Planned child welfare house in Butler County raises funds, awareness
Isaiah 117 House received about $30,000 in donations Wednesday evening, Oct. 11, toward purchasing a house the agency is looking to buy to expand its child welfare services into Butler County.
Accurate Solutions Group, a financial consultant based in Renfrew, had a client appreciation event at Michelle Krill Field at Historic Pullman Park, where it matched all donations from clients for the chosen nonprofit.
Abbey Walsh, expansion coordinator for Isaiah 117 House, said in addition to the $15,000 from clients and $15,000 from Accurate Solutions, an artist made paintings at the event that were also sold to raise money.
“He painted multiple paintings (Wednesday) night and they gathered donations,” Walsh said. “We have a house we identified we'd like to purchase and now we need to raise money for it.”
Isaiah 117 is an organization with bases around the country aimed at providing a comforting environment for children to stay in when removed from their homes out of concern for their safety. The agency is in 11 states so far, and Walsh has been raising awareness and money to start an Isaiah House in Butler County.
Walsh said organizers have their eyes on a house in Butler County priced at about $215,000, and have made some progress toward that goal over the past three months.
In addition to raising money, Walsh and volunteers for the agency are preparing for the opening of the agency in the county by getting materials as well as certifications for working with children. The group has a meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. the first Thursday of every month at Community Alliance Church, 800 Mercer Road, where people can learn about the agency, and get involved.
Walsh said there will be another major fundraising event Feb. 8, and she hopes to have the house ready for the spring.
“People can work toward getting certified to work hands-on with the kids, getting materials donated, department connections,” Walsh said. “The goal is to just keep getting the word out.”
