Yellowstone Conference: Stronger Together, Building Strategic Partnerships for Lasting Impact
Join us for a day of inspiration, learning, and collaboration designed to strengthen partnerships and spark lasting impact.
Yellowstone Conference 2025 at a Glance:
Topic: Stronger Together, Building Strategic Partnerships for Lasting Impact
Date: Thursday, October 2, 2025
Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: 1701 Ray of Hope Lane, Billings, MT.
Tickets: Click here to purchase tickets on Eventbrite
Credits: 5.75 CEUs & 6 OPI credits available
Format: In-Person or Virtual | Lunch & Snacks Provided
This annual gathering unites leaders, innovators, and changemakers from across sectors to exchange ideas, celebrate successes, and spark new opportunities for growth. Through dynamic panel discussions and interactive networking, participants will gain practical tools, fresh perspectives, and stronger connections to drive meaningful, lasting impact in our communities.
Panel Topics & Descriptions
Strengthening Native American Partnerships: Leveraging Community Partnerships for Collective Impact
Moderator: Josie Brady, Native American Services Coordinator.
Panelists: Clint Valandra, Indigenous Education Coordinator, Billings Public Schools | Charlene “Charli” Sleeper, Founder, MMIP Billings Advocacy Project; Mental Health Worker, Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch | Sunny Day Real Bird, Director of American Indian Outreach, Montana State University Billings | David R. Blaine, CEO, Crow Times Youth and Elder Works
This panel emphasizes the importance of building strong, respectful, and mutually beneficial relationships with Native American communities. By fostering authentic partnerships, the effort seeks to honor cultural traditions, elevate community voices, and collaborate on shared goals. Leveraging cross-sector partnerships enhances access to resources, supports sustainable solutions, and drives collective impact. The focus is on long-term trust, equity, and shared decision-making to strengthen outcomes for Native youth in their communities.
Empowering Excellence: Strengthening Workforce Development through Higher Education Partnerships
Moderator: Kristin Thompson, Associate Director of Human Resources.
Panelists: James C. Petrovich, PhD, MSW, Professor & Department Chair; Founding Director, Master of Social Work Program, Carroll College | Kate Chapin, MSW, LCSW, Executive Director, Center for Children, Families, and Workforce Development, University of Montana | Becky Lyons, EdD, Director of Career & Employment Services, Montana State University Billings | Jen Chancellor, MBA, University Development Counselor, Grand Canyon University
A strong, mission-aligned workforce is the backbone of effective nonprofit impact. This panel explores how strategic partnerships with higher education institutions can help build and sustain a pipeline of skilled, passionate professionals. These partnerships not only enhance organizational capacity but also ensure that services remain responsive, community-centered, and future-focused. Together, we can cultivate a workforce that’s ready to meet today’s needs—and tomorrow’s possibilities.
Mission-Driven Collaboration: Uniting Youth-Serving Organizations for Greater Reach
Moderator: Katie Gerten, Marketing & Communications Director.
Panelists: Matt Leavenworth, PhD, LCPC, Founder, Pay Love Forward; Vice Chair, Yellowstone County Suicide Prevention Coalition | Nina Hernandez, Executive Director, Friends of the Children – Eastern Montana; Nonprofit Leader & Consultant | Dennis Sulser, EdD, Retired CEO, Youth Dynamics; 40-Year Education & Healthcare Leader | Sarah Music, Director of Coordinated School Health, Montana Office of Public Instruction
When youth-serving organizations unite around a shared mission, their impact multiplies. By combining strengths and resources, partners expand reach and deepen support for kids and families. These collaborations close gaps and build stronger systems—especially in under-resourced areas—creating a more connected, resilient network of care that ensures youth get the support they need, when they need it.
Bridging Sectors, Building Futures: Public-Private Partnerships for Sustainable Change
Moderator: Mike Chavers, CEO.
