Reaching More Kids Through Residential Care at the Ranch
Did you know that in 2024, we reached a peak of 91 kids in our care at one time at the Ranch in Billings? That’s our highest census in years. It reflects the growing need for therapeutic residential treatment (PRTF) in Montana and our teams’ critical role in delivering lifesaving care.
Providing Hope When Families Need It Most
Families seeking PRTF treatment are often in crisis, looking for a safe, healing environment for children struggling with unsafe behaviors stemming from trauma and mental health challenges. With limited in-state options, families are often left with impossible choices—send their child out of state, far from home and family, or go without the care they desperately need.
At Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, we work to ensure Montana kids have access to high-quality mental health treatment close to home.
Breaking Barriers to Care
This year’s census peak is a testament to our collective commitment to breaking down barriers and providing trauma-informed, wraparound support for youth who need it most.
To our residential teams—your dedication makes a difference every single day. Thank you for going above and beyond to ensure kids in crisis find hope, healing, and a path forward.
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2025, we remain committed to expanding access to lifesaving mental health treatment for Montana’s youth—because every child deserves the care and support they need, right here at home.
Stay Connected
Stay tuned to our news updates for the latest from around the state, and follow us on social media. You can find us on LinkedIn at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Instagram at @ybgr_cares, and Facebook at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.
Governor Gianforte Visits YBGR to Discuss Youth Mental Health in Montana
Governor Greg Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte took time away from the campaign trail to visit Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch (YBGR), where they toured the campus and engaged in discussions about youth mental health in Montana.
During their visit, the Governor and First Lady participated in a panel discussion with YBGR team members, who shared their experiences working with youth at the Ranch:
- Natalie Nickisch, Lead Mental Health Worker
- Jake Mullins, HR Recruiter
- Juletta Gilge, Director of PRTF
- Lacey Jones, Therapist
- Skyler Carroll, Program Manager
These caring professionals highlighted success stories from their work, emphasizing the impact of mental health support on youth and families across Montana. Their insights showcased the critical role of YBGR in providing mental health care to youth in need.
A Commitment to Montana’s Youth
YBGR has been a leader in children’s mental health care in Montana since 1957, offering PTRF residential treatment, therapeutic group home care, community-based services, and school-based programs with locations across the state. The visit from Governor Gianforte and the First Lady reflects the importance of supporting mental health initiatives that help children build brighter futures.
We appreciate Governor Gianforte and the First Lady for their time and interest in learning more about the mission of YBGR. A special thank you to our dedicated team members for sharing their passion, expertise, and the purpose behind their work in youth mental health.
Stay Connected
Stay tuned to our news and events page for the latest YBGR updates from around the state, and follow us on social media. You can find us on LinkedIn at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Instagram at @ybgr_cares, and Facebook at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.
Youth Dynamics Joins Forces With YBGR for Montana Kids
Did you hear the news? Youth Dynamics and Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch are joining forces to address the growing mental health needs of Montana’s kids and families.
With a vision of a seamless, comprehensive children’s behavioral health continuum, our union will bring together 100+ years of combined experience, over 3,600 children served annually, and nearly 800 caring individuals delivering our mission.
Expanding Mental Health Care Across Montana
Operating as Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, we’ll offer tailored care to meet each child’s unique needs across nearly every county statewide. From community and school programming to therapeutic group homes and PRTF residential treatment, we’re committed to providing the right service at the right time—at the lowest level of care possible.
Together, we’ll enhance our capacity to serve and provide efficient, trauma-informed, wrap-around care that ensures better outcomes for kids.
Learn More About Our Partnership With Youth Dynamics
Visit our YBGR Partner Facts page to learn more about how Youth Dynamics and Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch are working together to strengthen mental health care for Montana’s kids and families.
Stay Connected
Stay tuned to our news updates for the latest from around the state, and follow us on social media. You can find us on LinkedIn at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch, Instagram at @ybgr_cares, and Facebook at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch.
2024 Yellowstone Conference: Community Strategies to Prevent Youth Violence
Welcome to The Yellowstone Conference: Community Strategies to Prevent Youth Violence! Join us on Thu Oct 10 2024 at 08:30 AM for a day of learning and collaboration at 1701 Ray of Hope Ln. Billings, MT. This event will bring together community leaders, educators, and youth advocates to discuss effective strategies for preventing youth violence. Come share your ideas, network with like-minded individuals, and make a difference in your community. Let’s work together to create a safer and more peaceful environment for our youth. We look forward to seeing you there!
