Our Story

In 2014, my husband, Corey, and I went through training to become foster parents. As part of our training, we attended a class at the Washington County, TN Department of Children’s Services (DCS) office in Johnson City, TN. During that class, we were informed that when children are removed from their homes, they often must come to the DCS office and wait for placement. As I looked around the cubicle-filled space, I couldn't imagine a scared child sitting in such a sterile, cold environment waiting to learn their fate. That is when I believe God put on my heart the Isaiah 117 House.

Fast-forward one year to November 5, 2015, at 3:45pm. I received a call from the Carter County TN DCS office in Elizabethton, TN. Within an hour, Corey, and I, along with our two children, Sophie and Mac, were picking up our foster son at the back door of the office. He was dirty, in clothes that were too small, and literally had nothing in the world. This was the second time, I believe, the Lord put on my heart the Isaiah 117 House.

We asked the question “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, snacks, comfy beds, and toys? What if, instead of cubicles, the traumatized child could see smiles, books, and snuggly blankets?

Isaiah 1:17 says, "defend the cause of the fatherless." I believe that is what God was calling me to do. I saw a home with an open living space, a fully stocked kitchen, a girl’s bedroom, a boy’s bedroom, places to play, and fully stocked bathrooms. I saw a team of volunteers on call to greet "the least of these" when they need love most. I saw a place always ready to take in children in their time of need and lavishly love on them on one of their worst days. This was the dream for the Isaiah 117 House in February of 2017.

I believe these homes have 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 caseworkers and future foster families who are a part of their journey. I believe these homes change the way foster care begins.

- Founder and Executive Director, Ronda Paulson