Impacting Lives
It is important to YBGR that youth learn the importance of giving back. All of our youth and staff are encouraged and have opportunities to participate in community service and outreach projects.
It is important to YBGR that youth learn the importance of giving back. All of our youth and staff are encouraged and have opportunities to participate in community service and outreach projects.
Eagle Mount and YBGR - A Special Partnership
While under the thoughtful care of our equine friends, Eagle Mount riders have an opportunity to develop muscle tone, balance, flexibility or even further speech and social skills. Therapeutic recreational riding has numerous benefits for everyone involved. Volunteers are used to serve as horse leaders and side-walkers to insure the safety of riders. We are fortunate to have a truly wonderful partnership with the Billings Eagle Mount. They are able to use the Bill and Anita Jones Equestrian Center, and YBGR youth are able to volunteer their time to work with Eagle Mount participants. What a wonderful partnership!
Community Service & Volunteerism
Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch encourages volunteer participation by our staff and youth to benefit the communities where they live.
Youth and staff regularly participate in community service projects such as washing dogs and cleaning cages for local animal shelters, pulling weeds and picking up trash at community parks, schools and museums, organizing clothing at Family Services, serving food at the Rescue Mission, and playing bingo, along with other activities with the elderly in nursing homes.
We believe volunteerism promotes leadership, citizenship, and develops a global view with participants. By encouraging our staff and youth to volunteer and participate in community service projects, we are able to impact every community in a positive way.
Relay for Life
In several Montana communities staff are involved in Relay for Life (American Cancer Society) events. In addition to having teams walk the relay event, staff have developed unique and creative ways to raise funds for the American Cancer Society, including an annual silent auction, car wash, ice cream social, and chili feed. Many staff or their family members are cancer survivors, so we cheer for one another in a personal way.
Out of the Darkness
The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) sponsors annual Out of the Darkness Community Walks in order to raise awareness and money for suicide prevention. Half of the money raised by participating Montana staff stays in-state to fund awareness locally. If you or someone you love is in crisis please contact the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at www.afsp.org or call the help line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). YBGR staff encourages you to help spread the word that suicide is preventable and every life is precious.
