PERRY COUNTY — Isaiah 117 is an organization that was started by Rhonda and Corey Paulson when they saw a need within their own community with children that were being placed into foster care. They were studying to become foster parents. They heard about “removal day” during their required classes. This is when the child is removed from their parent’s custody and placed into foster care.
They were told that a young girl had slept on the floor of the conference room that they were sitting in. Rhonda looked around the room and saw that the room had dingy carpets, fluorescent lighting and no windows.
“It was not a place anyone should be sleeping on a normal day, let alone the worst day of their life,” said Regional Director Courtney Payne.
The idea for the Isaiah 117 House was born from this realization. The couple thought to themselves that having a home for the children would be beneficial. They started working on it and thought it would be one home in Carter County, Tenn. Their dream of one home turned into 22 homes across nine states now.
“We just want to lavishly love-on children who are having a hard day. These kids are leaving the only situation they’ve ever known. It’s for us on the outside to look in and say that it is a good thing. They are being taken away from dangerous or neglectful situations, but it is the only life and people they have ever known. These kids are feeling fear, guilt, anger and confusion,” said Payne.
Payne explained that in the moment of all the emotions they are going to an office where there is a cubicle, conference room or a breakroom where they can wait. Isaiah 117 instead gives them a place that feels like a home. A place where they can get a bath, a hot meal, love, care and entertainment.
“We get to say yes for the day. If they want to have ice cream for dinner, they get ice cream for dinner,” said Payne.
Each child leaves the house with a bag full of brand-new clothing, toys, toiletries and shoes. There is a giving room where they get to pick out what they want to go in the bag. Payne stated that when they leave home it is usually not with a ton of stuff and what they do have is in a trash bag. The bag they fill is a new backpack or duffle bag.
The case workers are also provided for while on the job. Payne stated that they are doing this job day in and day out. It is a hard job. It is physically, emotionally and mentally demanding. The worker has a certain time frame to get paperwork done after getting the child/children. The Isaiah House makes certain that they are fed and comfortable with help to care for the children. They can still see and monitor the children while getting the paperwork done. There is always a case worker in the home with the children.
“When we are running to McDonalds to feed the children, we are picking something up for DCS too,” said Payne.
Payne said they also give the case workers a monthly appreciation gift. They aren’t often seen or thanked for their work.
Payne said that the organization also helps take care of the foster family. They may need an emergency bed, pack n’ play, car seat, diapers, wipes or whatever they can think of that the family might need.
The organization works closely with the Department of Children Services. They also work with CASA, local governments and other businesses and organizations in the community. The school systems are a great partnership as well.
Recently, Nancy Hanks Elementary School held a penny war and raised over a thousand dollars in a week. The school understands the needs that surround foster care. They have a program called the FISH program. Families In Separate Homes. It is for children in the foster care system.
Indiana has eight locations. The Vanderburgh home was the first home in Indiana and just celebrated three years. The Spencer/Perry home is still in progress. The exterior is almost completed but they still need to complete the interior projects. There is no projected open date. It will all depend on the weather and supplies available. They also still need to find help with finding contractors.
“We try to keep things as low cost as we can. It is a nonprofit organization. Why we do understand that it’s not always feasible for folks to donate or discount things, if there is a contractor out there that wants to help out, we welcome it,” said Payne.
They have had many amazing contractors offer discounted or free services. She stated it always blows her away.
“These are locals. This is their lively hood but see a need and want to help. This has been a great community to work in,” said Payne.
The home will have two bedrooms with two beds each. There will also be a crib available. The visitation space will be a place that families can utilize as a safe space to visit with each other while working on being reunited.
“Sometimes they don’t have a safe environment. That could’ve been the reason for the need for removal from the home. They can go where they are not being charged money. There is a small kitchenette too,” said Payne.
There are about 120 children in foster care between both counties as of this past summer. Payne is hopeful that one day the number will be zero.
There are a few different ways to donate money and time. Their website has a link tree that allows for a one-time donation, volunteering or becoming a monthly donor with the sock buddy program. Each monthly donor receives a new pair of fun Isaiah 117 socks each year. The donation is typically $25 a month, but not required. It could be $1 a month to be a sock buddy.
There are donation boxes at Dance Haven in Perry County. Spencer County has donation boxes in Chrisney Library, Chrisney Hardware Store and Dale Library.
“We are still looking for more places to house the donation boxes in each county,” said Payne.
There is always a need for volunteers. They need people to mow lawns, shoppers and other positions. There is an Amazon wish list and a Menards wish list on the website if that is the way someone feels more comfortable giving.
“I cannot express enough how grateful I am for such a supportive community. I know there are people out there who never heard of us within the community yet, but I’m certain that once people hear about it they will want to help. This community has such a heart for one another and I’m grateful for that. I thank the Lord for this opportunity and this community,” said Payne.