Panelists: Sierra Riesberg, Social Services & Behavioral Health Systems Leader | Erika Purington, MS, CEO, Allies in Aging; Leadership Coach & Nonprofit Executive | Matt Bugni, CEO, AWARE | Meghan Peel, Interim Division Administrator, Behavioral Health & Developmental Disabilities Division, Montana DPHHS | Kirsten Smith, MPA, PMP, Principal, Bloom Consulting, LLC
When government, business, and community organizations come together, the results can be transformative. This panel explores how cross-sector collaboration sparks innovation, drives sustainable solutions, and strengthens communities for the long term.
Special Keynote Speaker
Mohini Venkatesh, Chief of Staff of the National Council for Mental Wellbeing
Conference Agenda
- Registration (8:30–9:00 AM)
- Welcome (9:00–9:15 AM)
- Strengthening Native American Partnerships Panel (9:15–10:30 AM)
- Break (10:30–10:45 AM)
- Empowering Excellence Panel (10:45–12:00 PM)
- Lunch (12:00–1:00 PM)
- Mission-Driven Collaboration Panel (1:00–2:15 PM)
- Dessert Break, Sponsored by Grand Canyon University (2:15–2:30 PM)
- Bridging Sectors, Building Futures Panel (2:30–3:45 PM)
- Keynote Speaker – Mohini Venkatesh (3:45–4:30 PM)
Have Questions About the Yellowstone Conference?
For questions about this event, please reach out to us at info@ybgr.org.
Stay Connected
Stay tuned to our news updates for the latest from across Montana, 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.
Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Welcomes First Girls to the Ranch
For years, it was only boys. But what about the girls?
In 1956, Franklin Robbie led a united vision to create an alternative refuge for boys at Montana State Industrial School, giving rise to Yellowstone Boys Ranch. For 23 years, the Ranch lived up to its name—serving only boys who carried heavy burdens.
A Call for Change — Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch Welcomes Girls
By the late 1970s, Montana was seeing more and more girls in crisis, and families began voicing heartfelt pleas—don’t forget the sisters, the daughters, the girls who hurt too.
In June of 1980, the Yellowstone Foundation announced in The Wrangler that girls would soon join our care, marking the first time we were known as Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch. That summer, Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch welcomed its first girls, launching a new pilot program that opened doors for healing and belonging.
With state support, one brave girl became the first to walk through our gates. Her arrival marked a turning point—lodges built, donors rallying, and girls finally finding a place to heal and grow.
Expanding Hope and Belonging
When Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch welcomed its first girls, it became clear that the Ranch’s heart had never been just for boys—it had always been for kids.
Today, more than four decades later, girls make up nearly 80% of the youth in care at the Ranch. Their courage and resilience continue to shape who we are as a community of caring people, preparing youth for life.
Learn More About Our History
Visit our History page to explore the story—and the caring people—who gave birth to our mission. Their vision continues to touch the lives of thousands of youth across Montana and beyond each year.
Want to dive deeper? You can also find A Legacy of Caring, written by our founder, Franklin Robbie, on Amazon.
14 Quotes on Parenting When Triggered
What does it mean to parent when triggered? Often, our kids meet us with big emotions and behaviors that can stretch us and activate an in-kind response, particularly when we’re stressed or worn thin.
And at that moment, we’re challenged to slow down. To create space between our reaction and response so we can respond in love.
Below are fourteen quotes to help you with parenting when triggered.
