Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation

What's New

New Barrel Sander!

New Tool Alert!
Thanks to the generosity of Adopt-a-Lodge sponsor KE Construction, YBGR’s wood shop just got a major upgrade — a brand new barrel sander!
This powerful piece of equipment will help the youth smooth out their projects with precision and ease, giving them hands-on experience with professional-grade tools and boosting their skills and confidence.
We’re incredibly grateful to @keconstruction for investing in the growth and potential of YBGR and students.

Western Security Bank Volunteers

Thanks to the generosity of @westernsecuritybank and the support of the Hands of Hope grant, Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch’s River’s Edge group home is undergoing much-needed renovations. With their financial support and dedicated team, we’ve already added a fresh coat of paint—and soon, updated siding and a new roof will follow.
Our therapeutic group homes serve boys and girls ages 8 to 17.5, providing individualized care during these critical years of growth and development. Designed with a family-style approach, our homes offer a safe, supportive environment that promotes healing, personal growth, and long-term success. We focus on helping youth build resilience, develop essential life skills, and achieve their goals for a brighter future.

CHICK STAMPEDE!

Spring has officially sprung at YBGR — the pheasant chicks are hatching! Ever wondered what a CHICK STAMPEDE sounds like?
Well… it’s loud, fluffy, and 100% adorable.
Ranch campus youth will be helping raise over 5,000 of these little peepers this season. Most will find new homes with private landowners in the fall — but for now, it’s all about heat lamps, chick chow, and non-stop peeping.
Stay tuned for more updates from the brooder barn!

Tribal Engagement Lunch

We were honored to join an inspiring event at YBGR this week, welcoming Tribal Chairmen and Council Members from across Montana to explore the Ranch’s Native American Services program.
Rooted in cultural connection, this vital program supports healing, strengthens identity, and fosters a deep sense of belonging for Native youth. Guests were welcomed with a powerful smudging ceremony, featuring a custom blend by Lunar Brambles—an incredible small business that continues to support Mustang Nation and the work being done at the Ranch.
We’re grateful for the meaningful conversations and growing partnerships focused on uplifting Native youth and their families through culturally rooted care.

Rocky Vista University Adopt-A-Lodge

A huge thank you to Rocky Vista University and Dr. Robert Murtaugh for their adoption of YBGR’s London Lodge.
Due to recent growth of YBGR, the Admissions team, Native American Services, and others have moved into London. The funds from RVU were instrumental in making London Lodge comfortable and welcoming for children and families arriving at YBGR to start their healing journey.

Volleyball Season

The YBGR Mustang’s volleyball season is over, and in addition to winning on the court, the girls who participated racked up personal wins: improved communication skills, teamwork, confidence, and so many more important life lessons!
They capped off the season with a youth staff game, and while they lost to staff, it was a close game!

Old Chicago Support

Big thanks to the NEW Old Chicago in Great Falls for their incredible support! We’re so grateful for your partnership and desire to support our local community in Great Falls.

Winter YoungLife Camp

This year’s Winter Young Life Camp at YBGR’s Ranch campus was packed with fun, faith, and transformation! From sledjoring, inflatables, and Pool Olympics to messy games, a movie night, and an epic sledding party, the youth experienced such a weekend of joy!
This year’s guest speaker Theresa Lauvre’s powerful messages on God’s love and purpose led 35 youth to commit to growing in Christ. One of the most touching moments? A group of boys shared, “We prayed for the first time yesterday.”
As we reflect on Easter and the hope of resurrection, we’re reminded that new life in Christ begins the moment hearts are opened to Him—just like so many were during this incredible weekend.
Thank you to everyone who make Young Life camp unforgettable!

Winter 2025 Wrangler

The Winter 2025 Wrangler Newsletter is now available online!

In this issue, you will learn about how:

  • YBGR & Youth Dynamics joining forces to better serve youth across Montana.
  • Remembering our beloved friend Jim Soft.
  • A Christmas celebration and holiday traditions at the Ranch.
  • Native American Services Program’s incredible care for Native youth at YBGR.

The Wrangler publication reports on the direct working relationship of the Ranch with children and the Foundation’s activities in fundraising for the benefit of at-risk youth.

Not receiving our newsletter?  Don’t miss out on our good news.  Sign up for the Wrangler today!

Like what we do?  Share the Wrangler’s inspiring stories with family and friends. And remember, your tax-deductible gifts make it all possible!

NEWEST ADOPT-A-LODGE SPONSOR

Shout out to the Johnson Family Foundation for adopting YBGR’s Jessie Grant Lodge, normally home to 11 boys in the residential treatment program. The “Jessie Grant” boys recently moved to McVay Lodge so that improvements could be done to their lodge. Please join us in thanking Willy and Julie for their commitment to help youth dealing with mental health challenges!

SECOND CHAPLAIN

The Spiritual Life Program at YBGR is growing! Please welcome Rich Lutton as their second Chaplain!
Rich brings years of experience in nonprofit work and youth spiritual care, including 15 years with YoungLife. With this expansion, YBGR’s Chaplains can provide even more faith-based support through chapel services, Bible studies, one-on-one counseling, and YoungLife Club and Camp.
As YBGR continues to grow, so does the need for spiritual care. Having two Chaplains ensures that every youth—no matter where they are in the state or on their faith journey—receives encouragement, hope, and a listening ear.
Thank you to our donors and community partners for making this possible! Join us in giving Rich a warm welcome to the YBGR family!

UPCOMING FOOD FOR THOUGHT LUNCH

In 2023, we created a beautiful video together with the Ranch to highlight what makes YBGR such an amazing place of healing and hope for youth. We love to share it with our supporters and those interested in learning more about YBGR and its wide array of programs and services. We share this video during what we’re calling “Food for Thought” lunches as well as with clubs, organizations and businesses though out the state.
Our next scheduled Food for Thought lunch is coming up:
Where: Yellowstone Foundation – 2050 Overland Ave
When: March 6th | 12:00 PM
To RSVP or if you or your company is interesting in learning more, contact abigail@yellowstonefoundation.org or call (406)656-8772

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