04/22/2026
Last night, something truly special happened at Mercer County Senior High School. 💛
Our ladies had the incredible opportunity to attend *The Wizard of Oz*, and this year’s production carried an even deeper meaning. The role of the Scarecrow was played by Brayden Branam, the son of former Isaiah House client Amy Branam. Amy’s journey is one of transformation and hope, and her connection to Isaiah House continues today through her heart for giving back. Seeing her son shine on stage, pouring his heart into a performance that means so much to him, was powerful beyond words.
This was Brayden’s senior year, his final production at MCSHS, and you could feel the weight and beauty of that moment. For years, he has made it a priority to put on a private performance for the women of Isaiah House, and he shared that this audience is the most meaningful to him. Watching him take the stage one last time, knowing what this tradition represents, was deeply moving.
Adding to the experience, Dorothy was beautifully portrayed by Kali Sepko, daughter of our very own Compliance Director, Whittney Bland. A few nights before the show, Brayden, Kali, and Toto visited Isaiah House and invited our ladies to reflect on what “home” means to them. Their words were written on yellow “bricks” and displayed at the performance, alongside a “yellow brick road” filled with messages of encouragement, hope, and healing.
Another inspiring element of the evening was the presence of 4 Paws for Ability. Through Brayden’s service project, these incredible service dogs and their handlers reminded us of the many different paths to healing, and the companionship that can make all the difference along the way.
The themes of *The Wizard of Oz*, courage, heart, home, and the journey, mirror so beautifully the road our women are walking every day. Recovery is not easy, but like Dorothy’s journey, it is filled with moments of connection, growth, and the realization that hope has been within reach all along.
We are so grateful to be part of a community that shows up with love, creativity, and purpose. Thank you to everyone who made this night unforgettable.
If you or someone you love is seeking a path to healing, we’re here to help.
📞 (859) 375-9200
🌐 https://isaiah-house.org/