by Megan Valandingham
Andrea Townsend during house debut in 2022, photo provided by Donna Valandingham.
Starting construction in 2022, the non-profit organization, Isaiah 117, has worked tirelessly with the Anderson County community, to complete a new home for foster children. "For most children entering the system, Anderson County Program Coordinator Andrea Townsend said removal day is the most traumatic day they will ever walk," said Mary Klingler to WBIR. A year before construction, the organization hosted the Purses and Pearls event to raise money to buy the property for the new house, Hannah Moore said to WATE 6.
There are 26.3 million people who reside in the Appalachian region, and Tennessee, there are over eight thousand children in the foster care system and only four thousand foster homes in the state, Naomi Hillmer said to WATE 6. In Anderson County, Tennessee, there are over two hundred and seventy children in foster care and only sixty open foster homes, however, Isaiah 117 has worked hard, and as of 2022, has eleven homes in total across Tennessee as it helps the Department of Children Services by providing clothing, hot meals, toys, and a place to sleep with a roof over the children's heads, said Klingler.
In May of 2024, Isaiah 117 received enough volunteers to help spread their Magic Mulch to cover the playground of the new house.
Also, with the help of Willow Ridge Garden Center and Landscaping worked hard to make the outside look green and beautiful.
Nationwide, Isaiah 117 has houses set up in twelve different states. There are many ways for an individual to help support the organization. Signing up to volunteer, buying their book that details the creation of the organization by the executive director Ronda Paulson, and donating money to help them fund their construction projects, along with new clothing for the children.
"One of the first things you need to know about us is that our main goal is to lavishly love on kids! Every aspect of our ministry is designed to send a strong message to a child, who has just been removed from their home, that they are not alone and that they are loved, (2024, para. 1)."
This passionate organization is close to completing a new home for children to use before they go to permanent placement. All while assisting fellow organizations that provide placement when they are in need. They are truly there for the children.
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