Panel Topics & Descriptions:
- Strengthening Family’s in Preventing Youth Violence ~ Moderator: Mary Hash, Administrative Director for Community Based Services. What can we do to help prevent adverse childhood experiences and help create a safe, stable, and nurturing environment for our children to help them reach their full potential? Nearly one in six adults have experienced four or more types of ACEs. This diverse panel will provide the audience information regarding protective factors, resiliency, and resources to help families achieve optimal success.
- Panelists
- Brian Dennis, President & CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of Yellowstone County
- Carrie Porter, Program Manager and Intake Specialist for CASA of Yellowstone County
- Laura Narum, Family Programs Resource Coordinator and Interim Director of Emergency Services at District 7 HRDC
- Jen Daniels, Supervisor of the RFS (Resource Family Specialists)
- Partnering With Schools ~ Moderator: Kristin Mathison, Administrative Supervisor in Community Based Services. During this panel we will discuss the importance of creating strong partnerships with schools to assist and support students and staff. Fostering effective collaboration between schools and community health and behavior health partners have significant benefits that include improved academic performance, physical and psychological safety, reduced disciplinary action, lower dropout rate, lower substance abuse and less involvement in the criminal justice system. Each panelist will have an opportunity to speak to why these partnerships are important, how they have seen the systems work together or even what they would like to see improve.
- Panelists
- Randy Shipman, Superintendent of the Dillon Elementary School District #10
- Regina Griemsman, Head of School for Grace Montessori Academy (GMA)
- Christina Peterson, Director of Student Services at Laurel Public Schools.
- Amity Burkhardt, Coordinator of the Wellness and Resiliency Grant for Billings Public Schools
- Counteracting Drug Culture ~ Moderator: Jessica Kiedrowski, LAC, BS, MCRMHC. During this panel we will discuss the warning signs and appropriate interventions that come with childhood substance use. This includes the importance of creating strong connections with family members and community resources to help keep the public informed on what is being advertised to our youth, how it affects the body, and why youth are drawn to it. Staying away from substance use has shown to be directly tied to improvement on grades, school attendance, career progression, and developing healthy relationships with their peers. Youth who struggle with substance use will report troubles with breathing, coping with anxiety, being alone with their thoughts, joining activities that do not allow them to use, and increased emotional dysregulation. Each panelist will have an opportunity to speak to on the different warning signs, how to intervene, what the consequences of use are, what we are seeing used the most often in our communities, where to receive support, and answer questions given by the crowd.
- Panelists
- Bryn Kojetin, Juvenile Probation Officer
- Dr. Malcom Horn, Clinical Supervisor for Rimrock
- Stacy Zinn, Retired Head of the Montana DEA office
- TBA
- Collaborating With Government and Institutional Responses ~ Moderator: Mike Chavers, CEO of Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch. Collaborating with government and institutions is an important factor in providing services for at-risk youth and their families. We will focus on the impact to Montana youth and families.
- Panelists
- Sierra Riesberg, Executive Director of Behavioral Health Alliance of Montana
- Michael “Mike” Yakawich, Montana House of Representatives from the 51st district
- Pat Cates, Senior Manager for Student Support Services for the Montana Office of Public Education
- Meghan Peel, Deputy Administrator for the Children’s Mental Health Bureau
Special Keynote Speaker, Dr. Erwin Garcia, Billings School District 2 Superintendent
To purchase tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-yellowstone-conference-community-strategies-to-prevent-youth-violence-tickets-1004714647557
5.75 CEUs and 6 OPI credits are available upon request and the conference will be offered both in-person and virtual. Lunch will be included for in-person attendees!
Conference Agenda:
o Registration 8:30am-9:00am
o Welcome 9:00am-9:15am
o Strengthening Family’s in Preventing Youth Violence Panel 9:15am-10:30am
o Break 10:30am-10:45am
o Partnering With Schools Panel 10:45am-12:00pm
o Lunch 12:00p-1:00p
o Counteracting Drug Culture Panel 1:00pm-2:15pm
o Break 2:15pm-2:30pm
o Collaborating With Government and Institutional Responses Panel 2:30pm-3:45pm
o Keynote Speaker-Dr. Erwin Garcia, Billings School District 2 Superintendent 3:45pm-4:30pm
2023 Yellowstone Conference: Caring For The Caregiver
Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch would like to invite you to attend our seventh annual Yellowstone Conference: Caring For The Caregiver being held on our main campus in Billings, MT on Thursday October 19th, 2023. This year’s conference is focused on the caregivers that provide care to Montana’s youth and families with professional panel discussions on:
- Human Resources: Recruiting & Retention ~ Moderator: Lance Moyer, Human Resources Director for Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch
This panel discussion will focus on the changing recruiting & retention landscape, and the challenges faced by behavioral healthcare organizations in attracting and retaining employees that support the organization’s culture.
