Isaiah House 117 - Sevier County

When children are removed from their homes out of concern for their welfare, they are usually brought to the Department of Children’s Services Offices to await placement with a foster family. This wait can be several hours to nearly a full day. These children often have nothing with them and are scared, lonely, hungry, and in dirty clothing. Isaiah 117 provides a comforting home where these children instead can be brought to wait – a place that is safe with friendly and loving volunteers who provide clean clothes, smiles, toys, and snuggly blankets. This space allows children to receive the comfort and care they need while DCS staff can do the necessary paperwork and identify a good foster placement.

What if there was a home where children could go when they are removed? What if there was a safe place with friendly, loving volunteers? What if there was an environment with clean clothes, bath toys, healthy snacks, comfy beds and toys? What if instead of cubicles, the traumatized child could see smiles, books, and snuggly blankets? This is my dream for the Isaiah 117 House. Isaiah 1:17 says, "defend the cause of the fatherless." I believe that is what God is calling me to do. I see a home with a girl’s bedroom, a boy’s bedroom, fully stocked bathroom, playroom, nursery, etc. I see a team of volunteers, 2 at a time, on call to greet "the least of these" when they need love most. I see a place always ready to take in the children of this region in their time of need and help with what is inevitably a traumatic transition. I believe this home has the potential to positively affect the children who are coming into custody in ways far beyond what we could ever imagine as well as support the DCS staff of this region. Founder and Executive Director Ronda Paulson