Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Bracken.
Hi Kim , can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I first heard about Isaiah 117 House in 2018, and from that moment, I knew I wanted to be a part of it. I’ve spent over 20 years training foster parents, and over time, my heart has only grown more devoted to serving foster and adoptive children and the families who care for them.
In 2023, I reconnected with Jennifer Milam — someone who had gone through foster parent training with me a decade earlier — and learned she was working to open the first Isaiah 117 House in West Tennessee. That dream became a reality in November 2024, and I began volunteering before the home opened.
The mission of Isaiah 117 House is threefold: to reduce trauma for children entering state custody, lighten the load for caseworkers, and help ease the transition into foster care. Before Isaiah 117, children removed from their homes were often brought to a state office — sitting for hours, sometimes overnight, in a sterile environment filled with cubicles and conference rooms.
Isaiah 117 steps into that gap. In these homes, children are welcomed into a warm, safe space where they can play, take a bath, eat their favorite meal, rest in a real bed, and most importantly, be surrounded by love. All of this happens while caseworkers focus on finding them the best possible placement.
Being part of this mission is an incredible blessing. It doesn’t feel like a job — it feels like being the hands and feet of Jesus. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to serve in this way, and I truly believe this is where I’m meant to be.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
“The transition has been fairly smooth overall. I’m fortunate to have a great supervisor and team who have been incredibly encouraging and supportive, which has made a big difference. That said, after spending over 20 years in my previous role, it was definitely an adjustment — learning new systems, adapting to a different organizational culture, and getting comfortable in a new environment. It took some time to find my rhythm, but I’ve welcomed the challenge, and it’s been a great opportunity for personal and professional growth.”
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
“At the Isaiah 117 House, we have the privilege of helping create a culture of lavish love and radical hospitality. We want to make sure every person who walks through our doors—whether it’s a child entering the foster care system, a caseworker, or a volunteer—feels truly seen, heard, and cared for.
We specialize in building a peaceful, welcoming environment during what is often one of the hardest days of a child’s life. That includes not just meeting physical needs with things like clothing, food, and a cozy bed, but also meeting emotional and relational needs through intentional care and connection.
What I’m most proud of is hearing from both children and caseworkers that they feel a sense of peace in our home—so much so that some don’t want to leave. That tells me we’re truly living out our mission and making a lasting impact, even in a short window of time.”
Contact Info:
- Website: https://isaiah117house.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaiah117housegibsontn?igsh=M2UzNDNsdng0Z2s0
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/isaiah117housegibsontn
