Isaiah 117 House started with a dream — a dream to change the way foster care begins in a community. It soon became a dream to change the way foster care begins in a state. It has become a dream to change the way foster care is provided everywhere. What if there were safe places for children to stay while awaiting foster care placement? Children ranging from 2 months to 18 years old are removed from homes by the Department of Human Services because substance abuse or domestic violence is taking place in the home.
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In 2014, Ronda and Corey Paulson from Carter County, Tennessee, realized that children taken from homes where abuse was happening often had to wait in a state office. These young children might sit in a plastic chair for hours until they were assigned to a foster home. On the most difficult day of their lives, they had to leave the only people and home they had ever known and leave their belongings behind.
Something had to change. The Paulsons felt God leading them to start a ministry to care for children who need a transition home until they can be placed in a foster home. A child rescued from a home where domestic violence or substance abuse exists can stay in the transition home for up to 72 hours. Some stay a few hours, and some may stay two days.
“After the 72 hours are up, the child may leave with their case worker or the Tennessee Department of Children Services for a temporary foster home until a permanent home is found,” said Kim Bracken, location leader for the Isaiah 117 House in Trenton, Tennessee.
The first Isaiah 117 House opened in 2018.
The name comes both from a Bible verse and from the first little boy the Paulsons took in and adopted. Isaiah was only 9 months old, but he immediately reached his hands to Rhonda. In addition, Isaiah 1:17 says, “Learn to do what is good. Pursue justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the rights of the fatherless.”
Expanding nationwide
The program has expanded to 64 houses nationwide, and 10 more houses are under construction in order to care for these children. There are currently houses in Florida, Michigan, South Carolina, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, Iowa, Ohio, Texas, Indiana, Pennsylvania, Virginia and Kentucky.
In Tennessee, Isaiah 117 Houses are involved with 33 counties. Volunteers donate time to construct new homes and occasionally remodel older ones.
Part of the responsibility of the location leader is to speak to churches and encourage the congregations to become involved in supporting this ministry. “Individuals and churches donate clothing, hygiene products, school supplies and toys. Boys and girls are provided with a healthy meal. But most importantly, they feel loved. They are told that God loves them also and that they are worthy. They are important.
“Since 2020, there has been an increase in the number of children brought to the Isaiah 117 House,” Bracken noted. “This is due to the increase in substance abuse and neglect. Domestic violence in the home is a factor.”
Children often arrive in deplorable condition. Head lice are a common problem. New and clean clothing replaces their dirty, worn-out garments. They are given a bath and clean pajamas. They sleep in a comfortable bed at night. They are told they are loved, that it’s not their fault and they have done nothing wrong.
How to support an Isaiah 117 House
The Paulsons report that many people and churches want to become involved. This brings the community together. Firefighters, contractors, businesses and others ask, “How can I help?” There are many ways to volunteer.
Baptist associations can provide space and offer training for volunteers. It is essential that those who work with children receive training.
Another way to help is through painting, carpentry work and maintenance around the house and yard.
Financial support is always needed. Each Isaiah 117 House supplies clean clothing, bedding, food or snacks, toys, books and other items children may need.
Prayer is most important. Sunday School classes and churches can add an Isaiah 117 House to their prayer calendars each week. Pray for the case workers and that each child may be placed in a transition home and then a foster home.
Ronda Paulson has written a book to capture both the story of how this ministry came to be and how God is inviting all of us into His work every day. “He’s Inviting Us In: The Story of Isaiah 117 House” is available on Amazon.
For additional information, check the website at isaiah117house.com. Isaiah 117 House is a member of the Christian Alliance for Orphans.
