Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation
In April 2022, Tony and his young sons were referred to YBGR’s Child Welfare Prevention and Support Services. At the time, Tony was homeless, unemployed, and struggling with substance use, but he was determined to rebuild his life and be there for his children. He spoke kindly about their mother and expressed a desire to raise his boys with strong values and faith. Tony used community resources for food and diapers, entered treatment for substance abuse, and worked towards obtaining his Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) at Flathead Community College. He also joined Flathead Family Treatment Court, adhering to all its requirements.
Despite early struggles, including walking miles to visit his sons, Tony never missed a visitation time. His dedication paid off as his sons blossomed into confident, loving boys. Tony achieved sobriety, completed his treatment, and gradually improved his financial situation. Walking hand-in-hand with YBGR staff, his visitation progressed from supervised visits to in-home time as he secured stable housing and employment as a local truck driver. In October 2023, after 20 months of effort, the boys began a Trial Home Visit with Tony, which included continued drug testing and support services. On February 14, 2024, Tony’s case was closed, and he successfully reunified with his sons as their primary parent. Today, Tony is thriving as a single parent, embracing the joys and challenges of raising his young children.
*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.
Thanks to a generous grant from the Washington Foundation, the first group of four YBGR therapists were able to attend and become certified in EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) in Missoula this month! This training equips the Ranch’s team of therapists with advanced skills to help the youth they serve heal from trauma and enhance emotional well-being.
A huge thank you to the Washington Foundation for their support and belief in YBGR’s mission.
At YBGR, chores are part of every youth’s experience in the residential treatment facility. Based on behaviors and progress in treatment, youth can also earn the chance to be on a work crew and earn money. Staff then work with the kids on budgeting and setting goals to go shopping and spend their hard-earned money. Lessons like work ethic, budgeting, and social interactions will benefit these youth long after they leave YBGR.
One of the most sought-after work crews for youth is the boot-shining booth. Youth who earn a spot at the booth not only make work crew wages but also work for tips from men and women who get their boot shined at both the Stockgrowers and Farm Bureau Conventions. Last fall, Nick was one of the youth who participated in both events. He really enjoyed his time at the conventions and also earned enough money to buy himself a new pair of Nike shoes.
“It was so fun! We got to meet so many great people, and I earned more money than I thought I would. I had been wanting a good pair of Nike sneakers for playing basketball, and not only was I able to get those, but I was also able to get a few more items on my wish list and still have money in the bank I learned the value of hard work AND the value of taking care of what you have. I met people who said their boots were older than me because they took care of them. Six months later, my Nike’s still look new!” Lessons learned!
*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.
EIN# 81-0419905
Gifts to Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch Foundation are deductible for income tax purposes within IRS regulations.