- Preventative Resiliency ~ Moderator: Taylor Clark, OTD R/L, Occupational Therapist for Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch
This panel will focus resources in the community, as well as strategies caregivers can build into their own lives to support both themselves and, by extension, those they care for.
- Applying Emotional First Aid to Caregivers ~ Moderator: John Dailey, Training Specialist for Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch
This panel will focus on providing emotional first aid immediately after a traumatic event reduces the psychological stress while strengthening existing coping skills and building community supports which have a positive impact on the retention and resilience of caregivers.
- Systemic Supports-Collaborating for Outcomes ~ Moderator: Mike Chavers, CEO of Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch
The Systemic Supports-Collaborating for Outcomes panel will focus on how the systems and principles that can aid and impact caregivers for Montana youth and families.
5.75 CEUs and 6 OPI credits are available upon request. The conference will be offered both in-person and virtually again this year.
Conference Agenda:
Check-in starts 8:30am-9:00am
Welcome 9:00am-9:15am
Human Resources Recruitment Panel 9:15am-10:30am
Break 10:30am-10:45am
Preventative Resiliency Panel 10:45am-12:00pm
Lunch 12:00pm-1:00pm
Applying Emotional First Aid to Caregivers 1:00pm-2:15pm
Break 2:15pm-2:30pm
Collaborating for Outcomes panel 2:30pm-3:45pm
Keynote Speaker 3:45pm-4:30pm
Click Here to purchase tickets!
Spring is A-Buzz with Activity at YBGR
Spring is almost over, and man has it been a busy one at YBGR.
The youth enjoyed the second annual Spring Social Supper on May 12th. This year’s event featured a fantastic meal from Sodexo that the youth got to pre-ordered on RSVP cards; a candy bar full of treats thanks to a generous donor; and whimsical decorations in the dining hall thanks to some wonderful neighbors that wanted to help make the night a hit.
The youth went thrifting at Goodwill to find attire for the event and to take their turn at the photo booth. They also got to practice their social and coping skills in a festive environment and enjoyed the night off from chores as staff and volunteers did all the serving and cleaned up.
On May 26th YA and YBGR celebrated six youths that have overcome a lot in their short lives and earned the honor of graduating high school. Youth were celebrated by their families, staff, and peers in the Chapel and enjoyed a cupcake reception after the ceremony.
The following week was a blur of activity as the kids were getting ready for school break and the annual Spring Fling Clean-up on June 1st. Youth and YA staff have been getting ready for the annual clean-up since late January when they headed into the greenhouse to plant seeds. They nurtured their seedlings to life and learned a lot along the way, from growing in a greenhouse, how to remediate less than ideal soil, not to over or underwater, and patience. Their efforts paid off and the campus is abuzz with happy bees from the seven hives YA has going this year flitting from flower to flower gathering their pollen to make some delicious honey!
2022 Yellowstone Conference: Mind, Body, and Spirit a Holistic Approach
Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch is excited to be hosting our sixth annual Yellowstone Conference: Mind, Body, Spirit, and the Holistic Approach being held on our main campus in Billings, MT on Thursday November 3rd. This year’s conference is focused on mind, body, and spirit treatment approaches for Montana youth and families with professional panel discussions on:
- Mind ~Moderator: Juletta Gilge, Director of PRTF. This panel discussion will focus on the crucial role the mind plays in our overall health and wellness, the approaches we take to address and take care of the mind and looking at practical application across a variety of disciplines.
- Body ~Moderator: Lori Hanson, Recreation Therapist. During this panel we will discuss the importance of taking care of your body. In order for our bodies to function at an optimal level we will focus on movement and exercise, as well as, nutrition and sleep. Each of these components play a vital role in our ability to create a healthy body which in turn builds a stronger unity with the mind and spirit.
