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CHAMBER AWARDS: Isaiah 117 honored with Amazing Dedication Award
On a night when dedication to community was honored, the Putnam County Chamber feted a relatively new nonprofit whose goal is to help children on their very worst day.
Isaiah 117 House was honored Saturday evening with the Amazing Dedication Award as part of the Putnam County Chamber Annual Dinner and awards presentation.
“In the limelight this evening is a nonprofit that is a beacon of hope for children facing uncertainty and adversity,” Chamber board member Mackenzie Long said in introducing the award. “When children are removed from their homes due to safety concerns, the initial moments of waiting for placement can be filled with fear, loneliness, hunger and discomfort.”
“Imagine a space where scared and vulnerable children, often with nothing to call their own, are welcomed with open arms,” she added.
That’s just what Isaiah 117 House provides. Introduced in Putnam County in August 2022, the organization will provide a safe and loving home for children awaiting foster care placement. This is in contrast to the kids having to wait — and sometimes sleep — in a DCS office.
Isaiah 117 House, which is set to break ground this spring, allows for that same child to never go to an office, but rather a home with loving volunteers to care for them.
Although the Isaiah 117 House has not yet opened in Putnam County, it has much forward momentum under the leadership of program co-coordinators Rissa Shepherd and Courtney Miller.
“We are grateful and humbled by the fact that people are seeing Isaiah 117 and recognizing the need for it,” Shepherd said. “They’re stepping up to support us and think we’re doing a great job. I’m really excited about that.”
“I think it’s great that the Chamber has loved on us and brought us in,” Miller added, “and that they’re really seeing this as a community house, which is what we want. Everyone’s coming together and support it. I think it’s awesome.”
Once complete, the local Isaiah 117 House will serve children not only from Putnam County, but also Morgan, Owen, Clay and Parke counties. At this point, land has been donated for the site, and local contractors are ready to move forward with the build.
“God set us on this mission and He continues to provide everything we need through this amazing community of caring people,” Shepherd said. “I feel like we have made very steady progress. It’s been very gratifying. We feel like we’re doing as well as we can, and to be on the cusp of breaking ground is really exciting for us.
“We know that people are just kind of champing at the bit to get in there and get things done, and we are too. We feel like the timing has been great for us.”
Isaiah 117 House has locations in Tennessee, Indiana, Georgia, Florida, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas and Virginia. To learn more about Isaiah 117 House, visit www.isaiah117house.com, email rissa.shepherd@isaiah117house.com or call 423-518-3760 ext. 128.