Quotes on Parenting When Triggered
Quote 1: Kids don’t “make” us yell. They reveal to us where we have room to grow, where we have wounds to heal, and where we still have unresolved trauma from our own childhoods. – Inspired by Shelly Robinson
Quote 2: When the milk is splattered all over the floor, and those little eyes are looking at you for your reaction, remember what really matters. It takes 5 minutes to clean up spilled milk; it takes much longer to clean up a broken spirit. – Rebecca Eanes
Quote 3: Unless there is a risk of your child hurting themselves and you need to step in, when your child is having a meltdown or “tantrum,” your first step should be to calm yourself down. Very rarely does effective parenting happen when you are triggered, angry, or stressed. – @australianpsychologist
Quote 4: Your capacity to have empathy for your child in difficult moments is directly related to your capacity to have empathy for yourself in difficult moments. – @drnicolebeurken
Quote 5: In the heat of the moment, first, attend to how your child’s behavior makes you feel, so you can then attend to how your child feels without the interference of your own emotions. – @dr.siggie
Quote 6: When I calm myself first, I protect my kids from things that have nothing to do with their behavior. – Inspired by Dr. David Erickson
Quote 7: When your child is having a meltdown, your number one priority is to stay in control of your own emotions. – @dr.siggie
Quote 8: Your child’s state of reactivity will often mirror your own state of reactivity. – Inspired by Caley Kukla
Quote 9: Meeting a child’s hostility with adult aggression only adds fuel to the fire. To extinguish hostile behavior, meet it with calm and compassion. – Rebecca Eanes
Quote 10: It doesn’t make sense that adults lose control with children for losing control. And then expect children to be able to control themselves when the adult in front of them can’t even control themselves. – Inspired by Jessica Martin-Weber
Quote 11: My kids aren’t to blame for triggering me, pushing my buttons, or driving me up the wall. It’s on me to work through those triggers, remove those buttons, and tear down the wall instead of expecting my kids to change their behavior before I change mine. – Inspired by Iris Chen
Quote 12: If we want our kids to stop and think before reacting, then we need to show them how. That means we need to practice pausing, keeping ourselves regulated, and then responding—not just with them, but in all areas of life. – @drnicolebeurken
Quote 13: Peaceful parenting isn’t about your ability to stop feeling what you feel. It’s about separating your feelings from your actions. Letting the feelings come. Acknowledging them. Letting them go. Then responding with intention. – @loveandletgrow
Quote 14: Respond to children with the same connection and empathy for all their behaviors, and they’ll know your love isn’t conditional. That’s how you become their “safe space.” – Sarah R. Moore
Want More?
Check out the rest of our blog 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.
The Uihlein Center: How One Man’s Vision Shaped Our Recreation Program at the Ranch
Did you know the Uihlein Center (UC) at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch was built in 1973, thanks to the vision and generosity of one man?
A Donor Who Believed in Possibility
John Uihlein understood hardship firsthand. He began supporting our mission through small donations—humble acts of generosity that reflected his belief in giving kids a chance at a better future.
As he learned more about the Ranch and saw the impact of our work, his commitment grew.
After inviting our leadership to his home in Ennis, Montana, John pledged $500,000 to build what would become the Uihlein Center. His gift brought new opportunities for recreation, connection, and growth to the youth in our care.
A Center Built for Growth and Belonging
Over the years, the UC has offered activities that help young people build confidence, develop healthy relationships, and learn the value of teamwork.
Programs and amenities have included:
- A swimming pool and bowling alley
- Basketball, softball, and soccer
- Frisbee golf
- Ropes courses and team-building activities
Each of these spaces has given kids room to move, to laugh, to connect—and to experience moments of joy during some of the hardest chapters of their lives.
A Legacy That Continues Today
What began as one man’s belief in the potential of Montana youth continues to ripple across generations. The Uihlein Center remains a cornerstone of Ranch life, shaping thousands of young lives and offering a place where healing, growth, and community take root.
Learn More About Our History
Visit our History page to explore the story—and the caring people—who gave birth to our mission. Their vision continues to touch the lives of thousands of youth across Montana and beyond each year.
Want to dive deeper? You can also find A Legacy of Caring, written by our founder, Franklin Robbie, available on Amazon.
Franklin and Merle Robbie Chapel: A Place Where Faith Takes Root
Faith has always been part of the Ranch’s heartbeat.
In the early 1960s, Sunday mornings meant loading nearly thirty kids into cars, vans, and even an old bus to attend churches across Billings. We were welcomed warmly by the faith community, but our founders soon realized the Ranch needed something more—a spiritual home of its own.
