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Isaiah 117 Houses in the Lakeway Area are experiencing progression toward fully being able to serve foster children in Cocke, Jefferson, Hamblen and Hawkins/Hancock counties.

Cocke County’s house is now open with Jefferson County’s home having a March 5 ribbon cutting. The Cocke County house opened Nov. 29.

Hamblen

The Hamblen County Isaiah 117 House is nearing completion.

“The electricity is on,” Hamblen County Expansion Coordinator Jessica Lyle said. “Countertops, sinks, faucets, and toilets have all been installed. The playground and picnic pavilion is finished. Closet shelving and giving room shelving has been installed.”

Lyle said that Granite of the Smokies donated and installed the countertops and sinks in the kitchens. A Place for Everything Closets also donated and installed shelving throughout the house.

“Progress on the Hamblen County house is really coming along and we expect to open our doors in late spring/early summer,” Lyle said. “The house is beautiful and the community support has been amazing. We can’t wait to start serving kids in our home this year.”

The Isaiah 117 House is also the Eagle Scout project of Aaron Corbin.

Hawkins/Hancock

According to Expansion Coordinator Alison Osborne, land in the Church Hill area has been secured for construction of the new Isaiah 117 House to serve both Hancock and Hawkins counties.

“We have officially closed on a piece of land that is going to be perfect for us,” Osborne said.

While Osborne does not want to release the location of the land, the expansion group is now seeking to secure donations of construction and money to make the new house a reality.

On Sunday, Feb. 26, at 3 p.m., the nonprofit will host a public groundbreaking. The event will officially begin the construction phase for the Isaiah 117 House in Hawkins County and will feature several local speakers as well as Isaiah 117 House officials.

All who have supported or are interested in partnering with Isaiah 117 House Hawkins/Hancock County are welcome to attend. For more information and location, contact Osborne at 423-518-3760 ext. 205 or hawkinstn@isaiah117house.com.

“We are so grateful to this community for coming alongside to bring us one step closer to making this dream a reality for Hawkins and Hancock County,” said Ronda Paulson, founder, and executive director of Isaiah 117 House. “We encourage everyone – whether you have been in prayer for this project, plan to help out, or have given financially – to be a part of this milestone in the journey of Isaiah 117 House Hawkins/Hancock County.”

Upcoming events

A Ladies Night Out event to raise funds for Isaiah 117 Hamblen County house will be held at Arrowhead Church on March 17 at 6:30 p.m.

There will be a dinner and a silent auction will also be held. Host for the evening is Ronda Paulson, founder and executive director of Isaiah 117 House. Life Coach, author and speaker Dr. Edie Wadsworth is the guest speaker. There will also be a concert with country music artist and “The Voice” alum Emily Ann Roberts.

A silent auction with gifts from East Tennessee Diamond and local vendors will also be held. Hors d’overves will be available.

Tickets for this night of fun and fellowship, encouragement, and inspiration are on sale now for $50 a person.

All proceeds will benefit the Hamblen County Isaiah 117 House. Tickets may be purchased online.