Host Jeremy C. Park talks with Jessica Biggs, Davidson County Program Coordinator, who shares the story of how Isaiah 117 House began and expanded to Davidson County and highlights the nonprofit organization’s mission and efforts to reduce trauma for kids on removal day, lighten the load of the caseworker, and ease the transition for the foster family.
When children are removed from their homes out of concern for their safety, they are usually brought to a child welfare services office to await placement. This wait can be a few hours to several days. These children often have nothing with them and are scared, lonely, hungry, and in dirty clothing.
Isaiah 117 provides a comforting home where these children instead can be brought to wait – a place that is safe with friendly and loving volunteers who provide clean clothes, smiles, toys, and snuggly blankets. This space allows children to receive the comfort and care they need while child welfare staff can do the necessary paperwork and identify a good placement.
The mission of Isaiah 117 House is threefold:
- reduce trauma for children awaiting placement
- lighten the load for child welfare services
- ease the transition for foster families
During the interview, Jessica provides an update on the home renovations and plans for the future, talks about the importance of focusing on the youth and providing them with a home, how and why she got involved with the organization, and how the community can support their efforts.
Visit www.isaiah117house.com to learn more.
