HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – A new Rockingham County nonprofit is raising awareness about its mission to help reduce trauma for children before they enter the foster care system.

Isaiah 117 House has locations around the United States and provides temporary shelter once children are removed from their homes by social services and while they await placement.

Jenny Butcher, the site leader for the upcoming Rockingham County location, said the houses give the children a clean and safe space to stay, but also lighten the workload for both caregivers and caseworkers. She added that the home helps ease the transition for adoptive families.

“Eventually we’ll have a house — a home — that he can go to. We have carers who come and love these children. Then, instead of the case worker having to pull lice out of a child’s hair, process paperwork, and make phone calls to see if someone would take this child, they can go into their own little space where they still have eye contact and are still capable. to see this kid, but make those tough calls,” Butcher said.

Butcher grew up in foster care herself, both in and out of the Rockingham County area. It’s part of what led her to work in Harrisonburg-Rockingham Juvenile and Domestic Relations Court, where she specifically handled foster care cases.

Now, in her new role with Isaiah 117 House, Butcher said she can’t wait to provide comfort to children dealing with emotions and situations just like she did.

“I’m going to be able to be in front of these kids who are coming into this system, who are terrified, who are scared, who are embarrassed by the abuse they’ve endured,” Butcher said. “I can tell them. “I know how you feel.” I was there’. I have not forgotten that day. It was 15 years ago, my removal day, and I can remember it to a ‘T'”.

Right now, Butcher said Isaiah 117 House is in its “awareness” phase and is still looking for land to build the house on. You can learn more about Isaiah 117 by clicking Here.

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