That vision led to the creation of the Franklin and Merle Robbie Chapel, a place where faith and belonging take root.
Building the Franklin and Merle Robbie Chapel
Thanks to generous donors—like Dr. Harold Schwartz, the Kresge Foundation, and many faithful friends—the idea of a chapel became a reality. Their gifts funded what was first known as the All-Faith Chapel, later renamed the Franklin and Merle Robbie Chapel to honor the Ranch’s founder.
The Hamilton family donated custom-stained-glass windows, designed by their son to reflect the beauty and spirit of Montana. When the chapel opened in 1970, the Ranch’s Spiritual Life Program formally began.
Life Inside the Franklin and Merle Robbie Chapel
Inside the chapel, Chaplain Wendell Wilson guided kids in both faith and character. Worship services, Bible studies, youth groups, drama teams, and the Ranch Choir filled the space with music, reflection, and moments of hope. Over time, the chapel became more than a building—it became a steady place for healing, guidance, and growth.
Spiritual Life at the Ranch Today
Today, our Spiritual Life Program continues to thrive. The Franklin and Merle Robbie Chapel remains a place where kids experience faith—often for the first time in a way that feels personal and lasting.
For many youth, the chapel is where they discover something they carry long after leaving the Ranch: A sense of purpose, a place to belong, and a foundation of hope.
Learn More About Our History
Visit our History page to explore the story—and the caring people—who helped shape our mission. Their vision continues to impact thousands of youth across Montana and beyond each year.
Want to dive deeper? You can also find A Legacy of Caring, written by our founder, Franklin Robbie, available on Amazon.
Trauma-Informed Communication Starts With L.O.V.E
Trauma-informed communication isn’t just about what we say—it’s about how we say it. It’s about presence, intention, and connection, especially in moments that feel charged or difficult.
That’s where L.O.V.E. comes in.
It’s a simple framework that reminds us to slow down and center ourselves when communicating—whether with kids, colleagues, or loved ones. And in high-stress moments, that pause can make all the difference.
The L.O.V.E. Approach to Trauma-Informed Communication
When emotions run high, try using the L.O.V.E. approach:
L – Listen (“I hear you.”)
Give your full attention. Put away distractions, pause your inner dialogue, and truly listen—without interrupting or planning your response. Feeling heard is the foundation of connection.
O – Observe (“I see you.”)
Notice more than words. Body language, tone, and facial expressions often speak louder. Observation helps us tune in to what might be happening beneath the surface.
V – Validate (“I accept you.”)
Validation isn’t agreement—it’s acknowledgment. It means recognizing someone’s feelings as real and important, even if you don’t fully understand or share them.
E – Empathize (“I understand you.”)
Empathy invites us to step into another’s shoes and connect with their experience. It’s how we show care, build trust, and respond rather than react.
Learn More: 15 Quotes on Communicating with Empathy
Slow Down to Strengthen Connection
We can avoid so many problems when we respond with L.O.V.E. instead of reacting in haste.
In trauma-informed communication, timing matters. When emotions are high, it’s okay—even wise—to pause. Whether you’re parenting, leading a team, or resolving conflict with a friend, take a moment to check in with yourself before diving into tough conversations.
Give yourself permission to delay. The goal isn’t just to get through it—it’s to move forward in a way that builds connection, not tension.
Want More?
Check out the rest of our blog 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.
Yellowstone County organizations requesting community help this back-to-school season
4 Tips for Building Meaningful Relationships
A recent study by Cigna found that more than 50% of Americans experience loneliness, and 54% say they don’t have anyone in their lives who truly knows them.
In today’s fast-paced world, building meaningful relationships isn’t always easy—but it’s essential for both mental and physical health.
If you’re looking for practical ways to feel more connected, here are four simple strategies to help you create stronger, healthier bonds with others.
