In a matter of just a few weeks, an outpouring of support from the community turned one local woman’s dream into a reality.

On Friday morning, Ronda Paulson, the founder of Isaiah 117 House, signed the paperwork to purchase the home for the ministry.

The idea behind Isaiah 117 House is to provide a safe and supportive environment for children who have been removed from their homes by the Department of Children’s Services and are transitioning into foster care.

Isaiah 117 House held its official kick off on August 1 with a special luncheon. Paulson announced at the event the immediate goal for the non-profit organization was to raise $75,000 in order to purchase a house that will be used to provide the children with somewhere they can sleep, get a meal, or simply take a shower while they wait to be placed with a foster care family.

At the time of the kickoff event, Isaiah 117 House had raised $20,000 toward their initial goal. As of Friday they had raised $107,000, which not only allowed them to purchase the home but to have a start toward funding the needed renovations.

Paulson said the organization must now begin fundraising to collect operating costs to get the program off the ground and running.

“I would like to have our first budget solidified before we open our doors,” she said. “We would like to raise $70,000 for the first year’s budget.”

Paulson said Isaiah 117 House is looking for individuals, churches or civic groups that would like to partner with the organization by pledging a regular contribution.

“We’re really looking for monthly supporters,” she said. “People who will send us $25 a month to help us operate. That’s what’s going to keep our doors open.”

No official date has been set for the program to open because it will depend on when renovations are completed, how quickly funds are raised, and when the organization is able to get volunteers selected and trained.

“We started this process in June of this year so we are hoping for next summer,” Paulson said. “We said all along we wanted to open in a year.”

“At first people said it was not possible, but here we are buying a house,” she added.

Paulson credits God with making Isaiah 117 House possible and blessing the ministry with the support of the community.

Those interested in donating materials or labor for the renovation or in having Ronda come speak at a church or civic group can contact her through the Isaiah 117 House Facebook page or by email to info@isaiah117house.com.

Those wishing to make a donation to support Isaiah 117 House can do so through the organization’s website at www.isaiah117house.com or by mailing a check or money order to Isaiah 117 House, P.O. Box 842, Elizabethton, TN, 37644.

The location of the house, as well as the identity of the sellers, is being kept confidential to protect the safety of the home since it will be used to serve children who have been removed from their homes and are being placed into foster care.