Recently, I was called to St. Vincent's for a young boy whose surgery had gone wrong and was left in a vegetative state as a result. He was ten years old. As I was walking up to the hospitals front doors, I was lamenting about going up to the room as I did not know what I would find as it is very hard for me (and everyone) to be around children who are dying. But as I entered into the lobby of the hospital, "that still small voice" reminded me that this was not about me, but about the mother who was anguishing over her child. I got on the elevator and under my breath said I was sorry and that it truly was not about me as my children are very healthy and full of life and love.

When I stepped into that room in the Pediatrics Ward, I was not prepared for what I was about to see, learn and experience......

I walked into a room where a foundation of love and caring had been built by CBS staff through their school-based programs. There was a small child in the middle of a large room that looked like something out of Star Wars with machines that had sounds and lights blinking and beeping, which resembled an all too real science fiction movie. The mother, sister and brother, were standing around the bed gazing at the boy who laid there. As I introduced myself, it was immediately obvious how much work and caring the school based personnel had done in this families life as when they found that I was from YBGR, they were immediately receptive and thankful and referred to the YBGR staff back home in Roundup. Since that first moment just a few short weeks ago, I have learned much about death, caring, simplicity, hope, and how important support is for these families who have so little. The Roundup School Based staff had done an incredible job of supporting not only the youth in their care, but the family as a whole as many times throughout the conversations on the side of this little boys bed did I hear about how the SBS staff had helped and where they would be if they did not have Debra, Crystal and others.

A short time later the next week, the little boy died peacefully without the mother having to make the horrible decision to "unhook the machine", but the remarkable thing is that the family is intact, they are working on their grief, they have reached out for help in their loss, and more importantly - they are healing. I don't believe this would've been possible if the YBGR- CBS staff had not taught and modeled this first for this family, through their dedication, genuine love, and support.

The obituaries missed all this and it should've. And today, the CBS staff in Billings and all around the state of MT will quietly go about their day loving children, supporting families and dealing with nightmares that come in the middle of the day. You will not read about their heroics in the newspaper, you will not hear about their deeds on the radio or TV, instead, because they have done their work well, all you will see is a young man or girl walking down the street, but they are there because of love and support, they were able to choose life over suicide, you will see the result of their work when you see a family hug each other instead of curse one another, and yes, even after the funeral, you will see their work when the grieving family asks for help and are sober, clear minded, and making right choices - it is in these instances that you will see the CBS workers finest hour.


With Great Respect
David Morales, Director of Pastoral Care, CBS

Dear YBGR Staff,

I would like to take a minute to thank all staff that were kind enough to donate time to the Hole-in-the-Roof fund. It was a trying time for myself and my family with the events that occurred after the birth of our second child Zachary. Zachary and I were flown to Denver to The Children's Hospital to take care of an obstructed bowel. We spent 8 days in the hospital for numerous tests and X-Rays, followed by surgery to correct the problem with his "plumbing".

We wouldn't have known what to do had I not had such wonderful co-workers and a supervisor that went above and beyond the call of duty to allow me to take care of my new son and family when we returned home from Denver. Again many, many thanks to everyone at YBGR, it helps to know that people do actually care.

Adam Martin
YBGR Employee
Maintenance Department

Upon leaving YBGR, Corey said, “We will leave behind cherished memories, special friends, numerous smiles and laughs, and a quiet lifestyle not many have the opportunity to be blessed by. Everywhere we have turned in our own time of need someone here [at YBGR] has been there to help us, and we are so humbly appreciative of seeing God work in you. I have been blessed in that I will be continuing the same line of work in Indiana. I have no doubt that the Lord called us here and have no doubt that He is again calling us in another direction. We will miss all of our friends at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch. Thank you and God bless you all.”

The Falink Family
August 2009

"The staff at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch have a diligent dedication to assist children, youth and families to develop their mental, emotional and spiritual health. What a greater asset can there be!"

Donald Harr, MD
August 2008

"Even though I was at Yellowstone Boys & Girls Ranch of only 2 years, it was the most fun time I ever had in a job. As a file clerk/secretary, I was still able to interact with the students who came through YBGR. I still have some of the pictures they drew for me 26 years ago. YBGR will always have a special place in my heart."

Robbin Mote, YBGR File Clerk & Secretary
July 2008

Working at YBGR has been a great experience for me. I've grown as an individual and a professional. Thanks for the support, appreciation and dedication that my fellow staff and supervisors have given me through the years. It sure makes a difference when you know someone cares! - Kaydi Muus, July 2010

"Working at Yellowstone Boys and Girls Ranch has had a great impact on my life. When I first started working here I had no idea what I was going to do with the rest of my life. Working with these youth has given me the direction I needed. They have inspired me to be a better person. Being able to see how a youth first comes into the Ranch and seeing how they have changed when they discharge is an amazing experience. Many of these youth want to do better and YBGR helps them to succeed.”

Heidi Kenney, Computer Teacher and Master’s Level Student
August 2008
Mrs. Kenney is studying to become a school counselor.