Maggie Tanner answers call to help foster children
Isaiah 117 House, a nonprofit in Hamilton County, Tennessee, offers a haven for foster children facing trauma or challenging circumstances. Maggie Tanner, Synovus senior vice president of private wealth, helped raise money for the organization founded by Ronda Paulson in 2017. Tanner has supported the Isaiah 117 House in building healthier, more stable lives for children.
The mother of two says, “To provide a fresh start, in addition to monetary donations, our Synovus team and local advisory board collected toiletries, clothes and other resources to comfort the children.”
Isaiah 117 House has 53 locations across 12 states, and a new location opening soon in Knoxville, Tennessee. When the Department of Children’s Services removes children from their homes, the Isaiah 117 House team steps in to meet their immediate needs and provide emotional support before they’re placed in foster homes. The average time spent at Isaiah 117 House is one week.
“The fact that the children are anxiously awaiting placement at DCS offices is just heartbreaking,” Tanner explains. “This organization was founded because Ronda experienced this situation personally as a foster parent and became aware of the great need.”
“I want to make sure foster kids thrive in the future, and the mission of Isaiah 117 House continues to grow to other cities that need it. Every city and child in need should have access to this.”
John Hunter, location leader at Isaiah 117 House (Hamilton County, Tennessee), knows how important the House is for the health and well-being of children. “It’s such an honor to have a front-row seat to see how each child’s needs are met, and through our relationship with Maggie, she’s broadened awareness on all the good work we’ve done,” he says. Previously an Isaiah 117 House volunteer, Hunter was hired by the nonprofit more than a year ago.
“We love creating happy moments and memories that bring joy to the lives of the children,” Hunter shares. Isaiah 117 House team members surprised a teenage girl with a birthday party complete with a tiara. To the team’s surprise, the girl’s mom used to buy her a tiara every year on her special day. According to Hunter, the gift made all the difference in her celebration.
Tanner believes all children entering Isaiah 117 House deserve a clean, safe, peaceful and hopefully less traumatic environment. “We help them transition smoothly,” she says. Tanner introduced the collaboration between the bank and Isaiah 117 House to raise more awareness, supplies and funding.
“I want to make sure foster kids thrive in the future, and the mission of Isaiah 117 House continues to grow to other cities that need it,” Tanner says. “Every city and child in need should have access to this.”
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