Today we’d like to introduce you to Meagan Haasbroek. Them and their team share their story with us below:
What if there was a home?
For over a year, Meagan Haasbroek and Lauren Schaefer have been focused on bringing Isaiah 117 House to Texas, specifically to Grand Prairie. For those unfamiliar: Isaiah 117 House exists to reduce trauma for children, lighten the load for DCS/CPS/DFPS staff, and ease the transition for future foster placement.
When a child is removed from their home, it is the responsibility of the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) to find that child a foster home. What many people don’t know, however, is that there is often a lag time between the child’s removal and the eventual placement into a foster home. This lag time can be a couple of hours or a couple of days, typically spent in the DFPS offices. No bath. No bed. Nothing but a foreign environment with none of the comforts of home.
But what if there was a home?
Isaiah 117’s mission is to change this process. To give already scared and anxious children a place they can feel safe and loved. Isaiah 117 provides a comforting home – not an office building – where these children can be brought for a bath, some rest, a good meal, or anything else they may need while they wait. A place full of friendly and loving volunteers who provide clean clothes, smiles, toys, and snuggly blankets.
While the children receive the comfort and care they need, Isaiah 117 House equips the DFPS agents with the tools they need to complete their responsibilities. Every Isaiah 117 home has a dedicated office space designed to give the DFPS agents an opportunity to work on behalf of the children. It gives them the chance to fill out all the necessary paperwork and work to identify a good foster placement without also having tend to the children at the same time. All DFPS offices within Isaiah 117 Houses include windows into the main living areas so they can always have eyes on the child(ren). We understand the weight and the pressures the employees of the DFPS are under every single day, so we strive to take the time to lavishly love on them as well! We are their ally. We are the children’s ally. Our mission is to be there to assist and love them through an incredibly difficult transition.
Additionally, we are allies with the future foster parents. We want to ease their transition as well. We do that by offering them everything they would need – formula, car seats, school supplies, etc. – so all they have to do is say “Yes!”. Instead of having to frantically run to the store for various supplies, they can spend the first several days bonding with and loving on the child(ren).
The Dallas County Isaiah 117 House is currently in the process of being built thanks to our community who have stepped up and are determined to change the way foster care begins. This is a ministry that has consumed our hearts and has become something we are so passionate about. All children deserve the love and safety of a home. Our goal is to provide that to them. But we cannot do it alone! They often say it takes a village, and Isaiah 117 House is no different. This ministry will take all of us and we need your support!
If you’d like to get involved or learn more about Isaiah 117 Dallas County, please visit www.isaiah117house.com. Also, be sure to follow us on Facebook or Instagram for the most up-to-date information
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Isaiah 117 House does not receive any state or government funding. We are able to lavishly love on our Red Door Guests only because of our community who make that possible. Our home will need everything that your home needs, and then some! We are in need of gift cards, household items, and new toys, clothes, shoes, bags, etc. for children up to 18 years old.
We are also in need of volunteers. This ministry is not possible without volunteers, literally. We will need volunteers who can provide childcare, mow the lawn, organize the storage, do laundry, clean the home, and so much more. If you are interested in volunteering, please let us know and we will get in contact with you!
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out.
If you feel led to do something, take that step of faith! It’s a roller coaster ride, but it’s worth it!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.isaiah117house.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaiah117housedallascotx/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isaiah117housedallascotx/
- Other: https://linktr.ee/Isaiah117houseDallasCoTX
Image Credits
DayDream Photography
