It was an emotional and inspiring day at The Nest: Solid Foundations on Tuesday, February 18, as the dedicated volunteers from Regenerate arrived to furnish the newly built units for young mothers and their children.

With seamless coordination and a whole lot of heart, the team transformed each space into a warm and welcoming home. Watching the volunteers in action — unpacking, assembling, and thoughtfully placing each piece — was a moving experience for everyone on-site.

Some Bridge Youth Service staff were even brought to tears, knowing how much this will mean for the young women who will soon call these spaces home.

Regenerate’s mission is simple but powerful: to create comfort and stability for families escaping hardship. Their commitment to The Nest doesn’t end here — when the current residents transition to independent living in three years, Regenerate will return to furnish the units once again for the next group of young mums.

“The Nest’s vision of providing a nurturing, supportive, and empowering environment for young mothers and their children deeply resonated with us,” Regenerate General Manager Claire Bauska said.

For volunteers like Sally Reinehr, who helped found Regenerate, the experience is just as rewarding. “It’s fantastic to be able to help these amazing young women,” she said.

For Jackie, a former filmmaker turned dedicated volunteer, the impact of this work speaks volumes: “The joy I get from being part of this incredible network has given me more than I ever imagined.”

This project is a true testament to the power of partnerships. As Lucy Simms from Women’s Property Initiatives noted, The Nest represents many firsts — including WPI’s first regional project and their first collaboration with dedicated wraparound support services.

Reflecting on the day, The Bridge Youth Service CEO, Melinda Lawley, emphasised the long-term impact of this collaboration.

“The Nest is not just about providing a house—it’s about breaking cycles of disadvantage, offering stability, and fostering growth for young families. Seeing Regenerate bring these homes to life with warmth and care was truly special,” Ms Lawley said.

The impact of this day will be felt for years to come. Thanks to Regenerate and all those involved, these young mums won’t just be moving into a house — they’ll be stepping into a home, filled with care, comfort, and the promise of a brighter future.