On Sunday night at The Barn in Finley Point, the gathering of families, friends, and little ones were on hand to help raise money for the proverbial good cause.

In this case, guests enjoying a silent auction and music by Gladys Friday & Friends were there to help feather the Nest.

The Nest is a nonprofit organization that counts volunteers and advocates of safe child upbringing as members. To put it plainly, the Nest is modest house in St. Ignatius that is open to new moms who might be in abusive situations - and are looking for a way out. It’s the first type of house of its kind, both in Lake County and on the Flathead Indian Reservation.

Executive Director Jenifer Blumberg, with her warm smile and easy-to-laugh attitude, wants to help young women raise healthy children. That’s why she started The Nest, as a way that women could get the help they needed when they needed it. And that no one would turn away, no one would cast judgement, and no one would argue that The Nest is the best place to seek refuge if you are in a trapped, abusive situation.

“The house is almost ready to go,” Blumberg said at Sunday night’s fundraiser. “Forming a startup is hard, but we’ve had some generous friends help us get started. We’re still looking for an angel or two.”

When she isn’t running all over town trying to secure funding, she’s also writing grants to the U.S. government in hopes additional funding will be available for The Nest. Rocky Schock, the house’s contractor, and his wife Robyn, are close to Blumberg and fully support the idea of providing shelter for women in abusive situations.

“I’ve been making baby clothes,” Robyn Schock said. “I quilt them for the house.”

Blumberg said that to overhaul the house - which they have done - took some work, and a generous donation by someone who remains a mystery. Last March, The Nest received a $325,000 donation.

“It was huge,” Blumberg said.

On Sunday night, the fundraiser was to provide some addition funding for electrical work and staffing for the coming year.

“We like to call it a ‘second chance’ for young women, teenagers, even though we will except ages 16 to 24.” Blumberg said.

The Nest is also working with the CSKT to hopes to promote good health at The Nest.

“We’ll have a focus on a garden,” Blumberg said. “Planning meals, creating a routine.”

The Nest originated two years ago while Blumberg was a ‘home visitor’ with the Department of Health. She worked closely with pregnant moms and was present during many years.

Lisa Skalsky, a board member, said The Nest has been long overdue here in Lake County and on the Reservation.

“We’ve needed this for a long time,” Skalsky said.

Email [email protected] for more information.