Inspiring Conversations with AlLee Dauenhauer of Isaiah 117 House

Today we’d like to introduce you to AlLee Dauenhauer.

Hi AlLee, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I serve as the co-program coordinator for Isaiah 117 House Rutherford County.

I am a wife to Jared and a mother of 3 blessings- Ava, Elijah, and Briggs. Ava and Elijah were adopted through the foster care system. My husband and I were foster parents for 5 years, and after learning about and experiencing removal day for a foster child, I am eager to change the way foster care begins for children in our community.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
We kicked off Isaiah 117 House Rutherford County in the summer of 2019 and right after we had our fundraising luncheon in December 2019, the world shut down. We found that the community was still able to get involved and help in creative ways- even during a pandemic. God was faithful to provide for us and give us what we needed to serve foster children, DCS staff, and foster families.

When things became “back to normal,” we shared our story with anyone and any group we could, continued to gain financial and physical support, and we purchased land, and started building our home. We will be cutting a ribbon in spring 2023. It has been amazing to see Rutherford County get behind our mission of providing physical and emotional support in a safe and loving home for children awaiting foster care placement.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
When children are removed from their homes out of concern for their safety, they are usually brought to a child welfare services office to await placement with a foster family. This wait can be a few hours to several days. These children often have nothing with them and are scared, lonely, hungry, and in dirty clothing.

Isaiah 117 provides a comforting home where these children instead can be brought to wait – a place that is safe with friendly and loving volunteers who provide clean clothes, smiles, toys, and snuggly blankets. This space allows children to receive the comfort and care they need while child welfare staff can do the necessary paperwork and identify a good foster placement.

The mission of Isaiah 117 House is threefold: reduce trauma for children entering the foster system, lighten the load for child welfare services, and ease the transition for foster families.

To learn more, visit: https://isaiah117house.com/

We’d love to hear about any fond memories you have from when you were growing up.
It’s hard to choose just one favorite childhood memory. I am thankful for all the ways my mom and dad created a home filled with joy, love, and sweet traditions.

I remember my mom reading my Bible devotional with me every night. I remember my dad helping me with math homework. I remember the Christmas traditions of going to the Christmas Eve Candlelight Service and seeing the dark sanctuary filled up with candlelight. Big moments and everyday moments weave together wonderful memories.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://isaiah117house.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaiah117houserutherfordco/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Isaiah117RutherfordCounty/
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/Isaiah117House
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/Isaiah117House/videos