The times are changing in the world of Texas childcare.  Uncertainty looms in the state government as to how to continue funding the care of abused and orphaned children.  The obvious way is to become independent of state contracts, which currently provide over 50% of our current operational budget.  Our dream is to be able to essentially adopt our children, and take care of them without all the strings attached to the funding.

With a family as large as ours, we are in constant need of material supplies and reusable items. Without the gift of such items from friends, we could never afford to operate such a quality program for children.  If you have any usable item to contribute, please contact our main office at 830-367-2131.

Meanwhile, we are always preparing for the kids’ favorite season, Christmas.  Organizing Christmas gifts for 120 children is a daunting task each year. Each child fills out a "wish list", which is then sent to Santa. For many of our children, this is the first place they have ever lived that makes sure Santa has their address. In fact, he visits them at the Community Center each December, filling each individual stocking on the Ranch’s 40-foot long mantle.

You can help Santa by adopting a child for Christmas. You can do the shopping yourself, or provide funds and we’ll send you pictures of the gifts and children you’ve helped. For more information, please contact Chrissy Coronado at the HCYR campus at (830) 367-2131.

Finally, we are supported by two Thrift Stores located near each of our campuses and operated completely by volunteers from our two Auxiliaries.  If we can't use an item you send us, we can sell it and either way, it benefits the children.

"It’s the most amazing support group I’ve ever seen" is a comment often heard about the HCYR and BSRC Auxiliaries. These groups provide children with an extended family of ambassadors, special event volunteers, thrift store workers, and mentors. If you want to join, or offer some of your time, call HCYR at 367-2131 or BSRC at 232-4121 to get information on the volunteer program, or stop by either of the thrift stores (Ingram on Hwy 27, or downtown Leakey) and find out how to join the fun.

The HCYR Auxiliary conducts many special events, including an Annual Style Show and Silent Auction each September. This event has become a "must" on the Kerr social calendar, with models (Auxiliary members, local celebrities, and even the children) showcasing donated items off thrift shop racks. The event raises over $10,000 for the academic scholarship fund and for support of the children.  Call us to find out more.

Over the past 30 years, with the help of its partners, the Youth Ranch has built two beautiful campuses, and sent over 1100 children out into the world. With both villages nearing completion physically, the challenge has shifted to the long-term operation and maintenance of the villages.

In addition to perennial efforts like the thrift stores and the Memorials Program, the HCYR Foundation is key to securing the future for our children. The Foundation is a permanent fund whose principal cannot be touched, and which provides for Ranch operations through income (interest and dividends). A gift to the Foundation is a gift that never stops giving, and will always be at work, providing for children – as far into the future as anyone can imagine.

Recent developments in federal tax law have made such gifts even more attractive to donors. For example, the Pension Protection Act of 2006 opens up new options for charitable giving from IRAs when owners reach age 70. An IRA owner can give up to $100,000 directly to a charitable organization, such as HCYR, with the double advantage that the withdrawal is tax free and the gift is tax deductible. Anyone interested in giving to the Foundation can call Executive Director Gary Priour at 830-367-2131.