The first of two grand opening ceremonies was held Friday for the new, $5 million Kiwanis Family House. The new facility, which is three times as large as the original family house, is designed to provide up to 32 families at any given time with temporary housing while loved ones are patients at UC Davis Medical Center.
The 19,000 square-foot building includes kitchen facilities, common rooms, outdoor areas and hook-ups for recreational vehicles.
The Kiwanis Family House has been a partnership effort with UC Davis Medical Center for nearly 20 years. Since the original house opened on 48th Street, it has provided a home away from home for more than 12,000 families from 34 states and 9 other countries. With only 13 rooms, however, it usually operated at full capacity.
The Kiwanis Family House is dedicated to providing support to families of seriously ill or injured children and other patients being treated at the UC Davis Medical Center. Guests have immediate access to their child’s bedside, free shuttle service to the hospital, and a staff of caring volunteers available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
A second grand opening ceremony is scheduled for Saturday, starting with a breakfast at 9 a.m., followed by several presentations and speakers at 10 a.m., including UC Davis Medical Center interim director William McGowan. A noontime barbeque is scheduled for the event.
For more information, visit www.kiwanisfamilyhouse.org. |
