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Blog
JASON
At 13, Jason had endured significant trauma, navigating abuse and neglect in his early years. The impact of his past often surfaced as outbursts and behaviors tied to his turbulent childhood. In August, Jason transitioned from residential treatment at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR) to a Youth Dynamics (YDI) Therapeutic Youth Home in Billings. By October, it became clear that returning to the Ranch for more intensive support would provide the additional care he needed to continue to thrive.
While transitions between levels of care can take time, the recent collaboration between YDI and YBGR, now united as one provider, made swift action possible. Just days after announcing their partnership, Mike Chavers, YBGR CEO, visited YDI’s Billings Youth Homes, strengthening the connection between the teams. This allowed Jennifer, Youth Home Program Manager, to act quickly when Jason’s needs escalated. The teams worked together as one organization to expedite Jason’s return to residential care at YBGR, avoiding hospitalization and further trauma. Mike connected Jennifer with the YBGR Admissions team, and within days, Jason was back at the Ranch, continuing his healing journey with the structure and support he needed.
‘Unifying as one provider allowed us to work together to act fast to provide the care Jason needed when he needed it most,’ said Jennifer. Today, Jason is thriving and back on the road to recovery. His story is a testament to the impact of two organizations coming together—ensuring youth receive the right care at the right time to be resilient.”
*For the privacy of the youth served at the Ranch, names have been changed. Image(s) shown here are a representation of those served at the Ranch.
1929 Ford Model A Coupe
John and Selene are long-time donors to Yellowstone Foundation, and in addition to both outright and planned gifts, they have hosted several donor appreciation events at their home. As John and Selene approach retirement, they have begun the process of estate planning. One asset they were no longer actively using was a 1929 Ford Model A Coupe that John won in a raffle several years ago. After some discussion, they decided to donate it to Yellowstone Foundation, and the car was delivered to the Auto Barn at YBGR.
Since then, the car has been taken out for rides and displayed at several Ranch events. Earlier this month, the car was driven in the Burn the Point parade with kids riding in the rumble seat to raise awareness of YBGR’s mission to help hurting children. The following day, the car was displayed at the Burn the Point Car Show where volunteers sat with the car and handed out literature about both the Foundation and the Ranch. While the car itself may be an antique, it is now a part of YBGR’s timeless mission to give hope and healing to youth dealing with mental health challenges. Thank you to John and Selene whose gift symbolizes the power of restoration and hope that shines as bright as the Model A’s lovingly polished fenders!
*For the privacy of the youth served at the Ranch, names have been changed. Image(s) shown here are a representation of those served at the Ranch.
STATE GRANT AWARDED!
Thrilled to announce $1.25 million in grants from the State of Montana 872 Behavioral Health System for Future Generations Commission. The funds are for improvements to ten buildings directly serving youth in the residential program and for the re-opening of three lodges to further increase services. Work will begin this fall with the expansion of services within the next year and a half.
MEET KIDD!
Meet Kidd, the latest four-hoofed therapist to join our YBGR family! Kidd is a 13-year-old sorrel gelding who will participate in both Equine Therapy and recreational riding. Can’t wait to see the strides the youth will make with Kidd by their side!
YBGR CENSUS!
YBGR’s Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility has reached a youth census as high as 95 this summer, the highest it’s been in decades!
This increase was thanks to staff recruitment and retention initiatives that allowed for the re-opening of a youth lodge. Shout out to all the dedicated staff at YBGR making a difference in young lives.
TIPI
As part of the Montana History class and Native American Services Program this summer, youth at the Ranch set up a traditional tipi, connecting with the heritage of the Cheyenne, Lakota, and Crow peoples. The tipi was up throughout the break—and it even made it through the wild storm hitting the Billings area!
This hands-on project has been a great way for our students to engage with history in a meaningful way. Stay tuned for more updates!
BOTTLE FEEDING
This summer at YBGR, our Ranch Manager Gary and Ranch Hand Alli have been bottle-feeding three adorable calves! These moments of care and dedication showcase the commitment of our team, not just for YBGR’s herd, but for the youth in their care. Just as these calves need support, we all need a helping hand in life.
WELCOME ALLI!
Welcome Alli Allen, YBGR’s new Ranch Hand! Starting as a Mental Health Worker, Alli now combines her love for kids and cattle, drawing from her experience growing up on a feedlot. She assists Ranch Manager Gary Adams with the care of 100 Black Angus cow/calf pairs and 200 feeder calves, taking charge when Gary’s on the road.
Alli also manages the highly sought-after youth work crews, especially during calving season. Welcome, Alli!
BACK-TO-SCHOOL SUPPLIES
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Thanks to a generous $5,000 donation from Stockman Bank, every dollar you give towards back-to-school supplies for Yellowstone Academy students will be matched. This means your contribution will go twice as far in helping special needs youth get the tools they need for academic success. Don’t miss this opportunity to make a bigger difference—donate now!
Nina
When Nina came to YBGR in early spring of 2024, she was a tough nut to crack. According to her therapist Audrey, “She wouldn’t open up and talk to me so that we could start the healing process. Then, during a conversation with Nina’s mom, I learned that if Nina had a project to do with her hands, she would open up more. We looked online for some ideas, and Nina wanted a vertical pallet herb garden, so I found a pallet, and we got to work.”
Through the process of sanding the rough pallet, Nina finally started to open up to Audrey. It took several weeks of hand sanding to get all the rough spots smoothed out, and by July, they were ready to paint the pallet and plant the herb seedlings that they had started from seeds. Now the Leuthold herb garden is proudly on display at the lodge, and soon the youth will be able to harvest fresh herbs to add to their meals. Nina is now working towards successfully discharging and looking forward to going home.
“I think in some ways I was like that pallet, a little rough and limited. Once I started talking to Audrey and processing my pain, my rough edges started smoothing out, and I am seeing that I have a whole world of opportunities.”
*For the privacy of the youth served at the Ranch, names have been changed. Image(s) shown here are a representation of those served at the Ranch.
FISHING
This summer youth at YBGR, the youth have been able to enjoy peaceful and rewarding fishing trips! These experiences bring relaxation, joy, and valuable life lessons in patience and perseverance.
