Creating a Vibrant and Diverse Coastal Community Where All Can Thrive!

February 26, 2026

Homecomings Begin!

First Homes of Our 2026 Rebuild the Bayou Season are Completed

On January 28, Bayou Community Foundation celebrated alongside our volunteer partners from Christian Aid Ministries as Bill and Pam received the keys to their completely restored home in Gray through our Rebuild the Bayou Housing Recovery Program.

Their home dedication was the first of our 2026 Rebuild the Bayou building season, and an inspiring celebration of hope and healing.

After Hurricanes Ida and Francine severely damaged their home, Bill and Pam remained there in unsafe conditions that took a serious toll on their health. With a full restoration completed, they are now in a safe and sanitary home again, made possible through the hearts, hands and hammers of our compassionate volunteers and the tremendous generosity of our donors.

Our "Homecoming Days" continued this month, with dedications held for two additional full home restorations in Lafourche Parish and our first new build of the season in Houma. Pictured below is the dedication of Audrey's fully restored home in Raceland.

AND OUR WORK CONTINUES!

Two new homes are currently under construction in Gray and Thibodaux, and more than a dozen repairs and full home restorations are now underway in Lafourche and Terrebonne Parishes. We look forward to many more special homecomings this spring!

Audrey Has Returned to a Safe and Secure Home in Raceland.

Shirley and Her Mom Ruby Are Back Home in Thibodaux.

Thank you to our 2026 Rebuild the Bayou

Funding Champions!

Since 2021, BCF's Rebuild the Bayou Program has assisted nearly 600

under-resourced households with storm repairs and rebuilds following Hurricanes Ida and Francine, including 55 fortified homes built to date!

Growing Good Luncheon:

Celebrating the Fruits of Generosity

Bayou Community Foundation invites you to join us for our “Growing Good Luncheon: Celebrating the Fruits of Generosity” on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Thibodaux Regional Wellness Center.

Last year’s inaugural luncheon was incredible and Bayou Community Foundation is excited to share another heartfelt day of gratitude and impact with you again!

We are bringing together donors, partners, local nonprofits and volunteers from across Terrebonne, Lafourche and Grand Isle to celebrate all the GOOD that GROWS HERE thanks to the incredible generosity and community passion of friends like you.

We’ll hear inspiring reflections from nonprofit leaders about the impact grants are making on residents they serve and from families rebuilding their lives through Rebuild the Bayou, as well as updates on critical BCF programs. 

We will celebrate the fruits of generosity right here at home. It’s a feel-good event like no other!

Reserve your Sponsorship, Table or Individual Ticket TODAY.

Seating is limited.

Have You Seen Our Billboards?

Bayou Community Foundation is thrilled to share that our newest resourche database, BayouHelp.org, is NOW FEATURED ON 12 BILLBOARDS ACROSS LAFOURCHE AND TERREBONNE.

These billboards are helping spread the word about this critical new community resource.

BayouHelp.org makes it easier for individuals and families to find trusted LOCAL resources for food, housing, mental health support and more. Designed to connect neighbors with help close to home, this free online directory brings vital services together in one convenient place.

This resource would not be possible without a generous grant from the Mary and Al Danos Foundation.

BCF Named Nonprofit of the Year

by Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce

Bayou Community Foundation was honored to be named Nonprofit of the Year by the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce on January 15 at its Annual Awards Banquet.

This recognition reflects the dedication of BCF’s many community partners, donors and volunteers working together to strengthen our precious bayou region. Bayou Community Foundation is deeply grateful to the Thibodaux Chamber of Commerce for this meaningful honor and for its continued commitment to supporting a strong and thriving community.

Out and About with BCF Staff

Packing a Million Meals for MLK

Bayou Community Foundation staff was proud to participate in the Million Meals for MLK program at the Good Samaritan Food Bank of Thibodaux, where we helped pack 10,404 meals alongside amazing community partners like Louisiana Blue, Entergy, Danos, Volunteer Louisiana, and Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux.

The event honors Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s legacy of service and addresses hunger right here at home.

BCF Co-Hosts Greaux Healthy Event

Bayou Community Foundation was proud to co-host a conversation on the health and future of Louisiana’s children alongside Greaux Healthy, an evidence-based initiative of LSU's Pennington Biomedical Research Center, in partnership with the State of Louisiana.

Community leaders from across education, healthcare, government and the nonprofit sector came together to learn about research-backed strategies addressing childhood obesity and to explore collaborative, prevention-focused solutions.

Thank you, Greaux Healthy, and everyone who joined us for contributing to an important discussion focused on creating healthier futures for our children.

BCF Brings South Lafourche Partners Together for Working Group on Hunger

On February 10, food distribution partners in South Lafourche came together for BCF's Working Group on Hunger meeting at The Hope Center in Galliano.

Participants toured The Hope Center’s food bank and heard updates from Second Harvest Food Bank, Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Houma-Thibodaux, and the LSU AgCenter on ongoing efforts to strengthen food access across the region. BCF staff also demonstrated our Bayou Region Food Bank Directory.

Most importantly, the meeting created an opportunity for South Lafourche food distribution partners to connect, exchange ideas and strengthen collaboration in addressing food insecurity.

Just For Our Nonprofits

Nonprofits, it's time to apply!

BCF's 2026 Growing Good Nonprofit Program is OPEN

Bayou Community Foundation is now accepting initial Grant Requests for our Annual Competitive Grants Program. Submit your request through our online grant portal by 5:00 p.m. on Thrusday, March 12 to be considered.

Seats are Filling Up Fast For "Building Better Boards" Workshop. Secure Yours Today!

Strong boards build strong organizations. Bayou Community Foundation invites nonprofit Executive Directors, Board Chairs and Members to "Building Better Boards: Elements of a Successful Nonprofit Board", an interactive workshop designed to strengthen leadership, governance and engagement.

Led by Dr. Beverly Brooks Thompson and Carey Lawson, this session will share practical strategies and real-world insights drawn from more than 50 years of combined nonprofit Board experience.

• Friday, March 13
• 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
• Terrebonne Parish Main Library - Upstairs D.E. Room

This workshop is free, but seating is limited.

Advance registration is required.

Good Grows Here

www.BayouCF.org

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