Our Story

Finding Inspiration in Every Turn

The Joyful Nest Project was born not from perfection, but from lived experience.

I understand struggle because I have walked through it.

At fifteen, my world shifted in ways I wasn’t prepared for. In the years that followed, I made my fair share of bad decisions — but they helped shape the woman I am today.

By twenty-three, I was a single mother, determined to build a better life for my child. Life became my classroom, teaching me resilience, faith, and the courage to begin again.

Over the past 37 years, our family has faced addiction, brokenness, and, by God’s grace, restoration. My husband has been sober since early 2022 - a powerful testimony to redemption and second chances.

For seven years, we also raised three of our grandchildren during a difficult season in our son’s life - an unexpected chapter that became one of deep love and growth.

Through it all, I learned one truth: when life feels unstable, a child needs one space that feels steady — a place of dignity, safety, and belonging.

As we find ourselves empty nesters (again), we have entered a new season of life, with time to focus on helping others find joy. We create nurturing bedroom spaces for children facing hardship and transition - because sometimes a bed, a blanket, or a room of their own can remind a child that their story is not over.

Restoration is real. Grace is powerful. New beginnings are always possible.

With a joyful heart,

Karen

Our Team

Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

The Joyful Nest Project began with a simple desire — to create safe, beautiful rooms for a child facing hardships and navigating difficult transitions.

As friends and family heard the vision, something beautiful happened. People wanted to help. What started as one heart responding to a need became a team united by compassion.

Each of us has seen, in our own way, how deeply a child’s environment shapes their sense of security and belonging. Some of us have lived through seasons of hardship. Some of us have supported children navigating difficult transitions. All of us share one belief:

Every child deserves a space that feels safe, personal, and full of hope.

Rooted in Ephesians 2:10 — “For we are God’s workmanship” - we came together to create rooms that reflect that truth.

Today, The Joyful Nest Team includes volunteers, donors, and community advocates who make each transformation possible. We are designers, organizers, encouragers, and builders — but most of all, we are people who believe children deserve to feel seen and valued.

Together, we are building more than bedrooms.

We are building spaces for children to find hope and joy.

Joyful Nest is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. EIN: 41-3805798. All donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law.