Nonprofit Seeks to Expand Transition Homes for Foster Children in Southwest Virginia

Isaiah117 House looks to open new facilities in Scott, Lee, Wise Counties and Norton

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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A non-profit organization called Isaiah117 House, which operates transition homes for foster children in 13 states, is looking to expand its services into Southwest Virginia. The group has asked the Scott County Board of Supervisors to consider serving as a fiscal agent for the expansion, which would include opening new facilities in Scott, Lee, and Wise counties, as well as the city of Norton. The transition homes provide a more comfortable setting for children removed from their homes by social services, offering amenities like clothing, toys, and visitation areas for parents.

Why it matters

The expansion of Isaiah117 House into Southwest Virginia would provide much-needed support for the approximately 250 children currently in foster care across the region. The transition homes aim to make the difficult experience of being removed from one's home a bit easier, while also assisting social workers and foster families with resources like car seats, cribs, and school supplies.

The details

Brandy Martin, the Southwest Virginia expansion coordinator for Isaiah117 House, presented the proposal to the Scott County Board of Supervisors. The nonprofit currently operates 62 transition homes across 13 states, including four in upper East Tennessee. The homes provide a more comfortable setting for children removed from their homes, allowing them to clean up, receive clothing and toys, and stay for up to 72 hours until they can be placed with foster families. The homes also contain work areas for social workers and visitation spaces for parents. Isaiah117 House is in an expansion phase for Southwest Virginia, with new houses under construction in Smyth, Washington, and Russell counties.

  • Isaiah117 House currently operates 62 transition homes across 13 states.
  • The organization is looking to expand into Scott, Lee, Wise counties and the city of Norton in Southwest Virginia.
  • A proposed facility in the LENWISCO area would be the organization's 63rd location.

The players

Isaiah117 House

A 501c(3) non-profit organization that operates transition homes for foster children in 13 states, including four in upper East Tennessee.

Brandy Martin

The Southwest Virginia expansion coordinator for Isaiah117 House.

Scott County Board of Supervisors

The local government body that Isaiah117 House has asked to consider serving as a fiscal agent for the organization's expansion into the region.

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What they’re saying

“The houses act as a more comfortable setting for children removed from their homes by local social services departments, instead of a social services office, children are brought to the houses where they can clean up, receive clothing and toys and stay for up to 72 hours until they can be placed with foster families.”

— Brandy Martin, Southwest Virginia expansion coordinator (timesnews.net)

“A Scott County facility also would be close to dedicated pediatric facilities where needed in foster care cases.”

— Michael Brickey, District 4 Supervisor (timesnews.net)

What’s next

The Scott County Board of Supervisors will consider whether to serve as the fiscal agent for the Isaiah117 House expansion into the region. The organization is also looking for a suitable house or donation of land to establish a new facility.

The takeaway

The expansion of Isaiah117 House's transition homes for foster children into Southwest Virginia would provide critical support and resources for the approximately 250 children currently in foster care across Scott, Lee, Wise counties and Norton. By creating a more comfortable setting for these vulnerable youth, the nonprofit aims to ease their difficult experience and assist social workers and foster families.