Since its creation Isaiah 117 House has went above and beyond for foster children throughout the region.

After a solid showing during the initial kickoff for the organization, the public now has a chance once again to show its support for the mission.

Chick-fil-A of Elizabethton recently announced via social media that Isaiah 117 House is one of the five Atlantic Region finalists for the 2019 Chick-fil-A True Inspiration Award. Over the course of September, individuals can vote for the organization by using the Chick-fil-A One app on a mobile device. The top finalist from the region will receive $75,000.

Ronda Paulson, Isaiah 117 House founder, has provided several updated videos on the progress of the organization and was quick to thank the public for the way they jumped into action on the first day of voting — Saturday, Sept. 8.

To participate, a person must download the Chick-fil-A One app and set up an account. Once an account is set up, click the “Rewards” button on the bottom left of the screen. After that, click the “News” button at the top left of the screen and the option will appear to vote for the organization.

The public is encouraged to vote and pass along the information in different ways, including social media. Voting lasts until Sunday, Sept. 30.

“Isaiah 117 House has been there for the children of this community. Now it’s time for us to be there for the Isaiah 117 House. Follow the instructions below to vote then share, tag, repost, tweet, snap, message, tell your friends, family and coworkers! Help us spread the word!,” Chick-fil-A posted on their Facebook page.

According to the Chick-fil-A Foundation website, “organizations recognized by the True Inspiration Awards go above and beyond in the fields of innovative education, emerging leadership development and youth entrepreneurship.”

And that is the case with Isaiah 117 House, a nonprofit organization that works to meet the needs of children going through foster placement. The organization serves as a resource for the Tennessee Department of Children’s Services and serves Carter, Johnson and Unicoi counties.

Paulson said the house is a way for the children to have a safe place to go while awaiting placement.

“We want this to be a home where they feel peace, maybe for the first time, and it doesn’t feel foreign to them but it feels safe and happy,” she told the Elizabethton Star after the grand opening of their house this year. “We really want to start that message that they have done nothing wrong. This is happening to them not because of them because they have done nothing wrong.”

It took $75,000 for the current house and if Isaiah 117 House can win this event, the goal is to use funding to open up a second house to serve Washington and Greene counties. A kickoff luncheon for the second house is set to take place on Thursday, Sept. 20, at noon at Grace Fellowship Church in Johnson City. To learn more, visit the Isaiah 117 House Facebook page