New Children’s Book Inspired by Lexington Nonprofit to Benefit Families Facing Adversity

Lexington, Ky. – A heartwarming new children’s book inspired by Lexington’s nonprofit The Nest is bringing a message of compassion, community and hope to readers of all ages – while helping support local families in need.

Centered around woodland animals who come together to create “a soft place to land,” the story mirrors the work The Nest has carried out for decades by supporting children and families facing adversity. To further that reach, all money raised from book purchases will benefit the organization’s prevention, advocacy and healing services.

Since 1977, The Nest has provided counseling, family support and essential resources to individuals and families experiencing crises – all at no cost. Inspired by that mission, the book exemplifies how even small acts of kindness can help create safety, connection and optimism.

“Our purpose is rooted in the belief that every child, adult and family deserves to feel safe, supported and valued,” Executive Director Jeffrey White shared. “Each day, our team walks alongside individuals and families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives, offering support with compassion, care and hope.”

White intends for this meaningful book to help extend the organization’s mission far beyond the pages within.

Author JoEllen Wilhoite, who works at The Nest, said the idea for the project began with a lighthearted conversation that quickly grew much deeper.

“Writing this book began with my co-worker joking that we should write a book about The Nest,” Wilhoite recalled. “A week later, I decided to bring the idea to life with the hope of capturing the essence of what The Nest represents.”

Drawing inspiration from both the symbolism of a nest and the nonprofit’s location within a park, Wilhoite said she wanted the story to feel emotionally warm while carrying a deeper message for both children and adults.

“I would like for readers to walk away with a deeper understanding of how important safety, compassion and connection truly are,” she reflected. “Its story should encourage conversations about empathy, resilience and the powerful difference a caring community can make.”

With aligning values, the project was made possible through generous underwriting support from Independence Bank. Leaders of the Kentucky-based financial institution say supporting this effort was an opportunity to invest in both families and the broader community.

“Every day, we see families in our communities working hard to build better lives for themselves and their children,” Bank President and The Nest board member Stacy Schanher Berge said. “We believe strong communities begin with strong families. Organizations like The Nest provide the kind of support and encouragement that can truly change the direction of someone’s future. Helping bring this book to life means helping create hope, opportunity and stability now and in the future.”

Together, The Nest, Independence Bank, and the book’s creators aim for the narrative to serve as more than a simple storyline – but also as a lasting reminder that when communities come together to care for one another, every family can find a safe place to land.

Books are priced at $15 each, plus tax, and are available for purchase online through The Nest website at www.thenestlexington.org.

Credits:

• Published by Wilhoite Media
• Illustrations and formatting by Pamela Graham McDaniel
• “Hey There Little Bird” song lyrics by Buffy Lawson
• Printed by Jeff Fannin at PrintUSA
• This book was made possible through the generous underwriting support of Independence Bank of Kentucky. Learn more today at 1776bank.com.