Hill Country Youth Ranch seeks volunteers, funding after flood compounds unfinished 2025 repairs

Hill Country Youth Ranch sustained significant damage to roads and property in this week’s flooding, the organization said Friday, adding new repair costs on top of $80,000 in road and grounds work still unfinished from last year’s flood.

“We are profoundly grateful that every child and staff member is safe, as we begin the difficult work of recovery,” the ranch said in a statement from founder Gary Priour.

Staff spent Friday clearing fallen trees and debris from roadways with donated heavy equipment. The ranch is seeking volunteers the week of July 20 to help its maintenance team load and move debris from roadside areas and continue cleanup around the children’s homes on its Ingram campus, as it works to restore safe access across the property. The organization also plans cleanup and repairs at Big Springs Ranch for Children near Leakey and Enhanced Horizons on Highway 27 outside Ingram, though its primary focus this week is the original Ingram campus.

A different approach than 2025

During last year’s flood, Hill Country Youth Ranch chose not to seek help for its own recovery, instead directing its resources toward the broader community. Its thrift store became a distribution point for clothing and food for flood survivors, and staff volunteered in community rescue and recovery efforts.

“We remain deeply grateful for the compassion and generosity shown throughout the Hill Country following the 2025 flooding,” the organization said.

This year, the ranch said, the damage is worse. Over the past year, the organization had been repairing roads as funding and road crews became available, but still had $80,000 in unfinished road and grounds work from 2025 when this week’s flooding hit. The ranch estimates this week’s damage will add roughly $100,000 to that unfinished work, bringing the total need for contracted repairs to $180,000.

Staff worked through the rain this week and were still on site Friday making sure roads are passable and homes are accessible, according to the organization. The work carries added urgency: the ranch’s on-campus charter school is set to welcome students back Aug. 10.

“Your support will help ensure that our children continue to have a safe and quality place to live, learn, and heal,” Priour said.

Those interested in donating toward repair costs or volunteering in the coming days can call Brittany at 830-367-2131.