What's New

In a world where the challenges facing today’s youth seem to multiply by the day, every initiative aimed at providing support and solace becomes a beacon of hope. In 2023, Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch  took a significant stride forward in their mission to aid troubled youth with the re-opening of Fortin East Lodge.

This decision came as a response to a stark reality: the number of youth seeking help had continued to surge, surpassing pre-pandemic levels by more than double. Despite this surge, many found themselves unable to access the crucial treatment offered by YBGR. This predicament weighed heavily on the hearts of the staff, who were driven by a shared determination to extend their reach and serve more young individuals in need.

“We knew we had to do something to increase our capacity and serve more youth. We needed to open another lodge, and we needed the staff to do it. We got to work with our partners at LinkedIn and Indeed and saw applications pour in,” explained HR Recruiter Jake Mullings.

Their collective efforts paid off, and on December 15th, Fortin East Lodge re-opened, providing sanctuary to ten more youth in crisis. For many parents and guardians, this was a lifeline, sparing them the anguish of seeking treatment out of state.

“We had so many happy parents and guardians who were able to get their child into a facility close to home and not have to look out of state where they might not be able to visit,” shared Admissions Coordinator Eric Spelhaug.

The opening of Fortin East Lodge stands as a testament to the unwavering commitment of YBGR and its partners to the well-being of young individuals facing adversity. With every extended hand, they offer a glimmer of hope to those navigating the tumultuous waters of adolescence, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there are beacons of light guiding the way forward.

To learn more, view our Annual Report.

April is National Financial Literacy month, intended to raise awareness of personal finances and planning for a secure financial future. The Planned Giving department at Yellowstone Foundation

is dedicated to providing education and guidance through our free newsletters, planning guides, website calculator tools, and one-on-one conversations with staff. As you take time to review your finances this month, we invite you to visit the Planned Giving page under the Donate option or to call the Planned Giving Department at 406-656-8772.

Calling for VOLUNTEERS!

Join us for the 3rd Annual Yellowstone Chili Cookoff on September 26, 2024! Help make this event a sizzling success by joining our dedicated committee. We’re seeking enthusiastic individuals for various roles including:

• Chair
• Sponsorships
• Logistics
• Marketing
• Food
• Silent auction
• Entertainment
• Day of volunteers

Your involvement will support Yellowstone Foundation in raising awareness and funding for Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch’s mission, “Caring People, Preparing Youth for Life”. Whether you’re a seasoned planner or eager to lend a hand on the day of the event, we welcome your expertise and passion.

Contact Abigail at Yellowstone Foundation to become a vital part of this flavorful event!

Contact Today

The Winter Wrangler Newsletter is now available online!

In this issue, you will learn about how:

• The “Angels Among Us” at YBGR who surround troubled youth with support, caring, understanding, and guidance.
• Yellowstone Foundation helping donors save on their taxes and help troubled children for over 50 years.
• A Christmas celebration and holiday traditions at the Ranch.
• Therapy animals having a profound impact on hurting kids.
• The opening of an additional lodge on the YBGR campus to serve more children in the residential treatment program.

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!

The Fall Wrangler Newsletter is available online now!

In this issue, you will learn about how:

• Tori’s grandmother, fearing for both her granddaughters, turned to YBGR to help Tori better process her anger and trauma and work toward a more promising future.
• One former YBGR employee turned her ranch into income for life for her and her husband and, upon their passing, will help the children at YBGR.
• The new Native American Services Coordinator at YBGR is helping Native American youth and YBGR staff learn more about and connect with Native American culture and heritage.

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!

Despite temperatures soaring into the 90’s, Summer YoungLife Camp was celebrated at YBGR over the last weekend of July. 

YoungLife, a Christian-based organization, partners with YBGR to offer camps twice a year, once in the summer and once in the winter, as part of YBGR’s voluntary Spiritual Life Program.

