With a mission of providing a comforting home for children going through a transition in living conditions, Isaiah 117's goal of having a house in Putnam County is one step closer to becoming a reality. 

"Things are going great, and are moving forward, as we had hoped. As of now, we have a land donation, which has already been deeded to Isaiah 117 House. We have passed both the zoning and planning commission and, as soon as we have some minor changes to our house plans, we will apply for building permits. Once we have permitting, we will schedule a groundbreaking event and get started on construction," Rissa Shepherd, Putnam County Program Coordinator, told The Putnam County Pos 

Shepherd said her team is "over the moon" knowing they are moving closer to having a home in Putnam County.

"God has blessed us in so many ways. He has sent us every person and resource needed to move forward and we praise Him every day," Shepherd said. 

Isaiah 117 provides a home where children going through foster care or the Department of Child Services can have a safe, friendly and loving environment that features clean clothes, toys, blankets and more. 

The mission of the home is simple, as it aims to reduce trauma for children awaiting placement, lightens the load for child welfare services and eases the transition for foster families. 

"This home will be used to comfort children when they are removed from a dangerous home situation by DCS. The need is great, and we will also be able to have a positive impact on DCS caseworkers by providing an office in the home for them to do their work, while trained volunteers care for the children. For foster families, we will have on hand everything they might need to be able to say yes to fostering. There will be car seats, pack and plays, formula, diapers, etc. This home will also be prepared to serve four of our neighboring counties: Parke, Clay, Owen and Morgan, until such a time as they have their own Isaiah 117 Houses. Our goal is to be a resource to as many people as possible," Shepherd said. Shepherd said the public can be on the lookout for social media posts about the groundbreaking. In addition, for those looking to get involved, the organization holds Community Connection Meetings at the Putnam County Hospital on the third Wednesday of the month at 7 p.m. The meetings are held on the third floor in classrooms 1 and 2 and are open to everyone, Shepherd said.