Isaiah 117 House: A Warm Welcome for Children in Need
In the lovely town of Sevier, a beacon of hope shines brightly for children faced with sudden upheaval in their lives. Enter the Isaiah 117 House, a safe haven established to support children awaiting placement in foster care. Distributed through the loving hands of staff and volunteers, this nurturing space welcomes youths from Sevier County and surrounding areas with open arms and a comforting homeliness.
The Heartwarming Mission
Isaiah 117 House has been serving the community for the past two years and has quickly become a vital resource for many families. As the need for such a place arose, the team behind Isaiah 117 knew they wanted to create not just a safe space but a welcoming environment that feels like a home. The mission behind this beautiful initiative is threefold: reduce trauma for children awaiting placement, lighten the load for child welfare services, and ease the transition for foster families.
When a child arrives at the Isaiah 117 House, the staff responds with enthusiasm. “Whenever we hear of a child coming, we instantly flip the lights on and start baking a fresh batch of cookies,” shares Mallory Griffin, the location leader. “It’s about creating an atmosphere of warmth and love right from the start.”
A Cozy Welcome
As the cookie aroma wafts through the air, staff members prepare the various rooms to cater to the child’s age and interests. “If an 8-year-old boy is coming, we pull out the Legos. If it’s a 6-year-old girl, we’ll have a Barbie doll ready to greet her,” says April Gillespie, the support coordinator. The idea is simple yet impactful: each child gets to feel cherished, safe, and loved.
The home is thoughtfully equipped with cozy beds, games, and toys to help children feel at ease during what might be one of their most chaotic moments. Not only do they get to enjoy their time there, but they are also allowed to take their newly opened toys and clothing with them when they transition to their foster home. This gesture ensures that they leave with a sense of ownership and normalcy.
Community Support Makes It Possible
None of this would be feasible without the generous support of the community. From the lot donation by Danny King and family, to the construction work by Kevin Townsend and Citadel Construction, local partnerships play a crucial role in keeping the Isaiah 117 House thriving. The community continuously contributes items needed to fill the home, such as clothes, educational games, and even essential supplies like diapers.
“We have a whole room filled with clothing where the kids can pick out what they want to wear, helping them regain a bit of control,” Gillespie explains. Besides supporting children directly, the home also provides essentials like car seats and diapers for foster parents who might not have been ready to take in a child unexpectedly.
Recently, the Isaiah 117 House made headlines again when it emptied out its diapers to assist flood victims in Newport. Within no time, they found themselves blessed with new donations of diapers from the community. “We’ve learned that we can’t outgive God. The more we give away, the more blessings come our way,” adds Gillespie.
A Growing Movement
The Isaiah 117 House franchise has marked its impact, with several homes across the state and beyond. It all started in Elizabethton, and as word of their success spread, neighboring communities desired to replicate this model of care. It’s a remarkable movement that continues to extend love and support to children in difficult situations.
If you’re interested in learning more about Isaiah 117 House or how you can contribute to this wonderful cause, they welcome interested individuals and organizations to reach out. This beautiful mission, shining brightly in Sevier, serves as a reminder of the power of community, compassion, and love in the face of adversity.
