Blount County Isaiah 117 House to Open Soon

This article was previously published in the June edition of Blount and Beyond

by Christy Martin

Transitioning from a home to a foster home or other state placement is an unforgettable trauma. Unfortunately, many times youth are taken into custody with little but the clothes on their backs and wait for hours in uncomfortable surroundings to be placed into a foster home. Every young person that has been thru this ordeal is able to describe it in vivid detail and for most that time is unbelievably painful. The Blount County Isaiah 117 House hopes to ease some of that pain and trauma soon.

According to Cindy Chandler the new Program Coordinator, over 75% of the cost of labor and materials have already been committed and a formal ground breaking has already been held. Blount Community Church donated the property and the House will be built on the church site. While construction is not currently underway Cindy Chandler Program Coordinator and Tamara Miller Isaiah House Board President for Blount County think it will open in the next few months.

The mission of the Isaiah House is to ease the transition for youth taken into state custody. The House will provide a safe and comfortable home type environment for youth to be while they are awaiting their next placement. The Isaiah house will look much like a home for these youth who are already anxious and frightened relieving their case worker to do the administrative work necessary to protect the youth and find a safe home. The house will include a space for the DCS worker as well as the child.

When asked about the goal of the Isaiah House Program Coordinator Ms. Cindy Candler responded, “we want to lavishly love on the children, the foster parents, and DCS.” In addition to Ms. Chandler the house will be staffed by volunteers who have approved background checks and have been specifically trained for Isaiah House. It also has a board of directors.

While speaking with Ms. Chandler and Ms. Miller volunteers were packing 25 Mac bags to be given to children that are taken into state custody. The bags include, a snack, a sensory toy, a book, a small sensory tool, and a card. Volunteers also deliver an appreciation gift each month to DCS workers usually in the form of a snack as they are not allowed to accept gifts.

A wish list for Isaiah House includes donations to complete the house, donations for the Mac bags, and gift cards for the children and workers to use as these youth are often in need of clothing when taken in custody. Donations of hygiene items of all kinds will also be needed and are being accepted at Blount Community Church. You can find an Amazon wish list for the Isaiah House at: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3TEIAKUAT7IEB?ref_=wl_share Those interested in volunteering will find more information at: https://isaiah117house.com/volunteers

To talk to someone about donations or volunteering please call 423-518-3760 ext. 608.