Local Nonprofit Provides Safe Haven for 575 Children Awaiting Foster Care Placement
Smyrna Rotary Club Hears Inspiring Update from Isaiah 117 House Director
By Mike Sparks, Tennessee Ledger
SMYRNA, Tenn. — Last Thursday, members of the Smyrna Rotary Club received a powerful reminder of the critical work being done right in our own backyard to help Rutherford County’s most vulnerable children.
Sean Hart Smyrna Rotary Club President-Elect with Southern Bank of Tennessee and Beth Bryant, Director of Isaiah House 117
Beth Bryant, director of Isaiah 117 House, delivered a moving presentation about the nonprofit organization that provides emergency housing for children in crisis—those waiting to be placed in foster care during what is often the most traumatic moment of their young lives.
I believe in this organization so much that we donate radio commercials on Conversations with Mike Sparks heard every Sunday evening 5-6pm on WGNS 100.5fm, 101.9fm or online WGNSradio.com
A Year of Impact
The numbers tell a story of both heartbreak and hope. In 2025, Isaiah 117 House in Rutherford County served 422 guests and assisted 153 children entering the foster care system. Since opening its red doors on April 23, 2023, the organization has provided a safe, loving environment for nearly 600 children during their most difficult hours.
“We are already preparing for 2026 and for all the children we will serve,” Bryant told Rotarians and supporters. The organization emphasized that year-end giving offers a meaningful way to support their mission of providing love and dignity to children entering foster care.
Bridging the Gap During Crisis
Isaiah 117 House fills a critical gap in the child welfare system. When children are removed from their homes due to abuse, neglect, or family crisis, they often face a frightening wait—sometimes in government offices or police stations—before a foster placement can be secured.
Instead of spending these traumatic hours in sterile, institutional settings, Isaiah 117 House provides a warm, home-like environment where children can play, rest, eat a meal, and receive comfort from trained staff who understand their fear and confusion.
The name comes from Isaiah 1:17: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless.”
How the Community Can Help
Beyond financial donations, Isaiah 117 House offers multiple ways for Rutherford County residents to get involved:
Volunteer Opportunities – The organization provides training for community members who want to serve children during their time of need. Volunteers help create a peaceful, loving atmosphere that can make all the difference during a child’s crisis.
Service Projects – Groups and individuals can participate in various service opportunities that support the house’s operations and mission.
In-Kind Donations – The house welcomes donations of essential items that help create a comfortable environment for children of all ages.
Those interested in learning more about service opportunities, volunteer training, and upcoming events can fill out a form on the Isaiah 117 House website.
A Growing Movement
While Rutherford County’s Isaiah 117 House has been serving children since April 2023, it’s part of a larger movement across Tennessee and the United States. Several other Isaiah 117 houses operate throughout the Midstate region and across the country, each providing the same critical service in their communities.
The organization’s website offers a directory to help supporters find their local Isaiah 117 house.
The Need Continues
Bryant’s presentation to the Smyrna Rotary Club served as a sobering reminder that child welfare crises don’t stop. As the organization prepares for 2026, they anticipate serving hundreds more children who will need a safe place during the most frightening transition of their lives.
For many Rotarians in attendance, the message was clear: this isn’t someone else’s problem happening somewhere else. It’s happening right here in Rutherford County, and there are concrete ways to help.
Supporting Isaiah 117 House
Those who wish to support Isaiah 117 House in Rutherford County can:
∙ Make a financial donation through the organization’s website
∙ Complete a volunteer application to serve children directly
∙ Spread awareness about the organization’s mission
∙ Organize donation drives for needed supplies
∙ Pray for the children served and the staff who serve them
As Bryant emphasized to the Rotary Club, every contribution—whether time, resources, or financial support—helps ensure that when a child in crisis needs a safe place to wait, Isaiah 117 House can open its red doors with love, dignity, and hope.
