MCLENNAN COUNTY, Texas — Isaiah 117 House needs your help to make sure children who are entering the foster care system are receiving the love, care and support they deserve on what is most likely their worse day.
The organization, which started in Tennessee, has a location that will soon be open in McLennan County. The community supported organization strives to provide physical and emotional support for children awaiting placement in the foster care system.
"Isaiah 117 House was started specifically for removal day," said Jennifer Villalpando, a program coordinator for Isaiah 117 House of McLennan County. "Those first 72 hours or so following when a child is removed from their home, we want to basically offer a home environment where everything they need is there for them. Instead of waiting in an office setting, that is probably not set up for children to be long term for more than a few hours, they have a whole home."
The house is being built at an undisclosed location. When it is completed, It will contain living space, kitchen, bathroom, and even a play area outside. The goal is to make the kids feel as home and let them be themselves.
Villalpando told 6 News they are hoping to have it fully operational in the late fall, but need donations to get the House fully up and running.
The Isaiah 117 House is asking for donations of things like clothing, bedding, cooking supplies and more, as well as monetary donations. To donate, or for more information about the Isaiah 117 House, visit the organization's page here.
Donations will also be accepted in person at the Greater Hewitt Chamber's Battle of the Burgers, which will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Warren Park on Saturday, June 10.
Donations received will also help stock the Isaiah 117 House's "Giving Room."
"A child is able to go up and pick out two to three pairs of pajamas, three to four pairs of clothing, shoes in their size, a comfort items, so maybe a stuffed animal and a blanket and a pillow and just anything that they need to get through those first few days of their placement," Villalpando said. "We want to be ready for that, we want to have the things that can be specific for each child and that community support through donations is very important to us."
Villalpando said they are anticipating to help at least 10 kids in McLennan County a week. They will also be able to provide help and services to children in neighboring counties.
"The children that will come through our home will be children who have been removed by CPS, just for reasons of concern, for possibly situations of abuse, neglect, sometimes it's even the loss of a caregiver," she explained. "Whatever situation they're coming from, they'll be welcomed into our home and loved and cared for. It could be a child that is coming straight from the hospital, so a newborn, all the way up to a teenager that is 17 years old and still within CPS custody."
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