#1: Spend Time with the People Who Matter
In the busyness of everyday life, it’s easy to overlook the people who mean the most. But even fifteen minutes of intentional time with someone you care about can have a powerful impact.
Prioritize presence.
#2: Eliminate Distractions
To truly connect, be all in. Put down your phone, turn off notifications, and focus on who you’re with. We build meaningful relationships when we listen fully and show others they matter.
#3: Embrace Solitude to Strengthen Self-Connection
To connect deeply with others, we must first know ourselves. Spend time alone in ways that feel fulfilling, whether it’s walking in nature, journaling, or listening to music.
A healthy relationship with yourself sets the tone for every other connection.
#4: Be Kind—and Take the First Step
Kindness creates space for trust. Share encouragement, check in on someone, or offer help when it’s needed. Strong relationships grow when we let others know they’re seen and valued.
Building meaningful relationships takes effort, but it’s worth it. Small steps can lead to deeper, more fulfilling connections with others and with yourself.
Want More?
Check out the rest of our blog 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.
The History of Leuthold Lodge: A Legacy of Generosity and Care
Some opportunities to change a life last only a moment. John and Grace Leuthold recognized theirs with Leuthold Lodge, and their generosity continues to shape lives at the Ranch decades later.
Early Partners With a Heart for Kids
When founder Franklin Robbie brought the Leutholds a need—whether it was serving on the Board of Directors, funding a project, or supporting a new building—their answer was always the same: “Yes.” Their support began early in Yellowstone’s story and grew as they saw the mission take root.
Building Leuthold Lodge
In 1959, John and Grace created Yellowstone’s first endowment fund, laying a foundation of caring that would support youth for generations.
A decade later, in 1969, they funded the construction of Leuthold Lodge, giving kids in residential care a warm, welcoming place to call home. Years later, the Leutholds funded a full renovation to ensure the lodge remained a strong, comfortable place for the next generation.
Inside its walls, generations of youth have found routine, safety, stability, learning, and moments of healing.
A Legacy That Lives On
The Leutholds’ impact is more than brick and mortar—it lives in every child who has found stability, hope, and care within Leuthold Lodge. Their generosity continues to echo across campus and throughout the lives of youth who call the Ranch home during some of their hardest chapters.
Their legacy reminds us that when caring people step forward with a “yes,” lives change.
Learn More About Our History
Visit our History page to explore the story—and the caring people—who helped shape our mission. Their vision continues to impact thousands of youth across Montana and beyond each year.
Want to dive deeper? You can also find A Legacy of Caring, written by our founder, Franklin Robbie, available on Amazon.
YBGR Group Homes Collaborate, Bringing Billings and Great Falls Teams Together
When YBGR group homes collaborate, the impact goes beyond logistics—it strengthens teams, improves communication, and enhances the care we provide to Montana kids.
That collaboration was on full display this month as staff from River’s Edge and STAR Group Homes in Billings traveled to connect with the team at North Skyline Group Home in Great Falls.
A Day of Purposeful Collaboration—and Tacos
Hosted by the North Skyline crew, the gathering included therapeutic discussion, relationship-building, and a taco lunch that brought everyone together. From shared care strategies to laughter over homemade fry bread, the event reinforced the value of taking time to connect as a united team.
Moments like these show how YBGR group homes collaborate not only to solve challenges, but to support one another and align around our shared mission: caring people, preparing youth for life.
Strengthening Teams & Care Across Montana
Teammates in attendance included: Jessie Wilson, Michelle Mouat, Lori Kapphan, Chloe Foster, Dani Miller, Brittany Olson, Zander Mathis, Richard Heusel, Jennifer Hawks, Alycia Hall, and Mariah Lefebre.
As YBGR continues to grow across the state, collaboration between group homes plays a critical role in maintaining consistency, trust, and mission-focused care. When we invest in each other, everyone benefits—especially the youth we serve.
At YBGR, the strength of our teams is the foundation for the care we provide.
Stay Connected
Stay tuned to our news updates for the latest from across Montana, 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.