For a child entering foster care, everything changes in an instant. According to the Associated Press (AP), when traditional placements are unavailable — such as licensed foster homes, kinship care with relatives, or residential group homes — children in the foster care system can be housed in alternative settings. These include hotels, government child-welfare office buildings, or other facilities. This reality highlights the importance of foster care support, compassion, and community support necessary at the beginning of a child’s journey.
Isaiah 117 House is a nonprofit that provides safe and loving temporary homes to children awaiting foster placement. With almost 40 homes across the country, it planned to expand its reach to Delaware County, Indiana, as a Delaware County Indiana nonprofit serving children in crisis.
When the request for donations made its way to the City Electric Supply (CES) Muncie branch, Branch Manager Dave Losier immediately knew he wanted to be involved. Having lost a young grandson four years ago, kids hold a significant place in his heart. He learned about his community’s foster care process and saw the need for resources.
“In Delaware County, there have been kids who have slept and showered in a tiny conference room with no windows until they had a place to go,” Losier said. “We have to take care of kids, no matter if they’re ours or not.”
That belief became the foundation for a community-wide effort to help give children a more supportive beginning to a difficult time.
How it started
The project first reached CES through Brandon Reid, co-owner of Reids Electrical Service in Yorktown, Indiana. Reid learned about Isaiah 117 House through his church and attended an early project meeting.
Seeing the need for wiring and other electrical work in the home, he committed to providing volunteer electrical labor at no cost. With an established relationship with CES Muncie, Reid approached Losier to ask if the branch would consider helping. Losier didn’t hesitate.
“I told him, ‘We’ll handle the electrical materials. Let’s make a difference,’” Losier said.
From there, the CES Muncie team began making calls, and partners across the industry responded through nonprofit partnership efforts focused on community donations.
Vendor partners step up
Nearly all electrical materials for the home were donated through the combined efforts of CES Muncie and several trusted vendors, including Siemens, CME Wire and Cable, TAMCO, and other local distributors. This electrical materials donation played a critical role in keeping the project moving forward.
“We’ve been supported by some of the best vendors in the business,” Losier said.
He continued, “It takes courage for a contractor to donate their labor, and it takes courage for our vendors to step up, too. CES brings a network of people together that helps make these opportunities possible through community donations.”
Even when the project faced a sudden setback, the support never wavered.
A day of hope, followed by unexpected tragedy
Before all drywall was installed, the community came together for an event held by Isaiah 117 House called “Holy Graffiti.” Volunteers, partners, and supporters walked through the unfinished home writing Bible verses, prayers, and uplifting messages on the wooden studs — a reminder of how community involvement can positively impact children entering foster care.
“The entire house is filled with encouragement,” Losier said. “Those words will live inside the walls forever, even if the kids never see them.”
That same night, the house was broken into and vandalized. Additionally, copper wiring and other materials were cut out and stolen from the home.
“It broke my heart,” said Kimberlie Hall, support coordinator at Isaiah 117 House. “But we just said to ourselves, ‘This happened, we’re going to be positive, and we’re going to move on.’ Our volunteers stepped up and we overcame it.”
Reid remembers Losier’s response clearly.
“Even after that sad incident, Dave just said, ‘Whatever you need to get this done, just let me know,’” Reid said.
Without skipping a beat, CES Muncie replaced all damaged and stolen electrical material, allowing work to continue without delay.
Better beginnings for foster care
The project is part of a movement that began with founder Ronda Paulson in Tennessee. The first Isaiah 117 House opened in 2015, and demand skyrocketed after being featured on Mike Rowe’s “Returning the Favor” in 2020. Today, 38 homes are open with 30 more underway, each built through community donations and nonprofit partnerships.
Every Isaiah 117 House home is constructed entirely through community donations of funds, materials, and labor. In Delaware County, land was donated, funding was raised, and local leaders stepped in to help build the home.
“It has been amazing to watch people come together and serve these kids,” said Mary Vannatta, location leader. “Contractors, plumbers, electricians, churches, and companies provided what they could. It’s been miraculous.”
Hall agrees and says she feels excited for the future.
“Ultimately, our goal is to reduce the trauma of that awful day,” Hall said. “These children did nothing wrong; having the community come together brings us one step closer to helping children feel safe and cared for.”
Relationships built on integrity
Reid says his trust with CES Muncie has only strengthened over the course of the project, highlighting the value of long-term nonprofit partnership and City Electric Supply community involvement.
“Dave and CES have been awesome to us,” Reid said. “I think we will still be having these conversations 10 to 15 years from now, and that’s a good thing.”
He credits his father for inspiring the values that led him to volunteer in the first place.
“My dad’s modeling of selflessness is what empowered me to get on board with this project,” Reid said. “We always make accommodations for people who truly cannot pay.”
Losier feels the same about why CES chose to help.
“I love the work I get to do at City Electric Supply. If I can make a little difference in someone’s life, I will,” said Losier.
Built by the community, for the community
The Delaware County Isaiah 117 House is now close to completion with final utility work and volunteer training underway.
For CES Muncie, getting involved mattered — not for recognition, but to be part of something bigger and help kids in need.
As Losier put it, “I think a house is completely different than a home. When you have caring people trying to better your life, that’s the difference.”
In Delaware County, that difference is now built, wired, and will soon welcome children entering foster care who need it most.