In this special episode of the Fully Armed Podcast, host Chris Hennessee sits down with Ronda Paulson, founder of the nonprofit organization Isaiah 117 House. Their conversation highlights a powerful and moving journey to provide care and comfort to foster children during their most vulnerable moments. What began as a personal call to action for Ronda has grown into a nationwide movement, now helping children in crisis feel loved and supported on one of the hardest days of their lives.

The Story Behind Isaiah 117 House

Chris first learned about Isaiah 117 House after doing a benefit show for the organization. Moved by the mission and Ronda’s story, he invited her onto the podcast to share the full picture of her work and the incredible impact it’s had. Ronda, born and raised near Bristol, Tennessee, recalls her "ordinary" life before Isaiah 117 House, teaching anatomy and coaching cheerleading. Her path shifted in 2014 when she began feeling a call to surrender to a bigger purpose. In 2017, she made the decision to dedicate herself to creating Isaiah 117 House—a safe, welcoming place for children on their first day in foster care.

Ronda shares the heartbreaking reality that children entering the foster system are often taken to offices or even police stations due to a lack of alternatives. Her vision for Isaiah 117 House was to change that experience by providing a comfortable, loving environment where children can feel cared for, not criminalized.

A Mission Born from Compassion and a Call to Action

During foster parent training, Ronda was struck by the stories of children waiting in sterile offices with no belongings, confused and scared. In one powerful moment, she describes how a little girl had slept on the floor of a Department of Children’s Services (DCS) office. The image haunted her, and she recalls asking God, “What are you going to do about it?” The response she felt was, “What are you going to do about it?” This realization fueled her mission to start Isaiah 117 House, beginning with a single house and a small community of supporters.

Since then, Isaiah 117 House has expanded across multiple states. Chris and Ronda discuss the overwhelming community support and divine timing that allowed the first house to be fully funded and furnished in less than a year. Today, Isaiah 117 House offers a place where children are greeted by volunteers, provided with essentials, and given a moment of dignity amid a traumatic experience. As Ronda says, “We’re changing the trajectory of foster care for these children.”

A Safe Space for Kids in Crisis

The goal of Isaiah 117 House is to offer children a comforting, homelike environment as they transition into foster care. Instead of sitting in a cold office or police station, they are met with warmth, compassion, and essentials. Each home is fully stocked with clothes, hygiene products, toys, and more. Volunteers work to make the children feel valued, often baking cookies or greeting them with their names to create a sense of familiarity and love.

The podcast episode also touches on the role of volunteers, who undergo training and background checks to become part of this support system. In just a few short years, Isaiah 117 House has expanded to include 28 homes across 12 states, with thousands of trained volunteers ready to provide a safe and loving environment for foster children in need.

Joining the Mission

This episode is a testament to the impact one person’s faith and determination can have on countless lives. Tune in to hear more about the incredible journey of Isaiah 117 House and how it continues to make a difference, one child at a time.