Meet the Newest Members of the YBGR Family! We’re thrilled to announce that two gentle souls have joined our Equestrian program—say hello to Domino (paint) and Bell (bay)! These well-trained horses are ready to embark on healing journeys with our kids, many of whom will be experiencing the joy of horseback riding for the first time. Help us in welcoming our equine therapists and seeing the incredible impact they’ll have on our program.
What's New
BACKPACK PROGRAM
Thanks to the support of Town Pump Charitable Foundation, 90 students at YBGR’s Yellowstone Academy have been receiving backpacks filled with nutritious food, ensuring they don’t go hungry over weekends and holidays. These backpacks provide more than meals—they offer comfort and stability to kids facing food insecurity. Their generosity helps students return to school ready to learn and thrive.
Thank you, Town Pump Charitable Foundation, for making a difference!
VO-TECH GARAGE PROJECT
We’re excited to share that the garage door in the Vo-Tech Shop has been replaced, and it’s looking fantastic! This upgrade means smoother operations for students as they work on hands-on projects and continue learning valuable technical skills.
We’re so grateful to KE Construction for their adoption of the Hanscom Vo-Tech Building! Their support made sure this improvement happened. It’s because of partnerships like this that we can provide students at YBGR with the tools and facilities they need to succeed.
NATIVE AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH
As we close out Native American Heritage Month, we’re proud to celebrate the milestones of the Native youth served at YBGR. This summer, several youth successfully discharged, marking a significant step in their journey.
We’re also excited to announce the launch of a new Wellbriety Talking Circle on campus, a powerful initiative focused on the holistic well-being of our youth. With the recent certification of one of the YBGR staff members by the White Bison Organization, the circle now meets every Tuesday morning in partnership with our Chemical Dependency department. This new addition complements the ongoing commitment to cultural education, personal growth, and community-building through the Native American Services Program.
At Yellowstone Foundation, we are honored to provide YBGR students with the support they need to thrive, both in recovery and in life.
THANK YOU GIANFORTE FOUNDATION
We are so thankful to the Gianforte Family Foundation for their tremendous support of the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Native American Services Program! This incredible program connects kids to their culture and traditions, creating a meaningful impact.
GOVERNOR’S VISIT
Governor Greg Gianforte took a break from the campaign trail to visit YBGR. Alongside the First Lady and his team, the Governor toured our campus and then joined a panel discussion with:
Natalie Nickisch, Lead Mental Health Worker
Jake Mullins, HR Recruiter
Juletta Gilge, Director of PRTF
Lacey Jones, Therapist
Skyler Carroll, Program Manager
Each of these amazing individuals shared their ‘why’ and success stories from working with youth over the years.
Thank you, Governor Gianforte and First Lady, for taking the time to learn more about who we are and the kids we serve. And a special thank you to our teammates for sharing their passion for our mission and the purpose behind our work.
TRUNK OR TREAT
Trunk or Treat time. Bring your kiddos to see us at Scheels 4-6pm today! We even have some chicks to adopt!
COMMUNITY PARTNERS
Thank you to our FIB community partners
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!