the support of community partners, businesses, and individuals who believe that every family deserves a safe place to find help, healing, and hope.
Donor Recognition Opportunities
Join Us
This is our moment to reimagine The Nest for the families who need us most.
Your investment doesn’t just renovate a building; it creates a sanctuary. A place where parents find stability, children rediscover joy, and families begin again with confidence and care.
Together, we can build a stronger, more compassionate Lexington - one family at a time.
