The History of Isaiah’s Place

Isaiah's Place Open House – July 8, 2006

A vision come true, a building restored, and a hope renewed all came together at the Isaiah's Place Open House on Saturday, July 8. From a tired, derelict building of only four walls now springs a new home for the Isaiah Foundation and Child's Play Foundation. This project would not have come to completion without the hours of donated labor and materials by so many individuals and organizations.

Now that Isaiah's Place is fully operational, there are still items in need to continue providing respite care and intervention services for families of children of special needs, therapeutic intervention for children and families, and intervention for children who have experienced abuse and neglect. If you are looking for ways to support the Isaiah Foundation, the Isaiah's Place Wish List might supply you with some useful suggestions.

Isaiah's Place Wish List

One Time Need :

Power Point Projector
Art patron for playroom mural ($600)
Loft for playroom
Outside stairway
2 white crepe myrtle trees
7 beauty berry
3 thryalis
2 plumbago
18 feet of split rail fence
Mulch (16-20 cubic yards)
Carpet for upstairs (304 square feet)
Patio stones or deck for back yard
Flat screen computer monitor
Wrought iron window treatment
Rain gutters
Outstanding building balance ($1700)

On Going Needs :

Paper towels
Toilet paper
Pretzel sticks
Bathroom size drink cups
Polariod film
Microwave popcorn

View Isaiah's Place Dedication - February 7, 2006 

History

In May of 2000 Isaiah’s Place opened in a small rented building in Inglis, Florida. This building provided a Play Therapy Room, a counseling office, and a natural private environment where families could move about and work out their problems in playful ways. The location was surrounded by woods, away from highway traffic and often an hour’s drive from home. Families began to develop trust in a place that was just for them, just for a time.

Isaiah’s Place has evolved from a building to a way of meeting families in need. Whether it is non-directive child centered therapy with individual children, family counseling, outdoor activities, or teaching parents to do play therapy, Isaiah's Place is exceptional care for exceptional families.

In April 2004, the rented property housing Isaiah's Place was sold to a real estate developer and the Isaiah Foundation decided to finish their lease and move out by July 1. Both the Isaiah Foundation and Child’s Play Foundation looked for new property to occupy, keeping in mind three important elements: location, cost and milieu.* The “old post office” in Yankeetown met these requirements, but it is not inhabitable at this time. Since July much preliminary work has been done to see if the project to renovate is feasible. With some donated time, materials, and labor, it can become a fine place for families for at least 10 years.

Today, as of October 2004, Isaiah’s Place still exists in the hearts and minds of families who have experienced hope and comfort there. Until the new building becomes ready to be occupied, Play Therapy continues in special circumstances with the generosity of many caring individuals whenever possible.

* Milieu is a therapeutic term used in psychiatric circles to describe an environment that is conducive to achieving wellness with populations that suffer from anxiety, fear and violence.

A Vision for Isaiah's Place

Ever had a vision? This one has to do with bricks and mortar, paint and plumbing. It also has to do with darkness and light, the fellowship of suffering, and the gift of encouragement. In the spring of 2004, it seemed our vision would continue to carry on another four years, and beyond, at Isaiah’s Place - a place where families could find counsel in difficult times and as a facility for the Isaiah Foundation's records and training. In May we were informed that the property in Inglis, Florida (550 Hwy 40 West) was sold to a land developer. The Board of Directors of the Isaiah Foundation voted to vacate the premises in June.

The local newspaper wrote an article about our homeless plight and as we investigated the response from the public, we found that the offers involved more money and space than we could afford. But, a plan started to come together as we explored the possibility of leasing and renovating the old Yankeetown Post Office. Owners, Sara and Kelly Runnels had wanted to renovate the building, but starting a new business and raising their toddler was their first priority. Both were pleased to offer us a permanent home with a long-term lease.

The first order of business was to demolish the 8-inch cement block interior walls to prepare for new rooms. On August 7, on a particularly humid Saturday morning, over 20 people came with sledge hammers and safety glasses to tear down walls. The job was completed in 2-1/2 hours. We even had lunch provided by a local church! It was such an encouragement to see so many willing souls come together with a vision for what can be.

On the heels of an inspiring beginning came Hurricane Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne, devastating much of Florida, including the southwestern and central sections. Obviously building materials, trusses, roofing, plumbing, windows, electric, and interior walls are now all part of a plan that has yet to be decided. Many of these things are sorely needed to provide homes for those who are now homeless from the disastrous hurricanes.

In the meantime, the Isaiah Foundation will continue to provide training and respite care for families in their homes. Correspondence will continue from a spare room. Play Therapy is continuing in various places provided this summer by Promise Village in Crystal River, and now by the Methodist church in Homosassa. Our families who are currently receiving services in counseling are very grateful for these kindnesses, but continue to ask, “how is the new place coming?”. New referrals continue to request counseling and these needs are being met on an individual basis. These are difficult times for everyone. As the agricultural and tourism industries in Florida continue to have a downturn due to the devastating hurricanes, more people need to have help with domestic violence and child abuse.

The Isaiah Foundation will not divert donations away from direct services to our clients to renovate a building. The Board of Directors has also determined to not go into debt to pay for renovations. If you are led to help this building renovation specifically, please designate that desire and send to The Isaiah Foundation, Inc., PO BOX 430, Yankeetown, Fl 34498 . Any donated supplies of plywood (not particle board) and 2x4’s will be much appreciated. Call 352/447-2163 for more information. Your donations are tax deductible.