YoungLife Camp is a chance for kids to have fun and just be kids with activities like the tilt-table shown here, water zorbs, carnival games, arrow tag, and movies during the day. 

In the evenings there are discussion sessions in the Chapel with Chaplain John Boeder.  According to John, the fun and games during the day help build trust and break down barriers which leads to more candid and productive discussions in the evening.

It is because of the generous support from donors that YBGR is able to offer a variety of treatments and therapies including the voluntary Spiritual Life Program that has been an integral part of the Ranch since the beginning. 

Stockman Bank has a Back-to-School Challenge for you!

Kids are heading back to the classroom and Yellowstone Foundation is pleased to announce that Stockman Bank will match all donations, dollar-for-dollar, up to $5,000 for a total of $10,000 for much needed back-to-school supplies.

Help us meet the needs of the children attending Yellowstone Academy at YBGR this fall.

Students in both the YBGR Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facility and Day School Program attend school at Yellowstone Academy (YA), Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch’s fully accredited public K-8 and private high school right on campus. All our students are considered special needs and 9 out of every 10 children at YA coming from low-income families.

Learn more about the 2023 Back-to-School drive and help special needs children succeed in the classroom!

Presley is the newest member of the YBGR Equestrian and Equine Therapy Team.  She was just 6-months old when she arrived at the Ranch last winter.

After getting acquainted with the other therapy horses, Presley was introduced to YBGR youth.  At first, it was all about showing Presley that people are trustworthy. She quickly warmed up to being petted, brushed, and loved on.

With guidance from Mackenzie, YBGR’s Equine Specialist, the boys and girls have helped Presley learn appropriate boundaries and new skills.  Now, she approaches the children and waits to be loved on almost every time someone enters the pasture.

Presley has a very gentle demeanor which is helpful in training, and working with the young animal has been a real highlight for many of the children at YBGR.

Read more about Presley and other amazing YBGR programs in the latest Summer Wrangler.

Meet Guinevere, the Yellowstone Foundation Turkey.  Guinevere appeared at the Foundation office this spring.  Turkeys in the city of Billings are not uncommon.  But Guinevere is particularly interesting for her unusual white coloring.

Guinevere disappeared for a few weeks but returned with four chicks, one notably nearly all white.  Mother and her little brood take a stroll around the office building at least once daily.  Now acclimated to life at the Foundation office, they are not bothered by business hours activity, even posing for photos on the front door bench.

The turkey is a symbol of gratitude, which is a very fitting mascot for the Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Foundation.

The Summer Wrangler Newsletter is available online now!

In this edition you will meet our cover girl, Emily, who is enrolled in YBGR’s Outpatient Addiction Counseling Program (IOP) and learn why Equine Therapy Friday is her favorite day of the week.

Foundation President Bill Hritsco has an update from the Montana legislative session and YBGR CEO Mike Chavers explains EquiLateral Therapy.

We’ve got multiple program updates, a Homes for Heifers roundup, and so much more!

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!

Leaving on vacation this summer? 

Sail into the sunset with peace of mind – prepare your Will or Trust today!

You can plan for your future like you plan for your vacation – packing everything you need and making sure you don’t forget anything important.

We can help. 

Visit our Wills & Bequests page for helpful information and printable guides to assist you in providing for your family and supporting the causes you care about. 

Each person is given the gift of time on this earth . . . to Live . . . to Learn . . . to Love . . . and to Leave a Legacy.

This summer the Uihlein Recreation Center (UC) on the YBGR campus celebrates 50 years of providing recreational opportunities to at-risk youth.

But like many 50-year-olds, the UC needs some maintenance.  The roof has been patched and repaired many times over the years. 

But the increasing leaks this past winter have made it clear that the time has come.  

The Uihlein Center needs a new roof and we are asking for your help! 

Learn more about the Raise the Roof for UC campaign, and Thank You for your support!

“The time to repair the roof is when the sun is shining.” – John F. Kennedy