10/28/2026
A story from an Open Home -
When our teenage guest arrived at Isaiah 117 House, volunteers warmly greeted her, and she headed straight to the dining room table. Overwhelmed with emotions of anger, confusion, hurt, and sadness, she struggled to understand why she had to leave her home and come to our house, or even who the people greeting her were. When she asked about the volunteers and what they were doing, she asked, "You don't get paid for this?"
The volunteers explained that they simply enjoyed giving their time and spending it with children who come to our house. As our teen guest began to open up to our volunteers, she asked more questions about them. When she learned that about 40 volunteers come into our house to serve, she was astonished. "You found that many nice people who do this? I have never met that many nice people”, she exclaimed. She then started to share her career aspirations and interests with the volunteers.
Our amazing, sweet volunteers helped our guest experience the kindness, love, and compassion she needed in that moment. She felt the joy of being herself and a sense of pride as she talked about her future goals.
This heartwarming exchange took place in our home, at the dining room table where many of our guests and caseworkers gather to connect with our amazing volunteers and create meaningful moments.
