History of Kerr County Auxiliary
A special ministry emerged in the Hill Country community in 1977 with the forming of the Youth Ranch Auxiliary. Founded by Marj Nicholson and a special group of women, the Auxiliary quickly became a major partner in helping meet the day to day needs of the children who came to live at the Ranch. With 154 members joining in that first year, the origin and growth of
the Auxiliary is an amazing story of commitment and sacrifice. Today, the Auxiliary manages a thrift store with all volunteer labor that supplies a significant part of the Ranch's annual budget. They also take the time to give birthday presents and cakes to the children, help label and mail the newsletter, and do "extended family" things like reading to the children or tutoring them, or bringing games and puzzles when they learn that one of them is home with the flu. They also help to celebrate the opening of each new residence or building with a dedication party. The Youth Ranch Auxiliary is a non-denominational, non-political ministry which has made a direct and daily difference for over thirty years in the healing of children. According to HCYR founder and director Gary Priour, "When it was formed, I did not know how vital this group would become in the evolution of the Youth Ranch. This home for wounded children would never have been built without them. It would not be the same materially or spiritually." The late Marj Nicholson, founder of the Auxiliary, urged us to always keep an open door to welcome new members, saying "As each Auxiliary member has shared love and concern for the youth of this ranch in the past, today we invite others to join us. Share in our many blessings and prayers for these youth that may be less privileged than ourselves . . ."
