At a recent Mariposa Kiwanis Club meeting, Gary Christensen, an ambassador for the Kiwanis Family House (KFH) located in Sacramento, gave an up-dated report to members and guests.

KFH is a non-profit organization that assists families whose children are being treated for serious illness or injury at UC Davis Medical Center by providing temporary housing near the hospital.

The KFH was originally established in 1984 with three mobile units. The current, state-of-the-art house was completed in 2006. The 19,000 square facility cost $5 million. Two million was raised by Kiwanis clubs, including Mariposa, while the remaining was with a $3 million loan that is now paid off. It has 32 furnished rooms with bathrooms and communal kitchens, free long-distance and internet access and recreational areas. On the premises are full hookups to accommodate seven RV’s.

Located in Sacramento, KFH is adjacent to the UC Davis Medical Center. Families of seriously ill or injured children who are in UC Davis Medical Center have been housed at KFH since 1984.

Often compared to the Ronald McDonald House, the Kiwanis Family House is the only one of its kind. The Mariposa Kiwanis Club contributes to the operation of the KFH.

What may be surprising to is that, in 2009, there were nine families from Mariposa County who took advantage of this service.

Should someone find a need to stay at the Kiwanis Family House, call (916) 736-0116 or 742-5257 in Mariposa.