K-Bar-B Youth Ranch for Abused Children

Posted 9/21/05

Wind from hurricane Katrina severely damaged the K Bar B Youth Ranch at Lacombe, LA.  The eye of the storm passed very near the ranch.  According to Jenny Fabacher, K-Bar-B Executive Director, most buildings were destroyed by Hurricane Katrina.  Approximately 500 trees are down throughout the camp.  Volunteers from nearby communities have been helping clean up the ranch.  Until cleanup is completed and homes are rebuilt, the children have been temporarily placed in  foster homes and group homes. 

History 

In 1946, the Kiwanis Club of New Orleans purchased 75 acres between Slidell and Lacombe, LA near Lake Pontchartrain and built a summer camp for needy children.  About 1960, the camp became a year-round camp for abused children, operated by Broadway, Inc.  The camp cares for 20 to 23 abused children, aged 7 through 17.  The Kiwanis Youth Foundation of New Orleans, Inc holds title to the camp and provides some yearly financial support.  Homes and businesses of the New Orleans Kiwanians were damaged or destroyed, and many Kiwanians have moved elsewhere.  The club has not been meeting.  A Gourmet Gala, held every year to raise an average of $27,000, could not be held this year due to the storm, and that money is lost.

Need

The camp board met on 10/13/05 to formulate plans for reconstruction.  The board needs between $57,500 and $75,000 to meet costs not covered by insurance.  The first priority is to provide housing for the children. One female and one male residential dormitory are needed., each housing 15 children.  Funds would be sent to the Kiwanis Youth Foundation of New Orleans.  Our stipulated use would be “for reconstruction of a children residency or construction of a new children residency.”

posted 2/5/08

Action by Kansas City Area Kiwanians

Through donations by clubs and individuals, $17, 595 was given to the Kiwanis Youth Foundation of New Orleans for use in rebuilding Building No. 4, a residential dormitory. The camp is back in business with 15 abused children. Before Katrina there were between 25-30.  To see a photo of the interior click here.  To see a photo of the plaque thanking the Kansas City area Kiwanians click here.

For additional information, see the ranch website.