“We can never say it enough: it is only through the dedication and work of our volunteers that the Ranch has been able to sustain growth and expand into three ranches, each with its own extended family. Credit for the healing and enrichment of these children’s lives is owed, in large part, to volunteers.” HCYR Founder, Gary Priour
We welcome and embrace volunteers desiring to help us fulfill our mission to provide a safe, loving and life-enhancing environment for children with special emotional and developmental needs deriving from abuse, neglect, abandonment and other childhood traumas. If you would like to get involved, here are 4 avenues for service as an HCYR Volunteer:
Four Volunteer Service Opportunities
- Serve as a volunteer at one of our Thrift Stores in Ingram or Leakey. The revenue generated by these stores directly supports the children and programs on our campuses. While you will not be working with children in this role, your work benefits them directly. Our Thrift Store volunteers are a wonderful part of our Ranch family and typically work 4 or more hours on a weekly basis.
- Join one of our Auxiliaries, whose members meet monthly, to learn about Ranch needs and get involved in service opportunities.
- Serve as a volunteer at one of our events. There are a number of activities throughout the year such as holiday parties and special events where volunteers are needed. To inquire about one of these opportunities please reach out to the contact at the specific campus where you would like to serve. (bottom of page)
- Work with children directly. If you have a heart for abused and emotionally fragile children and would like to volunteer your time and skills to work with them directly, there may be a role for you. Perhaps there’s a specific class or skill you could teach or serve as a mentor. Of all the ways to get involved this one has the strictest set of requirements. Opportunities to interact with children directly are very limited, for a variety of reasons. First, you must be 21 or older. Also, under state law, a full background check is required before a volunteer can have contact with our children. Next, there are significant training requirements that must be met before service can begin. Finally, culture and fit are also very important. We place the interests of the child above all else. Not every child will welcome a volunteer’s efforts, no matter how well-meant. We set a high bar intentionally and reserve the right to make final decisions regarding volunteer placement. However, those who work with us through this process and find their niche can have a life-changing impact on our children. If you are interested in serving in this capacity, we would like to hear from you.