- Spirit ~Moderator: John Boeder, Director of Pastoral CareSpirituality and Religion can have great impacts on the mental health of individuals through a variety of means. Spirituality can bolster introspection, mindfulness, purpose, and individual growth. Religion can foster community, provide structure and ritual, and offer instruction and teaching to promote growth. Spirituality and Religion often work hand in hand to support mental health and encourage recovery from traumas. They can bring hope and a deeper sense of purpose to individuals in times of stress.
- Collaborating for Outcomes ~ Moderator: Mike Chavers, CEO of YBGR. The Collaborating for Outcomes will focus on how the systems and principles impact youth and families mind, body, and spirit.
Conference Agenda:
Check-in starts 9:00am-9:30am
Welcome 9:30am-9:45am
Mind Panel 9:45am-11:00am
Break 11:00am-11:15am
Body Panel 11:15am-12:30pm
Lunch 12:30pm-1:30pm
Spirit Panel 1:15pm-2:30pm
Break 2:45pm-3:00pm
Collaborating for Outcomes Panel 3:00pm-4:15pm
Keynote Speaker 4:15pm-5:00pm
Registration is open now and the cost of the conference is $25.00 and includes lunch or $50.00 for a virtually ticket. 5.75 CEUs and OPI credits are available upon request. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-yellowstone-conference-mind-body-spirit-and-the-holistic-approach-tickets-336790769257.
YBGR Host First Annual Spring Social
YBGR Host A VIP Train the Trainer Event
In early August, YBGR hosted over 30 teachers, school resources officers, and community program staffers for a Violence Intervention and Prevention Response (VIP Response) Training class. These attendees became certified trainers in VIP and will be able to train others within their organizations to utilize these de-escalation techniques should a member of the populations they serve become escalated.
“Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch has been equipping staff for working with challenging children and their families since 1957. YBGR is now going to make some of this training available to the public through the Learning Cooperative in which YBGR seeks to equip other agencies and professionals with the tools needed to effectively navigate this ever-changing field,” says John Dailey, Trainer at YBGR. “YBGR adopted the VIP Response training model over 7 years ago and has seen great value in the model with a reduction of the need for aggression prevention maneuvers. The individuals in this training will not only be trained in these methodologies and tactics, but also be able to train others within their organizations.”
“One of the great things about the VIP Response program is that it is fully customizable for any organization to adopt the elements that they are needing, be it crisis negation, evasion methods to prevent assault humanely and safely, and, should the situation warrant, prevent someone from causing harm to themselves.” Daily went on to say.
VIP Response’s goal is to provide as much of a hands-off de-escalation approach as necessary by training individuals to identify signs of escalation and intervene before an individual becomes assaultive. Attendees gained a deeper understanding of how, psychologically, humans react the way that they do and how to avoid triggering and escalating the situation to a more violent level.
The training was made possible by a learning cooperative grant from PacificSource and the individuals in attendance are certified trainers for their organizations for the next three years.
Robbie Chapel 50th Celebration
In celebration of the Franklin and Merle Robbie Chapel’s 50th year, a commemorative service will be held in the Chapel on the YBGR campus Sunday, September 12, 2021 at 9:30 AM, followed by a rededication of the Stephen Paul Healing Plaza.
The Spiritual Life Program has been an integral part of the YBGR experience since the Ranch opened in 1957. Christian based in focus, the Ranch SLP’s strives to provide support and guidance to youth of all religions or beliefs.
Who better to explain the importance of weaving Spiritual Life into the very fabric of the Ranch than the Founder, Franklin Robbie? In the October 1962 issue of the Wrangler, Franklin wrote:
“In accepting a boy from a juvenile court, there is nothing in the court order outlining the necessity or importance of religious training, but it becomes part of our moral responsibility to strive to meet all the needs of each boy given into our care. That includes more than providing food, clothing, shelter, education, and recreation. It embraces trying hard to take the place of parents in defining and teaching moral and spiritual values as well. We are keenly aware that ‘man doth not live by bread alone but by every word which proceedeth out of the mouth of God,’ (Matthew 4:4) and we have many encouraging evidences of the value of the religious emphasis included in our daily program at Yellowstone Boys Ranch.”
Much has changed since 1962 (most notably girls being accepted at the Ranch starting in the early 1980’s), but the importance of spiritual wellbeing as an integral part of treatment is more relevant today than ever before. For more information on the celebration, contact Kristi at 406.656.8772 or kristi@yellowstonefoundation.org.